Evaluating US EPA’s Proposed GHG Emissions Standards
Assessing Risk to Extend Asset Life
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Collaborated with 17 Hydrogen Hub applicants pursuing US DOE funding (up to $7B) and continuing to operate the H2Hub Network, a technical platform convened by EPRI for industry-level collaboration to develop and share real-time learnings, best practices, and other valuable insights across hydrogen hub development and operation
Engaged in the development of 20 net-zero industrial clusters globally through collaboration with the World Economic Forum and Accenture
Hosted a public webinar on “Deploying Clean Hydrogen Infrastructure Safely” and held an in-person workshop with industry stakeholders on “A Community Approach to Hydrogen Development.”
Completed H2EDGE in-person training courses from hydrogen 101 to electrolysis, delivery and storage, and end-use
Completed the Advanced Ultra-supercritical (AUSC) Component Testing (ComTest), which focused on accelerating the development of a U.S.-based supply chain for nickel-based alloys, components operating at up to 760°C
Added to the more than 80 total hours of hydrogen blending tests, including a demonstration with Constellation and Siemens Energy
Published the Electrolyzer Techno-Economic Analysis tool, which provides preliminary screening of cost and performance for alkaline and PEM technologies
Completed analysis of economy-wide adoption of hydrogen and low-carbon fuels focusing on economic impacts of new policies (e.g., US Inflation Reduction Act) and technology readiness across power generation, industry, transportation, and buildings
Notable 2023 Achievements
Through the Low-Carbon Resources Initiative (LCRI), EPRI and GTI Energy are leading a global collaborative aimed at identifying, developing, and deploying a portfolio of low- and zero-carbon solutions. Beyond the LCRI, the Generation Sector’s low-carbon technology R&D is driving progress in key energy supply technologies, from bulk energy storage to carbon capture and storage (CCS) to end-use of low-carbon resources.
Accelerating Low-Carbon Technology Development and Adoption
Industry and governmental decision-makers depend on EPRI’s independent insights regarding energy transition implications. In 2023, EPRI provided industry-leading expertise and technical feedback on the US Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed New Greenhouse Gas Emissions standards, which would pressure electricity affordability and reliability by limiting technology options in the years ahead. The institute also recognizes the immense water requirements of many decarbonization technologies and conducts research to identify and mitigate the resource challenges of an evolving energy mix. As energy companies evaluate future options for power plants nearing retirement, EPRI researchers help assess and evaluate community benefits of repowering, repurposing, or retiring existing assets and infrastructure.
Demonstrating EPRI’s Commitment to Communities and the Environment
Building tomorrow’s energy system starts by optimizing the operation and maintenance of the system in place today. EPRI’s advanced manufacturing and materials research is uncovering better approaches to building more resilient assets and identifying potentially catastrophic materials issues before they occur. By leveraging the power of data, researchers are advancing risk-based inspection approaches that can improve asset reliability and reduce data-related risk by driving industry-level collaboration in cybersecurity R&D. To bridge current and future capabilities, EPRI is expanding the artificial intelligence toolbox, employing analytics and robotics to improve energy system performance, reliability, resilience, efficiency, and security.
Expanding Capabilities through Advanced Technology
Dynamic energy shifts are redefining the roles of existing resources and creating new complexities as emerging technologies are integrated into the equation. EPRI’s robust R&D helps energy companies increase the flexibility of thermal assets through timely identification and proactive resolution of operational risks. As reliance on renewable energy grows, the institute is leading R&D across electrochemical, mechanical, thermal, and chemical energy storage to derive greater value from variable resources. As companies develop new plants expected to operate through the transition, researchers are identifying efficient approaches to purpose-build assets for various future scenarios, from potential hydrogen blending to carbon capture and sequestration integration.
Maximizing the Potential of Existing and Emerging Assets
Demonstrating EPRI’s Commitment to Communities and the Environment
Expanding Capabilities through Advanced Technology
Maximizing the Potential of Existing and Emerging Assets
Research Highlights
The transformation to a more sustainable energy future demands transformational thinking. Through breakthrough R&D, EPRI’s Generation Sector helps the global power sector anticipate and embrace emerging opportunities and support reliable, affordable, equitable, and resilient electricity generation for today’s customers. From optimizing thermal assets to advancing environmental controls to leading digital transformation, we help existing power plants operate longer and more resiliently.
Extending Life of Existing Nuclear Reactors: Cost effective, carbon free energy production
AI in Nuclear: Enhance safety and efficiency while reducing costs
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Accelerating Deployment of Advanced Nuclear Technologies
Updated recommendations for conducting power uprates at plants, incorporating lessons learned, operating experience, stakeholder input, and new technologies that offer the potential for generating still more megawatts of carbon-free electricity
Maximizing Safe, Reliable Utilization of Today’s Nuclear Plants
Notable 2023 Achievements
EPRI’s Nuclear Sector is exploring how artificial intelligence (AI) technologies can be leveraged to improve nuclear plant safety, operational efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. One innovative example is the development of an AI-based tool that simplifies the analysis of ultrasonic testing data. Ultrasonic testing generates large volumes of data requiring line-by-line evaluation to detect flaws. Applying AI in an initial review can trim immense amounts of data to more manageable quantities, significantly reducing time, effort, and the risk of errors.
