OU Hudson College of Public Health Faculty Lead RECHARGE-OK: A Game-Changing Project in Climate Resilience and Public Health

In an exciting new collaboration, faculty members from the OU Hudson College of Public Health have joined forces with OG&E and Shawnee Public Schools to launch the RECHARGE-OK project, a groundbreaking initiative supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF) CIVIC Program, designed to enhance energy resilience and improve public health outcomes in Oklahoma. This innovative project aims to integrate cutting-edge Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology into electric school buses (ESBs), providing a sustainable solution to power outages and extreme weather events while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

At the heart of this project are OU Hudson College of Public Health’s Dr. Hongwan Li (PI), Dr. Changjie Cai (Co-PI), and Dr. Dan Li (senior personnel), who are bringing their expertise in community health outcomes and climate resilience to the table. Their work centers on assessing how the use of ESBs can mitigate health risks during emergencies, including improving air quality and ensuring that public health goals are met through energy resilience strategies.

"This project is a true reflection of our mission at the College," says Dr. Hongwan Li. "By focusing on preventive public health interventions and integrating science, policy, and education, we are not only addressing immediate health risks but also helping to shape a more resilient future for communities across Oklahoma."

A Community-Centered Approach

The project’s impact reaches far beyond the classroom. Communities across Oklahoma, particularly in Shawnee, will directly benefit from this initiative. The ESBs will serve as emergency power backups during extreme weather events, providing much-needed electricity for critical services like schools and healthcare facilities. Additionally, the reduction in air pollution achieved by using clean energy will lead to healthier environments and improved public health outcomes.

OG&E and Shawnee Public Schools: Co-Leaders in Innovation

OG&E plays a vital role as a co-leader in this project, offering energy management expertise and leading the integration of the V2G technology. They are responsible for ensuring the successful operation of ESBs as emergency power sources during power outages caused by extreme weather. Shawnee Public Schools, also a co-leader, has provided the electric school buses that will be used to test and demonstrate the project’s viability. Together, these partners are driving forward a shared vision of a healthier, more resilient future.

A Collaborative Effort with Broad Support

In addition to the leadership from OG&E and Shawnee Public Schools, the RECHARGE-OK project has garnered support from a wide range of collaborators and community stakeholders:

• IC Bus: The electric school bus manufacturer will provide technical support and maintenance for the buses used in the project.
• City of Shawnee: A key partner in ensuring that the project aligns with the city’s emergency preparedness plans.
• Citizen Potawatomi Nation: Involved in community engagement to ensure the project benefits Tribal communities.
• Gordon Cooper Technology Center: Offers workforce training to local technicians on how to operate and maintain ESBs.
• ACOG and INCOG: Both organizations play a crucial role in regional collaboration, ensuring policy alignment and supporting sustainability goals across Central Oklahoma.
• City of Oklahoma City and OSU: Both partners are observing the project to adapt the model in their communities and contribute research expertise.
• University of Oklahoma: Provides technical knowledge related to battery optimization in the ESBs, helping enhance the reliability of the V2G system.
• Oklahoma State University: Contribute technical and research expertise, especially in the areas of grid integration, data analysis, and the evaluation of sustainable energy technologies.

A Path Toward Long-Term Resilience

The RECHARGE-OK project is set to have long-lasting impacts not only on Oklahoma but on climate resilience strategies nationwide. By utilizing ESBs as emergency power backups, schools and communities will be better prepared for power outages and extreme weather events, reducing health risks and ensuring continuity of essential services. The project also supports the transition to clean energy, decreasing reliance on fossil fuels and improving air quality.

As RECHARGE-OK progresses, it will serve as a model for how public health, technology, and sustainability can intersect to create healthier, more resilient communities. With the leadership of OU Hudson College of Public Health faculty and the collaboration of key partners like OG&E and Shawnee Public Schools, the future of energy resilience and public health in Oklahoma looks brighter than ever.

Stay tuned for updates on this transformative project and its continued impact on the health and well-being of Oklahomans! Follow them on Facebook.