EPRI 2023 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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

OPERATIONS Highlights

LABORATORY ACCREDITATION

SECURITY CHALLENGES

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

QUICK RECOVERY FROM FIRE

DIVERSE WORKFORCE

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Generating Transformational Solutions

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.

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

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

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

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

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

Demonstrating EPRI’s Commitment to Communities and the Environment

Expanding Capabilities through Advanced Technology

Maximizing the Potential of Existing and Emerging Assets

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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

Notable 2023 Achievements

Research Highlights

Evaluating US EPA’s Proposed GHG Emissions Standards

Jeffery Preece Director, Research and Development

Hear EPRI Technical Experts

Assessing Risk to Extend Asset Life

Michael Caravaggio Director, Research and Development

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. Collaboration is at our core, and we actively seek partnerships with emergent nuclear entities and countries exploring nuclear energy for the first time. Expanding our membership beyond conventional stakeholders enables us to serve a broader spectrum of nuclear applications, such as industrial and data center needs.

Decarbonizing Energy’s Future

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

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.

Maximizing Megawatt Generation

Championing Intelligent Innovation

Advancing Next-Gen Reactor Technology

Maximizing Megawatt Generation

Research Highlights

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Extending Life of Existing Nuclear Reactors: Cost effective, carbon free energy production

Steve SwilleyVP, Current Nuclear Deputy CNO

AI in Nuclear: Enhance safety and efficiency while reducing costs

Jeremy RenshawTechnical Executive, Sr. Supervisor

Hear EPRI Technical Experts

Research Highlights

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. Hosted a cross-sector Supply Chain Workshop for Advanced Energy Systems to address the importance of a robust supply chain for new technologies, including advanced nuclear 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 Signed onto the Nuclear Energy Agency’s new joint project on Waste Integration for Small and Advanced Reactor Designs (WISARD), which focuses on waste management strategies for SMRs and advanced nuclear energy systems

Notable 2023 Achievements

Maximizing Safe, Reliable Utilization of Today’s Nuclear Plants

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 Provided tools for the nuclear fleet: Virtual reality-based programs NDE platform featuring dynamic 3D representations Diagnostic digital twin for piping systems AI-based ultrasonic testing analysis Online concrete defect detection

EPRI’s Energy Delivery & Customer Solutions sector champions the transition to a secure, reliable, cost-efficient power system. We’re committed to seamlessly integrating renewable sources, energy storage, grid-edge technologies, electric vehicles, and distributed energy resources into the evolving electric landscape. We work with members to provide clarity and guidance on power system complexities, from planning and operations to end-use electrification and customer dynamics.

Empowering the Electric Landscape

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) recently issued Order No. 881, mandating transmission providers to implement ambient adjusted ratings (AARs) for their facilities. The order also requires independent system operators and regional transmission organizations (ISOs/RTOs) to incorporate AARs into their operations and wholesale market systems. EPRI is collaborating with transmission owners and ISOs/RTOs to evaluate ways to prepare for Order No. 881 and potential future rulemaking on dynamic line ratings (DLRs). Our goal is to integrate new technologies and concepts that enable advanced line ratings and effective modeling and observation. While AARs and advanced ratings have been used for years, the required rating changes present new challenges, which EPRI addressed during the FERC rulemaking process. The institute also developed a risk-based methodology to help transmission owners formulate their AAR strategies. Upon issuance of FERC Order No.881, we collaborated with electric companies to implement the EPRI methodology and continue to enhance the approach for industry-wide application. EPRI has been a leader in evaluating and piloting dynamic line ratings (DLR) technologies for over a decade. With an eye toward future DLR rulemaking and the need to increase transmission capacity, EPRI has launched a collaborative project to evaluate the performance and reliability of DLR technologies.

Proactive Response to FERC Order No. 881

Electric companies are charged with ensuring they have adequate resources to meet future electricity demand. That responsibility has become increasingly complex with the introduction of more wind, solar, and storage options and intensifying weather patterns. Recent events and experience indicate shortcomings in existing resource adequacy (RA) processes, metrics, and tools. In response, EPRI launched a two-year project in 2021, working with 26 electric companies and industry advisors. The cohort delivered practical recommendations and an improved tool for metrics related to power outages and supply deficiencies, addressing chronological, energy-limited, and common-mode aspects. The project resulted in multiple reports and case studies, guiding the development and application of metrics and scenarios. Several new software tools were produced to aid in assessing resource adequacy. Using the case studies of six North American regions, the final deliverables provide insight into optimal approaches for assessing resource adequacy in terms of models, data, and software tools. The initiative highlighted specific winter resource risks due to cold spells simultaneously affecting resource availability. It also presented risk screening methodology and examined energy storage modeling, demand side flexibility, and transmission implications in resource adequacy assessment.

