Lauren Charles, a chief data scientist at PNNL, showcased the vital research coming out of her program at The National Academies Forum workshop in Washington, D.C., January 15–16, 2025.

A new analysis shows how renewable energy sources like solar, wind and hydropower respond to climate patterns, and how utilities can use this data to save money and invest in energy storage.

A new digital twin platform can help hydropower dam operators by providing accurate and predictive models of physical turbines that improve facilities and enhance reliability.

PNNL biodefense experts seek to identify, understand and mitigate the risks of biological pathogens—whether naturally occurring or intentionally created—so steps can be taken to prepare and respond.

Although climate change may bring increased precipitation to many parts of the United States, some areas may face drier conditions and lower streamflow, resulting in decreased hydropower generation.

Researchers will explore climate, pathogens and energy-efficient microelectronics using 3 million node hours on the nation’s supercomputers.

Research at PNNL and the University of Texas at El Paso are addressing computational challenges of thinking beyond the list and developing bioagent-agnostic signatures to assess threats.

Beyond melting ice and higher temperatures: On Earth Day, scientists consider how climate change will affect national security.

New methodological approach demonstrates how to assess the economic value, including non-traditional value streams, of converting non-powered dams to hydroelectric facilities.

New research identifies the most important factors in successful fish passage, pointing toward new options for flexible dam operations.

A PNNL study developed a water management module for Xanthos that distinguishes between the operational characteristics of hydropower, irrigation, and flood control reservoirs.

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory launches the Training Outreach and Recruitment for Cybersecurity Hydropower program at the University of Texas at El Paso.

A new tool helps identify non-powered dams across the country that are top candidates for conversion to power-generating hydroelectric facilities.

Developed with community input, the new Hydropower Vision Roadmap lays out a path to achieve a shared vison for modern hydropower by 2050.

PNNL will lead support to one of six community teams chosen today by the U.S. Department of Energy to receive a total of up to $25 million.

Algae can collect and concentrate rare earth metals from seawater—an alternative to imported sources mined from the ground.

Microbes that were previously frozen in soils are becoming more active. This study demonstrates the diverse RNA viral communities found in thawed permafrost.

Fish biologist Brenda Pracheil has been named chair of the Low Impact Hydropower Institute focused on reduction of impacts of hydropower dams on the environment.

Scientists can detect the virus that causes COVID-19 by using a bubble that spills its contents like a piñata when encountering the virus.

Despite severe drought, a new report shows that hydropower remains a strong and steadfast contributor of renewable energy in the West.