Chemistry
A clean-energy future for the United States relies on innovation. Our ability to control essential energy transformations will require harnessing the power of chemistry.
Waste-to-Energy and Products
PNNL is using in-house-developed tools and expertise to investigate the conversion of waste products such as manures and wastewater into biofuels that power transportation.
Building Energy Codes
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) provides support in developing and implementing national model codes to support energy efficiency in buildings with energy-efficient building envelopes and mechanical, lighting, and power systems.
Reactor Licensing
Since the 1980s, PNNL has worked with federal agencies to provide scientifically credible, legally defensible, and consistently useful documentation for the licensing and siting of nuclear power reactor facilities in the United States and internationally.
Electric Grid Modernization
At PNNL, we are taking on the toughest challenges presented by electric grid modernization. We are working to develop a power grid that will meet the rising demand for electricity, lower cost, and improve resiliency of the electricity system.
Coastal Science
PNNL researchers develop tools and make discoveries for harnessing the abundant energy present in coastal environments. From the renewable power in waves, tides, and currents to biofuel feedstocks from algae, this research supports increased energy resilience for all Americans.
Grid Cybersecurity
PNNL supports the U.S. Department of Energy’s cybersecurity goal of strengthening today’s energy delivery systems and creating more resilient, self-defending energy systems for the future. With more than 100 technical experts focused on cybersecurity infrastructure research and solutions, PNNL has been advancing the reliability and security of the nation's power system for more than a decade.
Radiation Measurement
Radiation measurement and irradiation science research and services at PNNL focus on the effects of dosage on humans, equipment, and nuclear power reactors. Both the 318 Building—also known as the Radiological Exposure & Metrology (REM) Laboratory—and the Radiochemical Processing Laboratory (RPL) have lab space dedicated to researching and applying these technologies, some of which are not available or licensed anywhere else in the United States.
Cold Spray
The Smart Advanced Manufacturing (SAM) program at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is using its cold spray capabilities to research alternative approaches for repairing hydropower turbines and nuclear waste tanks. With cold spray, neither melting nor material degradation occurs, and in the case of hydroelectric turbines, the blades remain in their original shape. The technology facilitates in-field repairs to large, high-value structures.
Distribution
America needs a smarter electric grid. One where utilities can see and respond to changing electricity demands in real time. Where systems automatically reroute electricity when equipment fails or outages occur, keeping power flowing. And where utilities can meet increasing demands by tapping into distributed and renewable energy resources at exactly the right amounts. PNNL has a legacy of pioneering smart grid advancements, in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Energy and industry.