Grid Integration of Renewable Energy
The electric grid faces challenges as new energy technologies and resources are added to meet rising energy demand. To ensure grid reliability into the future, we need advanced integration,
Hydropower
PNNL is working to advance hydropower capabilities for the nation’s grid while supporting the environmentally sound deployment and operation of hydropower around the world.
Renewable Energy
PNNL draws on a strong base of atmospheric sciences, grid operations and controls, and engineering and analytical capabilities to help overcome these challenges.
Subsurface Energy Systems
A deep understanding of the chemical and physical interactions between formation fluids, reservoir rock, overburden, and injected materials helps PNNL facilitate the development of transformational technologies for subsurface energy systems.
Subsurface Science
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) takes research underground, aiming for in-depth understanding and real-time control of natural and engineered systems in the subsurface.
Predictive Phenomics
Phenomics is redefining the life sciences by moving beyond genetic sequences to understand the molecular interactions shaping functions.
National Security
Protecting U.S. residents is among our nation’s highest priorities. As adversaries gain access to sophisticated technologies and materials, the threats grow more dynamic and complex—from cyber and nuclear to chemical and biological weapons of mass effect and other forms of terrorism. Faced with these realities and their impact on national security, PNNL develops science-based solutions that keep America safe. We drive innovation and critical capabilities in nuclear materials, threat analysis, and other areas of expertise to secure our nation’s critical infrastructure, combat global terrorism, and detect concealed threats and explosives.
Autonomous Science
AI and robotics to accelerate discovery
Grid Architecture
Grid architecture is a connected body of work that has found ever-increasing use in the electric utility industry, not just in the United States, but worldwide. For example, the Electric Power Research Institute has adopted the PNNL grid architecture approach as the basis for its utility modernization road maps. PNNL's approach is utilized by electric utilities and utility regulatory commissions and boards in dozens of states, with uptake in other countries worldwide. Grid Architecture helps stakeholders understand the issues of grid modernization from a structural standpoint and provides principles and reference models that they can adopt and then adapt to their unique circumstances.