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.

In a recent episode of “Federal Insights,” a Federal News Network podcast, Kelly Rose, senior fellow for Computational Science and Engineering at NETL, shed light on the laboratory’s efforts to integrate AI/ML tools into its research and development projects.

“With more and more people tuning into podcasts to engage their interests as they commute to work, exercise or even do chores around the home, having NETL’s work featured on ‘Federal Insights’ was a great opportunity to reach new audiences,” Rose said. “The Lab has taken great strides to integrate AI and ML into building a sustainable energy future for the world.”

NETL’s AI/ML initiatives extend across various areas, including advanced materials, infrastructure and environmental resiliency, and carbon management. Rose highlighted the role of AI/ML in understanding atmospheric modeling, climate processes and emissions sources, emphasizing their potential to predict and mitigate negative impacts. 

Three years ago, NETL launched the Science-based AI/ML Institute (SAMI) to strategically implement AI/ML across its teams and directorates. SAMI serves as an institute for leveraging science-based models, AI/ML methods, data analytics and high-performance computing to accelerate applied technology development for clean, efficient and affordable energy production and utilization. 

Rose referenced several NETL innovations harnessing the power of AI/ML, including NETL’s Multiphase Flow with Interphase Exchanges (MFiX). MFiX is a multiphase fluid flow model used for designing next-generation energy systems and troubleshooting multiphase flow reactors for various energy processing applications. Rose also highlighted NETL’s ongoing collaboration with the tech sector to develop a cutting-edge AI computer model that surpasses traditional supercomputers in efficiency. This approach could accelerate engineering simulations by 470 times while using less energy, thereby lowering research costs and carbon footprint. 

As AI/ML technologies continue to advance, NETL remains dedicated to ensuring the reliability and trustworthiness of these complex systems. Rose emphasized the lab’s commitment to refining and improving these technologies, noting that they offer unprecedented opportunities for innovation and discovery. 

For more insights into NETL’s AI/ML initiatives and impact on the energy sector, listen to the full podcast episode on the Federal News Network website. 

NETL is a U.S. Department of Energy national laboratory that drives innovation and delivers technological solutions for an environmentally sustainable and prosperous energy future. By leveraging its world-class talent and research facilities, NETL is ensuring affordable, abundant and reliable energy that drives a robust economy and national security, while developing technologies to manage carbon across the full life cycle, enabling environmental sustainability for all Americans.