NETL researchers highlighted the Lab’s work to develop innovative technology solutions focused on flexibility and sustainability July 24 at the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) 2019 National Lab Day on the Hill.

Held on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., National Lab Day on the Hill offers members of Congress, their staffers, DOE leaders and others an opportunity to engage with scientists and learn more about the groundbreaking research underway by DOE’s 17 national laboratories. This year’s presentations focused on key themes tied to emerging DOE research areas — including flexibility, sustainability, resiliency, reliability, security and the National Labs as a system.

David Miller, Ph.D., spoke to the flexibility theme by showcasing the NETL-led Institute for the Design of Advanced Energy Systems (IDAES), which revolutionizes industry diagnostic and decision-making capabilities with next-generation process modeling that supports the design, analysis and operation of fossil-energy systems. Using the latest technology in algorithms and computing, IDAES provides innovative open-source software that enables large-scale optimization to enhance the operation, profitability and efficiency of the existing coal-fired power fleet.

Erik Shuster and Dale Keairns, Ph.D., addressed the sustainability theme by discussing responsible water use for power generation. NETL’s 2018 Water Brief identifies regions of water scarcity with expected growth in thermoelectric power generation, recommends research and development (R&D) to curb water use in areas of concern and predicts locations that would benefit from R&D deployment. This useful tool enables stakeholders to make informed decisions about R&D for thermoelectric power generation to ensure sustainability and reliability for decades to come.

NETL Director Brian J. Anderson, Ph.D., joined National Lab leaders from across the country in showcasing the national lab system as a powerhouse of science, engineering and technology as part of the event.

“Lab Day on the Hill provides us with an opportunity to showcase some of what we are doing at NETL, but also how we work together as a DOE national lab system,” Anderson said. “NETL is performing cutting-edge research with a global impact to address some of the most pressing energy challenges in the U.S. and beyond. Our world-renowned experts are developing strategic technological solutions that provide efficient, reliable and affordable energy from the nation’s abundant domestic resources while ensuring responsible stewardship of the environment. It’s always a pleasure to share that work with the lawmakers who help make our efforts possible.”

NETL’s mission is to discover, integrate, and mature technology solutions to enhance the nation’s energy foundation and protect the environment for future generations. As the only national lab that is both government-owned and -operated, NETL is uniquely positioned to accelerate technology development through partnerships with academia, industry and other research organizations. NETL is also the only national lab dedicated to fossil energy research and development.