Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Researchers found that hydropower generation may generally increase with climate change, although some regions face drier conditions. (Photograph by Andrea Starr | Pacific Northwest National Laboratory)

Hydropower Generation Projected to Rise, but Climate Change Brings Uncertain Future

A new analysis combines hydrology data with climate change models to help water managers prepare for hydropower’s future In a new study assessing how climate change might alter hydropower generation across the continental United States, researchers show that except for some parts of the Southwest, hydropower generation is expected to … [continued]

Heat pump water heater courtesy of LG.

New Tool Helps with Selection & Installation of Heat Pump Water Heaters

The Department of Energy aims to reduce barriers to technology adoption by providing customized, comprehensive guidance for sizing, selection, and installation The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has released a new web-based tool that offers comprehensive information about how to size, select, and install electric heat pump water heaters (HPWHs) … [continued]

Credit: AndySproles/ORNL, U.S. Dept. of Energy

New Grid-Forming Inverter Models Help Utilities Plan for a Renewable Future

Now available in utilities’ everyday simulation tools, new models will help simulate how grid-forming inverters will enhance power grid stability Integrating renewable energy into the nation’s power grid isn’t as simple as plugging in a wind or solar power plant or energy storage facility—these resources produce direct current, while the … [continued]

Doctoral student Mason Bichanich reviews and troubleshoots tidal turbine data at the University of New Hampshire’s Turbine Deployment Platform. Photo from Nicole Marone, UNH.

How Two Rookie Engineers Expertly Designed a Tidal Energy Turbine

The Turbine Will Collect and Share Data To Deepen Our Understanding of Tidal Energy To innovate in marine energy requires some extracurriculars: turning wrenches at the barge, conducting trial runs in the wave pool, and talking through ideas with a supportive team. All this appeals to University of New Hampshire … [continued]

Advances in clean energy technology, such as microgrids and batteries, are enabling electrification of port infrastructure and charging of heavy-duty vehicles traditionally considered hard to electrify. (Image: Port of Bellingham, Washington) PNNL

New Port Electrification Handbook Features Microgrids

Guiding port commissioners toward a new energy future Maritime ports, bustling hubs of global trade, are emerging as the new frontier for electrification. Advances in clean energy technology, such as microgrids and batteries, are enabling electrification of port infrastructure and charging of heavy-duty vehicles traditionally considered hard to electrify. A … [continued]

Credit: AndySproles/ORNL, U.S. Dept. of Energy

New Analysis Platform Shines Light On Utilities’ Solar Energy Future

Researchers at the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory, in collaboration with three other national labs, have developed a free online platform to help utilities understand how solar energy projects will affect the operation of their power systems. This capability can increase utilities’ confidence in expanding their solar portfolios, … [continued]

Image courtesy of Kyle Field | CleanTechnica

Local Priorities Drive Energy Transitions in Remote, Coastal, & Island Communities

Applications Open for Energy Transitions Initiative Partnership Project, Which Connects Decision Makers With Energy Insights Remote, coastal, and island communities across the country face similar energy resilience challenges—from high energy costs and aging infrastructure to outages from extreme weather events and climate change impacts—but each community’s values and priorities create … [continued]

Graphic by Cortland Johnson | Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

ChatGrid: A New Generative AI Tool for Power Grid Visualization

ChatGrid is a practical application of the Department of Energy’s exascale computing efforts and offers a new experience in easy, intuitive, and interactive data interaction Every minute of every day, grid operators monitor the ebb and flow of electricity from generators to substations to homes, businesses, schools, hospitals and more. … [continued]