Researchers at the National Laboratory of the Rockies announced a breakthrough power module, dubbed ULIS, on January 19, 2026, that promises to significantly increase the efficiency of global electricity supplies. The silicon-carbide-based module is designed to deliver more power in a smaller, lighter, and more cost-effective package while minimizing energy waste.

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. These factors are placing unprecedented strain on existing power grids, particularly in rapidly developing economies across Asia and Africa.

"ULIS represents a significant step forward in power electronics," said a lead researcher at the National Laboratory of the Rockies. "Its ability to handle higher power densities with reduced energy loss can have a transformative impact on various sectors, from transportation to industrial automation."

The need for more efficient power management is particularly acute in regions with limited grid infrastructure. In many parts of sub-Saharan Africa, for example, access to reliable electricity remains a major obstacle to economic development. Similarly, densely populated urban centers in Southeast Asia are struggling to keep pace with the growing demand for power, leading to frequent blackouts and brownouts.

The ULIS power module could offer a potential solution by enabling more efficient use of existing power generation and distribution infrastructure. Its compact design also makes it suitable for integration into mobile applications, such as electric vehicles and portable power systems, which are gaining popularity in both developed and developing countries.

Beyond its technical advantages, the ULIS module also has the potential to contribute to global sustainability goals. By reducing energy waste, it can help lower carbon emissions and mitigate the environmental impact of electricity generation. This is particularly relevant in countries that rely heavily on fossil fuels for power generation, such as China and India.

The National Laboratory of the Rockies is currently working with industry partners to commercialize the ULIS technology. Plans are underway to conduct pilot projects in several countries to assess its performance under real-world conditions. The researchers hope that the ULIS module will be widely adopted within the next few years, helping to address the growing global energy challenge.