ASU’s Laboratory for Energy And Power Solutions (LEAPS) has marked its 10th anniversary, highlighting a decade of work focused on expanding access to energy and training the workforce needed to support future infrastructure demands.
Nathan Johnson, professor of engineering at The Polytechnic School within Arizona State University’s Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, emphasized the urgency of addressing rising energy needs: “The world needs every electron it can get to match the accelerated pace of economic development and electrification,” he said. “In the United States, meeting that surge won’t come from a single technology, business model or policy.”
The lab’s recent report notes $332 million mobilized in funding, 161 megawatts of clean capacity-enabled power delivered, and reliable electricity provided for more than 100,000 people. Thousands of workers have also been trained across various sectors as part of LEAPS’ mission to turn university innovations into practical infrastructure and workforce solutions.
One notable project is the partnership with Arizona’s Hopi Tribe, where nearly 3,000 members lack access to electricity. LEAPS is working with tribal leaders and local partners to install solar energy systems in homes and community spaces, reinforce power lines for reliability, set up microgrids, and train Hopi residents in system management. James Nelson, director of technology and innovation for LEAPS, said: “The project delivers cost-effective, reliable and locally managed power to Hopi households. By bringing electricity where no other options exist, we’re supporting energy sovereignty, economic opportunity and long-term resilience for the Hopi Tribe.”
Internationally, LEAPS has collaborated with governments in Fiji to prepare sites for mini-grid systems that will support new construction projects valued at about $40 million. In Madagascar, the team contributed to an integrated plan aiming for universal clean cooking and electrification by 2030. In Kenya, their technical assistance helped women-led energy businesses expand operations significantly.
LEAPS’ approach focuses on scalable project development combined with technical assistance designed to attract further investment. Johnson explained: “We’ve built a model where every dollar LEAPS spends attracts $10 to $50 more. That’s how you turn good ideas into large-scale impact.” This includes designing solutions that are standardized yet adaptable so partners can move quickly from pilot programs to full implementation.
On campus, over 300 students have participated directly in LEAPS projects through hands-on training opportunities intended to bridge academic learning with career experience in the energy sector. Alexander Mobley, associate director of technology evaluation and workforce development at LEAPS noted: “Training isn’t an afterthought; it’s the foundation of our work. It equips people with the skills and leadership needed to deliver the energy solutions where they’re needed most.”
Looking ahead at growing U.S. electricity demand due largely to factors like data center expansion and industrial electrification—trends expected globally as well—Johnson stated: “What the U.S. built in the last 100 years needs to be built again in the next 10. But we don’t have the people, materials or policies to do it the same way.”
LEAPS’ record includes diverse projects such as refugee clinic electrification using solar power; national planning efforts; support for women-led businesses; military resilience initiatives; and municipal microgrid studies—all aimed at combining engineering expertise with financial models and policy advice.
Arizona State University has been recognized repeatedly for its innovative approach—being named number one in innovation by U.S. News & World Report for eight consecutive years according to https://news.asu.edu/20220911-university-news-asu-no-1-innovation-us-news-world-report-eighth-year?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=asu&utm_campaign=ASURankings&utm_term=USNWR—which reflects both institutional commitment and external acknowledgment of these efforts.
“We want to formalize our approach to solutions and extension services and expand it beyond energy into other sectors of the economy,” Johnson added. “I think that’s emblematic of ASU’s spirit in the New American University.”
For communities ranging from Arizona’s tribal lands to remote Pacific islands—and now reaching 20 countries—LEAPS continues its focus on delivering both reliable energy access and economic opportunity.
