Researchers at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in the United States announced a new silicon-carbide-based power module, dubbed ULIS, on January 19, 2026, that could significantly improve the efficiency of global electricity usage. The development comes as global energy demand is surging, driven by the proliferation of energy-intensive data centers supporting artificial intelligence, the expansion of advanced manufacturing sectors, and the increasing adoption of electric vehicles worldwide.

The ULIS power module is designed to pack more power into a smaller, lighter, and cheaper design, while simultaneously reducing energy waste. According to NREL, the module's ultra-low inductance smart design allows it to squeeze more usable power from existing electricity supplies. This increased efficiency is particularly relevant in regions facing constraints on power generation capacity and transmission infrastructure.

"Meeting the world's growing energy demands requires innovation across the entire energy value chain," said a lead researcher at NREL. "ULIS represents a significant step forward in power electronics, offering a pathway to more efficient and sustainable energy utilization."

The development of ULIS arrives at a critical juncture. Emerging economies in Asia and Africa are experiencing rapid industrialization and urbanization, leading to exponential growth in electricity demand. Meanwhile, developed nations are grappling with the challenge of modernizing aging power grids and integrating renewable energy sources, which often require advanced power electronics for efficient grid management.

The implications of ULIS extend beyond simply meeting rising demand. By reducing energy waste, the module could contribute to lower greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the environmental impact of electricity generation. This is particularly important in countries heavily reliant on fossil fuels for power production, such as China and India, where transitioning to cleaner energy sources is a key priority.

However, the widespread adoption of ULIS will depend on several factors, including its cost-effectiveness compared to existing power module technologies, its compatibility with different grid architectures, and the availability of skilled labor to manufacture and maintain the modules. Furthermore, international collaboration and technology transfer will be crucial to ensure that the benefits of ULIS are accessible to countries with varying levels of technological development.

NREL is currently working with industry partners to scale up the production of ULIS and conduct field tests in various applications, including electric vehicles and grid-scale energy storage systems. The laboratory anticipates that ULIS will be commercially available within the next few years, potentially transforming how the world uses energy and contributing to a more sustainable energy future.