NETL researchers and their partners developed a new approach that involves dissolving small quantities of low-cost surfactants into carbon dioxide (CO2) to increase oil production from challenging, unconventional formations, such as shale, tight reservoirs and others, in which hydrocarbons are trapped in layers of subsurface rock.

Stanford University and Elsevier recognized several NETL researchers as among the top 2% of highly influential scientists in the world for their contributions in advancing critical areas of science and technology vital to the Lab’s work to deliver affordable, reliable and secure energy to the nation.

NETL, in its commitment to cultivating America’s next generation of scientists, is seeking students from around the country to apply to participate in the 2026 Mickey Leland Energy Fellowship (MLEF) summer program for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).

WASHINGTON—President Trump issued an Executive Order to launch the Genesis Mission, a historic national effort led by the Department of Energy. The Genesis Mission will transform American science and innovation through the power of artificial intelligence (AI), strengthening the nation’s technological leadership and global competitiveness. 

A Texas-based private company, PDS Energy Information (PDS), recently announced that it is commercially operating AquaTrade — a tool developed by an NETL-led team that helps oil and gas operators find and use produced water from other operators, reducing the need to use freshwater and costs associated with disposal of used water.

NETL researchers are helping design better catalysts for chemical reactions that convert methane at the site of natural gas well flaring into valuable chemicals using microwave heating, according to an article in the ACS journal Energy and Fuels.

WASHINGTON—The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced $355 million for two notices of funding opportunities issued by DOE’s Office of Fossil Energy (FE) to expand domestic production of critical materials essential for advancing U.S. energy production, manufacturing, transportation and national defense. The first funding opportunity provides up to $275 million for American industrial facilities capable of producing valuable minerals from existing industrial and coal byproducts. The second provides up to $80 million to establish Mine of the Future proving grounds for real-world testing of next-generation mining technologies.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) issued a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for up to $100 million in federal funding to refurbish and modernize the nation’s existing coal power plants.

The journal Nanomaterials has recognized NETL research physical scientist Scott Crawford as a 2025 exceptional reviewer for his contributions to the publication’s peer review process during the second quarter of 2025.

NETL researchers are advancing a pioneering laser technology to provide laboratory-quality detection and analysis of rare earth elements (REEs) directly in the field, bringing the nation one step closer to securing a reliable domestic supply of these vital materials used in nearly all modern technology.