EPRI

Fusion energy has the potential to revolutionize the grid with limitless, zero-emission power, but major challenges remain in plasma control, reactor materials, and commercialization. In this episode of the EPRI Current, experts explore how quantum computing could help overcome these barriers. Join Diana Grandas, Emma Wong, and Charlyne Smith, PhD as they discuss the latest advancements in fusion research and how quantum tech is driving the next generation of energy solutions. Also discussed: the EPRI 2025 Quantum Challenge Fusion Edition, an international contest aimed at finding groundbreaking quantum computing solutions for fusion technology. Learn more at: https://lnkd.in/guwMzWRp 🎧 Listen now: https://lnkd.in/gWDaWB6n #Fusion #Energy #QuantumInnovation #EnergyTechnology #EPRI

🚀 Exciting News from Incubatenergy® Labs (IEL)! 🚀 EPRI’s Incubatenergy Labs has selected 24 leading energy innovators to present their groundbreaking demonstration concepts to IEL member utilities and key energy industry stakeholders at Pitch Day 2025! For the first time, this annual event will take center stage at #DISTRIBUTECH2025 in Dallas, TX. These startups are tackling critical energy challenges across generation, storage, T&D asset management, AI, advanced analytics, and customer solutions. Innovation scouts from a global network of energy providers will be in attendance to evaluate these cutting-edge solutions, and some finalists may receive funding for proof-of-concept demonstrations with EPRI and member utilities. 🎤 Meet the Pitch Day 2025 Finalists: Advanced Infrastructure Technology Limited Assetcool Blue Frontier, Inc. Criticality Sciences, Inc. CVector Energy Corp. Derapi Edge Zero Edo Energy Robotics GmbH GridCARE Heat Inverse HeyCharge Kevala, Inc. Molecule Systems ONEPREDICT Otoro Energy Peoples Energy Analytics (PEA) Prezerv prüfentronik, LLC Soraytec Sunairio Suryatech EV Power LLC Treeswift, Inc. VIE Technologies Inc. 📅 When? Tuesday, March 25, 2025 📍 Where? Initiate Pavilion at DISTRIBUTECH 2025 As part of EPRI’s mission to accelerate energy sector innovation, IEL connects early-stage companies with utilities and energy stakeholders to help scale transformative solutions. Join us in supporting these game-changing startups as they showcase their innovations! 🔋⚡ Which of these innovations are you most excited about? Let us know in the comments! #EnergyInnovation #Startups #IncubatenergyLabs #DISTRIBUTECH2025 #Utilities #CleanTech

At EPRI, safety is more than a priority—it's embedded in every aspect of our research and operations. From generation to plant management, transmission to substations, and energy storage, our worker health and safety research spans the full spectrum of electric utility operations. Our latest videos highlights how EPRI's research provides insights and indicators to help maintain safe, secure operations. By integrating safety across the institute, we help the industry protect workers and communities, reduce workplace injuries, and increase operational efficiencies. 🔗 Learn more about our comprehensive safety research: https://lnkd.in/eFH8jAs5 👀 Want to learn more, check out the full length video: https://lnkd.in/erKdYXGk

EPRI's Bobby Noble was recently interviewed by Turbomachinery International during #PowerGen25 along with Jeffrey Benoit at Power Systems Mfg., LLC, a Hanwha company about support coming from gas turbine-equipped power plants, hydrogen- and ammonia-fueled gas turbines, and other updates and advancements in the industry. See more and watch the interview here: https://lnkd.in/egfdx6iC

𝗛𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗢𝗶𝗹 & 𝗚𝗮𝘀 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗚𝗲𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗹 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘄𝘁𝗵 The GEODE project—a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)-funded initiative led by Project InnerSpace and the Society of Petroleum Engineers —aims to accelerate geothermal energy deployment using oil and gas technologies. This project is shaping a roadmap for the future. EPRI is playing a key role in this effort by leading the Offtakers Group, chaired by Laura Chiaramonte, to address barriers hindering geothermal adoption. As part of this, EPRI hosted a two-day workshop on Feb. 12-13 at our Palo Alto campus, bringing together energy buyers, industry leaders, and stakeholders to: • Foster collaboration for high-capacity, dispatchable energy. • Educate offtakers on geothermal potential. • Identify strategies to de-risk and scale geothermal deployment. • Provide key recommendations for GEODE’s future direction. The discussions and insights from this workshop will help shape the next phase of geothermal development. Stay tuned for more updates and learn more here: https://www.geode.energy/. #GeothermalEnergy #GEODEProject

EPRI's Doug Dorr recently spoke with Newsweek about a recently completed research program he led from EPRI along with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and about 100 wildfire advisers from global utilities. The work produced a catalog of more than 50 technologies that can help reduce the fire risk associated with power infrastructure. At a wildfire test facility in Lenox, Massachusetts, Dorr and his colleagues run tests to measure the "wind slap" of power lines that get too close in heavy gusts and test cutting-edge detection equipment to catch electric faults. See the full Newsweek article here https://lnkd.in/eCVYHZTp and learn more about this research here: https://lnkd.in/eEQCKzR6. #WildfirePrevention #ElectricalSafety #Innovation

