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Breadcrumb

  1. Research
  2. Sustainable Energy
  3. Renewable Energy

Renewable
Energy

Integrating renewable
energy into the power grid

PNNL researchers are working to better integrate renewables onto the power grid.

  • Electric Grid Modernization
  • Energy Efficiency
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  • Fossil Energy
  • Nuclear Energy
  • Renewable Energy
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    • Hydropower
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Throughout the modern age, fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas have powered homes and businesses. But the world is increasingly seeking to add renewable sources of power into the generating mix. These renewable resources have traditionally included hydropower, terrestrial wind, and solar photovoltaic, and we envision newer resources—such as marine energy, wind energy, and geothermal—enabling a sustainable energy future for our nation. 

But there are challenges to overcome. Integrating renewables into the grid is a complex issue, and we also need to understand and mitigate potential environmental impacts. With newer technologies, such as marine energy, there is a great deal of research and development to be done to make the most of these resources. 

We tap our strong base of atmospheric sciences, grid operations and controls, and our engineering and analytical capabilities to help overcome these challenges. Our research encompasses a wide range of renewables, drawing on resources below ground, on the surface, and in the sky. Our partnerships with other national laboratories, industry, and universities are bringing renewable energy closer to an everyday reality. 

We’re driving for an energy future that accommodates new sources. These sources introduce real cost savings and improved performance, as well as new jobs. 

Recent News

FEBRUARY 21, 2023
Staff Accomplishment

Ján Drgoňa Receives Best Paper Award

Read
Headshot of Ján Drgoňa
FEBRUARY 9, 2023
Staff Accomplishment

Yao Named Associate Editor of Journal of Hydrology

Read
Lili Yao
JANUARY 12, 2023
Feature

New Generator Rolls into Ocean Energy

Read
An illustration of a new wave energy generator
SEE MORE RELATED NEWS

Facilities

Aquatic Research Laboratory Systems Engineering Building Bioproducts, Sciences, and Engineering Laboratory Bio-Acoustics and Flow Laboratory Advanced Battery Facility Applied Process Engineering Laboratory

Related Divisions

Coastal Sciences Division
Electricity Infrastructure and Buildings Division
Earth Systems Science Division
Energy Processes & Materials Division
Atmospheric Sciences and Global Change Division
Advanced Computing, Mathematics, and Data

Contacts

Dennis Stiles
Sector Lead, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
dennis.stiles@pnnl.gov
Shannon Bates
Advisor
shannon.bates@pnnl.gov

Related Links

What are Renewable Fuels?What is Environmental Justice?What is Tidal Energy?

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