Salt River Project (SRP) has invested $2.9 million in 37 research and development projects with Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University and the University of Arizona to support the reliable delivery of power and water to its customers. Each project is assessed for alignment with SRP’s long-term goals and strategic objectives.

The projects are at various stages of development, ranging from new research beginning this semester to late-phase testing. SRP has invested in university research for more than 40 years and has seen lasting impacts from the partnerships.

For example, beginning in 2019, SRP funded a two-year project with NAU to broaden participation in the energy industry. That work led to the development of a new course that will be offered in fall 2025. Several projects with the University of Arizona resulted in a seasonal streamflow forecasting tool now fully adopted by SRP’s Surface Water team. The tool helps the utility manage reservoirs to prepare for late-winter floods and plan for hot, dry summer conditions.

“Investing in research and education is an investment in SRP’s future and the future of the Valley,” said Chico Hunter, SRP innovation and development manager. “We are supporting students, engaging them to think critically about SRP’s innovation challenges and helping SRP prepare for the future. This program has seen several successful projects become operational at SRP, and the research these students are doing at every stage is impactful for our industry.”

Project proposals are evaluated by SRP project advisers, management and subject-matter experts from across the company. Of the 37 projects, SRP will work with 22 at ASU, four at NAU and 11 at the University of Arizona.

Select projects currently underway include:

Using AI to detect power outage causes

In partnership with ASU, this research aims to help SRP identify the cause of outages more quickly and accurately. The findings will help SRP engineers make cost-effective decisions about system maintenance and reliability improvements. The work complements SRP’s development of a holistic reliability strategy for the distribution grid.

Mapping wildfire risk in a changing climate

Working with the University of Arizona, SRP is developing a “Wildfire Risk Assessment” tool that uses machine learning to forecast wildfire risk across Arizona through 2050. The tool will assess potential impacts on communities and SRP’s water and power systems, helping strengthen infrastructure and improve planning.

Monitoring forest thinning projects

As part of a long-term research effort with NAU, this project studies the water benefits associated with forest thinning in post-wildfire woodland areas of the Verde watershed. The research supports SRP’s forest health goals and provides on-the-ground monitoring data.

Sizing solar and battery systems

SRP and ASU are examining whether battery energy storage systems are a cost-effective option for commercial customers in SRP’s Business Demand Response program, which rewards participants for reducing energy use during peak hours. The findings will inform a potential BESS pilot program.

Atmospheric water harvesting

Early-stage research with ASU will test atmospheric water harvesting at SRP power plants, analyzing data to estimate potential water production from several technologies. The goal is to explore methods that could help meet SRP’s 2035 sustainability goals, including facility water use reduction and water conservation.