Produced water that returns to the surface as wastewater after oil and gas hydraulic fracturing processes in parts of Appalachia can be a source of lithium, a valuable chemical element used in consumer products, according to an important new report from NETL.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — As part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management (FECM) today announced up to $500 million available for projects that will help expand carbon dioxide (CO2) transportation infrastructure to help reduce CO2 emissions across the United States. Meeting the Biden-Harris Administration’s goal of a net-zero emissions economy by mid-century will require accelerating the responsible development and deployment of technology to capture CO2 emissions from industrial operations and power generation and to remove CO2 directly from the atmosphere. These efforts must be supported by a safe and reliable system that can transport the captured CO2, either for permanent geologic storage or for conversion to useful, durable products.

NETL publicly released an award-winning analytical tool that uses advanced big data computing, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML) and advanced analytical models to evaluate energy infrastructure integrity — a capability that can lead to effective cost savings and improved operational measures for environmental safety.

Winners of NETL’s regional Science Bowl competitions for students in western Pennsylvania and West Virginia tested their knowledge in math, science, engineering and technology (STEM) topics at the 2024 National Science Bowl held April 25-29 in Washington, D.C.

An NETL study published in the Springer journal Natural Hazards highlights new capabilities for anticipating submarine landslides in the Gulf of Mexico, which can increase the safety and success of future offshore development projects.

NETL researchers used the Laboratory’s Joule 2.0 supercomputer to provide a clearer picture of subsurface geological formations that could be used to effectively store captured carbon dioxide (CO2) and to address any potential issues with integrity. 

The Lab presented its research in Gasification Systems, Advanced Energy Materials, Advanced Turbines, Sensors and Controls, Simulation-Based Engineering, University Training and Research and Reversible Solid Oxide Fuel Cells, technologies that will help realize a decarbonized economy and power sector, during the 2024 FECM/NETL Spring R&D Project Review Meeting in Pittsburgh April 23-25.

As NETL’s new associate director for Computational Sciences & Engineering (CSE), Tammie Borders knows the clock is ticking in the battle against climate change and understands the urgent need to expand the Lab’s capabilities in high-performance computing (HPC) to find solutions.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is recognizing outstanding entrepreneurs and small businesses during National Small Businesses Week, April 28 – May 4. The SBA’s Office of Advocacy reports that over 99% of all firms in the United States are small businesses. Small businesses are the lifeblood that keeps the American economy functioning. Small businesses drive innovation, create jobs, and play an important role in supporting their local communities.

NETL’s research in how artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technologies can be used in the changing energy landscape to address climate change while powering the modern economy was featured in a recent podcast episode.