DOE Launches Energy District Cup to Spur Student‑Designed Campus Energy Solutions

The U. S. Department of Energy has announced the Energy District Cup, a new collegiate competition that invites interdisciplinary student teams to create practical energy solutions for college campuses and surrounding districts. The contest encourages participants to tackle real‑world energy challenges, from grid integration to renewable deployment, and to develop designs that can be implemented on campus sites. Teams will submit proposals that demonstrate feasibility, cost‑effectiveness, and scalability, with the best entries receiving recognition and the opportunity to present their work to industry partners. The competition aims to bridge academic research and industry needs, giving students a platform to showcase innovative projects that could shape campus energy strategies and attract future employment opportunities. By engaging students in hands‑on problem solving, the DOE hopes to accelerate the adoption of sustainable energy practices across higher‑education communities.