Regional Energy
Innovators Internship

Gain valuable experience
through a paid, multidisciplinary
research experience in clean energy

With a strong innovation ecosystem and strong commitment to decarbonization, the Pacific Northwest is one of the most exciting places to launch a clean energy career. To support the development of a diverse and innovative clean energy workforce in our region, PNNL launched a new pilot program, the Regional Energy Innovators Internship for 2022-23. 

A distinctive feature of this program is the opportunity to look at an energy challenge from different angles. Interns are working with a team of PNNL mentors on paid projects that address a challenge through the lens of different disciplines. They are also learning from external mentors in in industry, state government, and non-profits about regional energy issues and career opportunities. 

Projects for the 2022-23 Pilot Class

Our inaugural class for the Regional Energy Innovators Internship will tackle significant, real-world issues in clean energy. Interns, guided by dedicated mentors, will engage in the following projects:

  1. Integrating Equity into Energy Research: Support research and regional engagement related to community-level impacts of decarbonization, especially for rural and tribal communities.
  1. Data Analytics for Renewable Energy: Assess the current and future role of renewable energy in the Pacific Northwest in pursuit of regional and national clean energy goals. 
  1. Net Zero Emission Transitions: Evaluate opportunities to reduce carbon across multiple buildings or programs to support pathways to net zero emissions. 
  1. Resilient Building-Grid Integration: Explore how energy storage coupled with intelligent energy control systems can support decarbonization and grid resilience. 
  1. Hydrogen Infrastructure Planning: Explore the technical specifications necessary for safe and reliable hydrogen storage and distribution. 
  1. Planning for Grid Resilience in a Changing Climate:  Use climate change simulations and grid modeling tools to inform planning for more resilient energy infrastructure. 

Status

Applications are closed for the 2022-23 pilot class. We will not be recruiting a for 2023 class to allow time for program review.