Championing Intelligent Innovation
Building the next wave of nuclear reactors calls for a comprehensive approach—and robust infrastructure to realize the vision of nearly 300 small modular reactors (SMRs) by the 2050s. In partnership with the Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI), EPRI has charted a detailed roadmap for delivering advanced reactors to the North American energy market. The roadmap spans a range of strategic priorities, including licensing, fuel cycles, supply chains, construction, operation, and workforce development, and is overseen by an expert advisory panel. Recognizing the global need for such initiatives, EPRI collaborates with European partners and explores opportunities in other international regions.
Advancing Next-Gen Reactor Technology
Maximizing Megawatt Generation
Championing Intelligent Innovation
Advancing Next-Gen Reactor Technology
Maximizing Megawatt Generation
Research Highlights
Scroll to See Highlights Below
In the quest to achieve ambitious global decarbonization goals, EPRI’s Nuclear Sector provides its extensive membership – representing over 80% of commercial nuclear units worldwide – with advanced knowledge and insight. We’re committed to amplifying megawatt output, pursuing groundbreaking R&D for next-generation nuclear reactors, and enhancing operational efficiency with state-of-the-art tools and technology.
To celebrate our diverse workforce, we produced EPRI’s first Annual Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion report. The report captures the many perspectives of EPRI employees and underscores the Institute’s spirit of inclusion and belonging. EPRI’s employee resource groups continue to expand their global reach and effectiveness, making our team stronger and more connected than ever.
DIVERSE WORKFORCE
A fire in August damaged part of EPRI’s Charlotte T&D research lab facilities. The collective response from leadership and employees, including reassigning research to Knoxville and Lenox labs, put the Institute on an accelerated track to rebuild and receive an occupancy permit in November, preventing significant delays in ongoing research projects and maintaining research commitments to our members. Lessons learned will inform future operational strategies.
QUICK RECOVERY FROM FIRE
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
SECURITY CHALLENGES
In an EPRI first, our Knoxville 80PLUS laboratory received ISO 17025 Accreditation for Testing Laboratories last month. This global distinction identifies the lab as one that operates competently and generates valid results. This cross-sector effort spanned a year and resulted in an external audit that found zero non-conformance issues, which is rare for first-time certification. This new designation will raise the profile of EPRI’s laboratory work and make it easier for us to exchange information with other research institutions worldwide.
LABORATORY ACCREDITATION
OPERATIONS Highlights
Review the 2023 highlights from each of EPRI’s sectors to see examples of how EPRI and our members are actively bridging gaps in the energy transition and strengthening the system we operate today.
Reflecting on a Year of Innovation and Progress
TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION
ENERGY DELIVERY & CUSTOMER SOLUTIONS
NUCLEAR
GENERATION
INTRODUCTION
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Jeffery Preece
Michael Caravaggio
Steve Swilley VP, Current Nuclear Deputy CNO
Jeremy Renshaw Technical Executive, Sr. Supervisor
Added 22 new members in the Advanced Nuclear Technology area in the past two years, including 10 this year
Held EPRI’s first meetings of the ANT Technology Users Groups—five groups focused on different types of reactor technology.
Released the first phase of the Advanced Reactor Roadmap in collaboration with the Nuclear Energy Institute, outlining an achievable path forward and the actions necessary for successfully deploying advanced reactors in North America
One of the most cost-effective and reliable ways to add carbon-free generation to the grid involves ramping up megawatt output from existing nuclear reactors. While the process isn’t new, technological progress enables significant amplification of carbon-free electricity production. EPRI’s 2023 report, Facilitating Power Uprates at Nuclear Power Plants: Feasibility Study Guideline, offers enhanced and updated methodology for performing nuclear power uprate feasibility studies. The report draws upon a wealth of lessons learned, operating experience, and stakeholder input to help members realize improved nuclear reactor productivity, bridging the gap toward a responsible, sustainable global economy as renewable capacity expands and advanced nuclear technologies are deployed.
EPRI is a recognized authority in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI) within the energy sector. With appearances this year at the AI Congressional hearing on Capitol Hill and on White House Chronicles, EPRI offered insights on how AI can be integrated into energy operations. AI will continue to be a research priority, including quantum R&D work focused on practical, near-term applications. We are bridging the gap between early-stage R&D and utility end-users, cultivating a quantum-energy community.
EPRI is leading work examining emerging security challenges to energy supply, supply chains, grid modernization, and infrastructure security. Many of these themes were discussed by industry experts at this year’s Summer Seminar: Securing the World’s Clean Energy Journey.
