2025 Research Excellence Award Recipient
This award is presented to an APEGA member or permit holder that has conducted research in engineering or geoscience that has improved the lives of Albertans.
Dr. Yunwei (Ryan) Li, P.Eng.
Powering Alberta’s Future with Smart Grids and Clean Energy
Dr. Yunwei (Ryan) Li, P.Eng., is transforming Alberta’s energy landscape by advancing the technologies needed for a net-zero electricity grid. As the senior University of Alberta engineering research chair, Dr. Li leads a world-renowned smart-grid research group. His groundbreaking work integrates renewable energy, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and energy storage to modernize Canada’s electrical grids, ensuring resilience against climate change and meeting the demands of the green economy.
Central to Dr. Li’s innovations are advanced power electronics and converter technologies, which optimize clean energy generation and distribution. His work addresses grid challenges by pioneering AC/DC microgrid systems, developing smart control strategies, and enabling high-performance power converters. Notably, his innovations have led utility companies to pilot new technologies and the creation a cleantech startup tackling grid capacity limits for electric vehicle charging.
Dr. Li’s collaborative research has produced more than 450 refereed publications, 10 patents, and the seminal book Smart Hybrid AC/DC Microgrids-Power Management, Energy Management, and Power Quality Control. He founded the ELITE Grid Research Lab at the University of Alberta, which now serves as a hub for developing cutting-edge grid solutions and training more than 100 future engineers—what he credits as the most rewarding part of his career.
“The students and junior engineers play a key role in the success of numerous research projects. However, seeing them advance into engineering and academic roles, excelling with the experience and problem-solving skills they gained in the lab is even more fulfilling. I take great pride in knowing they are making meaningful contributions to clean technologies in Alberta, Canada, and beyond.”
A globally recognized leader in his field, Dr. Li’s work—and the influence of his mentorship—ensures Alberta remains at the forefront of the clean-energy transition.
Notable Achievements and Recognition
- Fellow, Canadian Academy of Engineering (2024)
- Senior Engineering Research Chair, University of Alberta (2023)
- Nagamori Award for Research in Power Engineering (2022)
- Chair, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Alberta (2021–present)
- Fellow, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (2020)
- Member, APEGA (2009)