Will you be at #DISTRIBUTECH25? Join our experts for workshops, panels, and discussions on the latest in electricity delivery, energy efficiency, and more. And don’t miss EPRI and Southern Company for two discussions in the events show floor Knowledge Hubs. 📅 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝟮𝟱, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 • 𝟮:𝟬𝟬—𝟮:𝟯𝟬 𝗣𝗠 📍 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆 𝗞𝗻𝗼𝘄𝗹𝗲𝗱𝗴𝗲 𝗛𝘂𝗯 • 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝘁𝗵 #𝟭𝟬𝟬𝟭, 𝗘𝘅𝗵𝗶𝗯𝗶𝘁 𝗙𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗿 𝗦𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻: Powering Precision: Advancing Data Analytics Accuracy in the Electric Utility Industry 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗿𝘀: Jeff Smith, Director, Grid Operations and Planning, EPRI; Kelsey Stephens, P.E., Supervisor, Power Delivery Technology, Alabama Power Company; and Julia Clarke, Senior Research Engineer, Power Delivery R&D, Southern Company 📅 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝟮𝟲, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 • 𝟭𝟭:𝟰𝟱 𝗔𝗠—𝟭𝟮:𝟭𝟱 𝗣𝗠 📍 𝗜𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗘𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗞𝗻𝗼𝘄𝗹𝗲𝗱𝗴𝗲 𝗛𝘂𝗯 • 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝘁𝗵 #𝟰𝟳𝟯𝟯, 𝗘𝘅𝗵𝗶𝗯𝗶𝘁 𝗙𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗿 𝗦𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻: Accelerating the Future of Energy Solutions: Innovation, Collaboration, and Commercialization 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗿𝘀: Robin Lanier, Director, New Ventures, Southern Company; Dan Killoren, Innovation Hub Program Manager, EPRI; and Evan Pittman, Managing Director, Research & Innovation - Energy Impact Partners Discover how utilities and customers are actively testing, validating, and deploying cutting-edge energy solutions to meet evolving market demands. Find out more about EPRI’s presence at this year’s event: https://lnkd.in/gditFFgK

In celebration of #NationalEngineersWeek, meet Suma Jothibasu, a dedicated member of the Energy Storage program at EPRI. Suma specializes in integrating energy storage in Microgrid applications and has been instrumental in developing DER-VET (https://www.der-vet.com/), an open-source tool for Microgrid and DER valuation. Suma leads several microgrid design and pilot projects in California. One notable project is the Microgrid design for DoD installations at two National Guard sites, focusing on Affordable Multi-Energy Source and Control Solutions. The goal is to find the right energy source mix that can meet a 14-day resilience target while also proving to be cost-effective. Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/eP6hqQct. Join us in recognizing Suma and #engineers like them for their invaluable contributions to engineering excellence and progress.

During a recent tour of EPRI’s world-renowned research labs in Charlotte – as part of our Winter 2025 Generation and LCRI Council Meeting- we had the unique opportunity to dive deep into cutting-edge projects aimed at transforming the future of energy generation. Here are some of the key highlights from the tour: 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗟𝗶𝗳𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗪𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝗧𝘂𝗿𝗯𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗕𝗼𝗹𝘁𝘀 Wind turbine operators face increasing challenges with premature failures in structural bolted joints, which impact turbine safety and operational efficiency. EPRI’s latest research investigates the causes of these failures, with a focus on blade-pitch bearing interfaces and blade studs. By conducting lab and field testing, we’re working on developing guidelines to improve bolt reliability and performance, ensuring long-term safety and reducing operational costs. 𝗥𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗥𝗼𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗟𝗶𝗳𝗲 𝗘𝘅𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗥𝗶𝘀𝗸 𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝗻𝗮𝗹𝘆𝘀𝗶𝘀 As large industrial gas turbines play a pivotal role in achieving net-zero emissions, understanding how to extend their operational life is crucial. EPRI’s research on the aging 7FA rotors, particularly focusing on material properties, is helping to mitigate risks associated with life extension. This effort will contribute to improving the reliability and performance of gas turbines for years to come. 𝗘𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗹𝘆𝘀𝗶𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿-𝗘𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗴𝘆 𝗡𝗲𝘅𝘂𝘀 Water is a critical feedstock for electrolysis, a key process for the future of hydrogen production. EPRI’s Chemistry and Corrosion Laboratory is conducting exciting research into how changes in water quality and load-following operations impact electrolysis equipment’s longevity. The new equipment showcased during the tour highlighted key advancements that will support sustainable, long-term electrolysis. 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝗲𝗽𝗹𝗼𝘆𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗹𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗦𝗶𝗺𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗘𝗻𝘃𝗶𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 EPRI’s innovative simulation environments are changing the game by accelerating the testing and scaling of plant controls and automation strategies. By demonstrating real-world use cases, like advanced steam temperature control in combined-cycle units, we’re reducing implementation risks and speeding up deployment for optimized plant operations. 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗔𝗜 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗗𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 Finally, we explored the potential of Generative AI in the energy space. Through practical demonstrations, we saw how GenAI applications can optimize various energy supply use cases—illustrating the technology’s promise for improving efficiency and driving innovation. A huge thank you to everyone who participated and contributed to making this event a success! EPRI continues to lead the way in groundbreaking research and innovation, helping shape an efficient energy future. https://lnkd.in/e7pjHg3R

In celebration of #NationalEngineersWeek, meet Elizabeth Worsham, Senior Technical Leader on EPRI’s Nuclear Beyond Electricity team in the Advanced Nuclear Technology program. Elizabeth is researching the application of nuclear power beyond the production of electricity, looking at how heat generated by a reactor could be incorporated into industrial processes, such as the production of chemicals or synthetic fuels. Elizabeth is delivering value to our stakeholders through her research, exploring innovative options for nuclear energy to address needs beyond electricity generation. See more information this work here: https://lnkd.in/emZZU8Qi Join us in celebrating Elizabeth and all the bright #engineering minds who are driving energy’s future. #nuclearbeyondelectricity