NETL and multination technology conglomerate Raytheon Technologies Research Center (RTRC) will discuss opportunities for technical collaboration during an upcoming virtual meeting highlighting the Lab’s research in several areas.

Scheduled for Oct. 26-28, the virtual meeting will feature sessions on various topics such as programs within the Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Fossil Energy, Hydrogen and Sustainability, Advanced Power Generation and Advanced Energy Management.

DOE supports research which promotes large-scale, affordable hydrogen (H2) or high H2 syngas production from coal with near-zero environmental emissions, as required for use of the H2 or syngas in a variety of uses including power production with carbon capture or fuels production.

To that end, the meeting will demonstrate NETL’s research into the turbines of tomorrow. In response to the nation’s increasing power supply challenges, the Lab is working on next-generation turbine technologies with the goal of producing reliable, affordable, diverse and environmentally friendly energy supplies. Other research topics to be highlighted include artificial intelligence and machine learning applications in energy, along with carbon capture and storage (CCS). NETL’s Carbon Capture R&D program aims to develop the next generation of advanced carbon dioxide (CO2) capture concepts that will enable cost-effective implementation CCS technologies throughout the power-generation sector.

The meeting with RTRC will also detail the Lab’s research into energy storage, which has the potential to dramatically improve the efficiency of the nation’s existing fleet of fossil fuel-fired power plants, reduce emissions of greenhouse gas and help ensure a secure grid as more intermittent renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power are added to it. This research also aims to improve power plant economics while reducing maintenance costs while enabling increased power plan flexibility.

These are but a few of the topics to be discussed during the virtual meeting with RTRC, which will explore how it and NETL can partner to realize the full potential of these research programs.

“Like us, RTRC aims to use world-class talent and innovation to build the future,” said Michael Knaggs, NETL’s associate director of strategic partnerships. “With so much in common and so much potential, we eagerly look forward to what unfolds as a result of this meeting. Forging long-lasting partnerships is how we ensure the breakthroughs and inventions of our own scientists and engineers end up where they can do the most good.”

Raytheon and United Technologies Corporation announced a merger in late 2019 to form the new company, a process which was completed earlier this year.

NETL is a U.S. Department of Energy national laboratory that produces technological solutions for America’s energy challenges. From developing creative innovations and efficient energy systems that make coal more competitive, to advancing technologies that enhance oil and natural gas extraction and transmission processes, NETL research is providing breakthroughs and discoveries that support domestic energy initiatives, stimulate a growing economy, and improve the health, safety and security of all Americans. Highly skilled men and women at NETL’s sites in Albany, Oregon; Anchorage, Alaska; Houston, Texas; Morgantown, West Virginia; and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania conduct a broad range of research activities that support DOE’s mission to advance the national, economic and energy security of the United States.