The rapid increase in renewable energy production facilities, domestic installations injecting energy back onto the grid, and the surge in electric vehicle adoption and associated high voltage charging stations are all placing unprecedented demands on the electric power grid. This article summarizes the physics that can inform the design and operation principles for future compliant power grids. The authors show that mathematically modeling grids as coupled nonlinear dynamical systems and networks, and utilizing concepts from statistical physics and graph theory provide a comprehensive framework to understanding and controlling their collective behavior as a system of many interacting units. The article covers key topics including the synchronization dynamics and structural stability of power grids as well as methods to control dynamics and mitigate cascades of failures and large-scale blackouts.

Computer-generated random phase two-dimensional profile imprinted on the boundary of a multimode laser cavity. Selected for an Editors’ Suggestion.

Lead Editor, David Scanlon, and Managing Editor, Jacilynn Otero, are delighted to introduce the first issue of PRX Energy. They are excited for it to take shape as a leading, fully open access journal for the multidisciplinary energy science and technology research communities, and invite you to help build this new highly selective journal.

The American Physical Society is looking for a Chief Publications Officer. The newly created role of the Chief Publications Officer (CPO) is to provide primary strategic and operational leadership of APS publications, furthering the APS mission to “advance and diffuse the knowledge of physics.”

PRPER Lead Editor, Charles Henderson, and APS Editor in Chief, Michael Thoennessen, discuss the vital importance of offering an inclusive and welcoming environment to the physics community.