Media Credit: Anthony Peltier | Photographer Orttung said professors in four GW schools are managing various aspects of the project based on their areas of expertise. News By Zuha Hameed May 10, 2021 12:23 AM A research professor in the Elliott School of International Affairs is developing new technology that can bring cleaner and more affordable power to low-income communities in the District by next calendar year. Robert Orttung, the director of research for Sustainable GW, is working on a pilot project with members of four schools at GW to develop microgrids – smaller self-functioning versions of a typical electrical system – that can provide electricity to households even when the main electrical grid goes down during a storm. He said he hopes to implement the technology in the District next year and eliminate the high cost of energy for low-income and minority groups in Wards 7 and 8.