Cornell University sustainability partners invite you to Charging Forward: Cornell’s Mobile Battery Demonstration, a hands-on showcase of a quieter, zero-emissions alternative to portable diesel generators. Debuting on the Ithaca campus this week, the new mobile battery energy storage system (MBESS) – funded by the New York Power Authority (NYPA) and manufactured by Viridi – demonstrates how clean, portable power can support large outdoor events, emergency needs, and off-grid operations without noise or fumes.
During this event, experts from Cornell, NYPA, EPRI, and Viridi will share insights into the system’s design, safety features, and real-world applications. Attendees will experience a live demonstration of what the battery can power and connect with student and faculty researchers advancing sustainable energy technologies.
This project reflects Cornell’s long-standing commitment to carbon neutrality and its approach to creating a living laboratory for sustainable innovation, where campus operations double as testbeds for scalable climate solutions.
10:15 am | Remarks
Speakers:
- Sarah Carson, Cornell Office of Sustainability – Director of Campus Sustainability
- Alan Ettlinger, New York Power Authority – Senior Director, Research, Technology Development & Innovation
- Eva Gardow, EPRI – Program Manager
- Tess Williams ’15, Viridi – Project Manager
- Julie Parsons, Cornell Facilities and Campus Services – Facilities Events and Training Manager
- Eilyan Bitar, Cornell University – Associate Professor Electrical Engineering (future research applications)
- Shaun Doherty, Cornell Atkinson Center for Sustainability – Energy Transition and Carbon Management Partnerships Lead (Emcee)
10:45am-12:30pm | Demonstration
- Live demo of the mobile battery energy storage system (MBESS)
- Display of what the unit can power during outdoor events, in this event demonstrating a sound system, charging station, electric vehicle, and solar grounds trailer
- Informal discussions with Cornell faculty about future research on the MBESS and Cornell students about current sustainability research and faculty about current sustainability research
This event is hosted by Cornell Atkinson Center for Sustainability, Cornell Facilities and Campus Services, and the Cornell Office of Sustainability.