NETL Director Brian Anderson highlighted the Lab’s leadership in advanced manufacturing as he led a fossil energy-focused panel discussion at a two-day summit hosted this week by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). The event was part of the Innovation XLab series, which aims to showcase the impressive capabilities of DOE’s national laboratories.

The Advanced Manufacturing Summit held May 7-8 at Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, brought together a variety of stakeholders to explore new solutions to manufacturing challenges and opportunities. Secretary of Energy Rick Perry delivered the keynote address, emphasizing the role of advanced manufacturing in U.S. competitiveness.

Anderson moderated a panel discussion, “Advanced Manufacturing for Fossil Energy Applications,” that featured Deputy Assistant Secretary for Clean Coal and Carbon Management Lou Hrkman along with industry representatives who have partnered with NETL to develop technological solutions to America’s energy challenges. Sha-Chelle Manning, vice president for technology and innovation at Cimarex Energy; Michael Appleby, president and CEO of Mikro Systems, Inc.; William Grieco, CEO of the RAPID Manufacturing Institute; and Eric Thiesen, R&D manager for Metglas, Inc., were among the participants.

“We’re pursuing a broad range of innovative technologies with the potential to revitalize advanced manufacturing for coal to high-value products, carbon capture, sensors and controls, functional and structural materials, turbines, heat exchangers, modular chemical process intensification, solid oxide fuel cells and more,” Anderson said. “Partnerships with private industry, other national labs and academia are essential to our success, and the Innovation XLab events offer exciting opportunities to celebrate our achievements as we explore new collaborations.”

NETL representatives also hosted an exhibit to showcase the Lab’s internationally recognized work to design, develop and deploy advanced manufacturing technologies.

The Advanced Manufacturing Summit was the third event in DOE’s Innovation XLab series, which has previously focused on energy storage and grid modernization. Congressional officials, industry representatives and academic experts participate in these events to explore the novel concepts and strong technical resources available at DOE’s 17 national laboratories.

To learn more about NETL’s research in advanced manufacturing, click here.