EmPOWER Air Data Challenge

The EmPOWER Air Data Challenge is an opportunity to use power sector and environmental quality data for innovative analyses, tools, and visualizations. The goal is to improve our understanding of the impacts of electricity generation and use. Through the Challenge, we invite academics and researchers to propose projects that advance the knowledge, use, and understanding of the Clean Air and Power Division’s power sector and environmental quality data.

• EmPOWER Datasets
• Benefits of the EmPOWER Air Data Challenge
• Eligibility
• Submission Requirements
• Schedule
• Evaluation Process
• Disclaimer

Other Resources:

• Frequent Questions about the EmPOWER Air Data Challenge
• Past Winning Proposals

EmPOWER Datasets

• Emissions & Generation Resource Integrated Database (eGRID) data: eGRID provides annual power plant air emissions, emission rates, electricity generation, heat input, resource mix and other attributes for almost all the electric power generated in the United States. It includes data for electricity generation units that are grid connected and greater than 1 megawatt (MW) of nameplate capacity. The data are available at plant level, state, and power sector regions (e.g., balancing authority, NERC regions).
• CAPD’s Power Sector Emissions Data: the Power Sector Emissions Data includes hourly emissions and operations data from over 4,000 electricity generating units. These data are used to assess compliance with emission reduction programs like the Acid Rain Program and the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule. This dataset includes information on emissions of nitrogen oxides (NO_X), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), and carbon dioxide (CO₂); operating parameters, like hourly heat input and gross electricity output; and facility attributes, like location, fuel types, monitoring systems, and air pollution controls.
• Clean Air Status and Trends Network (CASTNET) Data: the CASTNET monitoring program provides environmental quality measurements to assess long-term trends in air quality and deposition and provide accountability for emission reduction programs. CASTNET measures hourly ozone concentrations to support EPA’s National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) and regional transport evaluations. Weekly gaseous (SO₂, HNO₃) and aerosol (SO₄^2-, NO₃^-, NH₄⁺, K⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Na⁺, Cl^-) concentrations are also collected at more than 90 sites.
• CAMD Allowance Trading Program Data: the Allowance Trading Program Data are used to assess compliance with several cap-and-trade programs like the Acid Rain Program and Cross-State Air Pollution Rule. The data include allowance allocations, allowance holdings, allowance transactions, and account information.

Project submissions may include other datasets not listed here but should include at least one of the four above datasets. For more details, we encourage you to read the answers to Frequent Questions about the EmPOWER Air Data Challenge.

Benefits of the EmPOWER Air Data Challenge

The EmPOWER Air Data Challenge offers academics and researchers practical experience working the CAPD power sector and environmental quality data.

If your proposal is selected by CAPD, you will receive technical support from EPA subject matter experts to answer questions and assist you with CAPD data and tools. In addition, you can expect to:

• Receive national recognition for your university or organization, students, and project activities by being featured on the EmPOWER Air Data Challenge webpage and offered opportunities to present your results to EPA staff.
• Collaborate with EPA and peers to advance power sector-related research and knowledge.

While no funding is available for these projects, existing grants may be leveraged by participants, and we suggest that applicants reach out to their communities or other organizations for additional financial support if needed.

Eligibility

Anyone who is affiliated with an accredited college or university, or a research organization (e.g., think tank) is encouraged to apply. Proposed projects may range from one semester to one academic year. Applicants may include, but are not limited to:

• Academic faculty and researchers
• Undergraduate/graduate students with faculty leadership
• Ph.D. candidates
• Post-doctoral researchers
• Research fellows

Submission Requirements

• EmPOWER Application Form (docx) (33.61 KB)
• A proposal of no more than eight pages (excluding the Application Form) that includes:
  • A description of the approach of the project and how the selected CAPD dataset(s) will be used
  • An explanation of why the project meets the challenge objective, which is to advance the knowledge, use, and understanding of CAPD data
  • A project schedule
  • A description of the work product(s) and outcome(s)

Schedule

January 14, 2025 at 2:00 PM Eastern Time: EmPOWER webinar

• The webinar will cover:
  • CAPD datasets available for use in EmPOWER 
  • Application requirements, procedures, and tips
  • Schedule

March 14, 2025 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time: Application period closes

April 14, 2025: Applicants notified of the project selections

Evaluation Process

EPA will evaluate the technical merit of each submission using the following factors:

• Clarity and Effectiveness of Proposed Approach (40 points)
  • Demonstrates innovative and effective technical approach(es)
  • Describes how the proposed project supports EmPOWER Air Data Challenge objectives
  • Identifies project schedule and project milestones
• Project Outcomes (40 points)
  • Describes specific results and/or products that will be developed
  • Describes overall project benefits to stakeholders, other colleges/universities, and/or students
  • Discusses how the project advances research and knowledge
  • Identifies specific project-related metrics
• Partner Capabilities (20 points)
  • Describes qualifications of Project Team and/or Project Director
  • Discusses student involvement, if applicable

Disclaimer

Any reports, conclusions, and recommendations created and submitted by academic and research institutions participating in the EmPOWER Air Data Challenge do not necessarily represent the views or policies of the Clean Air and Power Division or the EPA, nor does EPA or any of its employees endorse the providers of such material.

Project submissions may consist of or include copyrightable or other proprietary subject matter (IP). Applicants grant EPA permission to use all project submissions for purposes of evaluation. Title to any project submission intellectual property will remain with the selected applicant(s) or their institutions, which will be memorialized in the MOU. EPA will work with winning applicants interested in submitting analysis for peer-reviewed publication to avoid potential conflicts with rules regarding prior publication.