Ensuring Resource Adequacy

The US energy market is enabling equitable access to new technologies and programs that boost energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions. The Advanced Buildings and Communities program recently completed a four-year project, successfully installing 100 Gradient heat pump units in multifamily and single-family homes across the California Central Valley. The program sought to understand and respond to the energy needs of low and medium-income (LMI) families and disadvantaged housing communities. The initiative was part of the “Innovative Low GHG Residential Space Conditioning Technologies” grant from the California Strategic Growth Council’s Climate Change Research Program. Collaborators included Redwood Energy and GLYNT.AI. A primary objective of the project was to generate best practices for energy practitioners and innovators, including direction on designing, marketing, selling, and financing products for LMI and disadvantaged communities (DAC). The project also showcased an easy-install window heat pump with environmentally-friendly refrigerants and efficiency enhancements with thermal energy storage and heat pipe-assisted heat exchangers. The Advanced Buildings and Communities successfully demonstrated ways to increase access to and encourage the adoption of energy-efficient heat pumps for LMI and DAC. Cost was identified as the main factor driving LMI customers’ adoption of emerging, energy-saving technologies. Other key insights focused on what motivates, informs and influences consumer purchases.

Improving Equitable Energy Access

EVs2Scale2030™ is EPRI’s three-year initiative focused on aligning the utility industry and critical market stakeholders to support increased electric vehicle adoption and the goal of EVs comprising 50% of new vehicle sales by 2030. EPRI will leverage its industry partnerships to mobilize utilities, fleet operators, automakers, and charging providers and coordinate with federal agencies and labs to accelerate the deployment of millions of electric vehicles while minimizing grid impacts and maximizing benefits to the nation’s grid.

Climate READi™ focuses on managing climate risk in the power sector as extreme events increase in frequency and intensity. As 1-in-50 or 1-in-100-year extreme events of the past increase in frequency, and society increasingly depends on electricity, as the economy electrifies and decarbonizes, energy grid reliability and resilience are critical. EPRI’s collaborative model convenes energy companies, regulators, policymakers, and other industry stakeholders to provide science-based, future-focused insights for identifying optimal adaptation and resilience investments.

EVs2Scale2030™

Climate READi™

Proactive Response to FERC Order No. 881

Improving Equitable Energy Access

Ensuring Resource Adequacy

Research Highlights

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Critical Utility Communications: Mitigating 6GHz Interference, Informing the FCC

Matt WakefieldDirector, Research and Development

FERC Order 896 and Climate READi

Morgan ScottDirector, Research and Development, Sustainability

EVs2Scale: Supporting the rapid deployment of millions of EVs

David PorterVP, Electrification and Sustainable Energy Strategy

Hear EPRI Technical Experts

Investigating and solving tough Customer and Utility PQ problems

Mark StephensProgram/Area Manager

Increasing Reliability and Reducing O&M Costs

Neal Murray Technical Executive

Battery Fire Prevention and Mitigation Research: Supporting a Safe Clean Energy Transition

Lakshmi SrinivasanTeam Lead, Principal

Research Highlights

As the visionary engine within EPRI and across the energy sphere, our Technology Innovation (TI) division helps advance and expedite the clean energy transition. TI evaluates and authenticates emerging technologies and educates industry stakeholders through research, insightful thought leadership, and early-phase tech assessment and demonstration.

Ahead of the Changing Energy Curve

Identify and accelerate research that supports utility and community decarbonization targets Evaluate emerging topics, innovation areas, and technology gaps Enable innovation through collaboration. TI’s new Tech Radar and Tech Portal tools offer insights into innovative, emerging energy technologies.

Envisioning Energy's Future

TI’s new Tech Radar and Tech Portal tools offer insights into innovation and emerging energy technologies.

Thought Leadership (Strategic Initiatives) Enabling Innovation (EPRI’s Global Innovation Hub) Strategic Research Priorities Long-Term R&D

30 Million Investment in Innovation

While recent media coverage has emphasized safety issues surrounding lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles, renewable energy storage, and consumer electronics, EPRI provided a contextual, fact-based perspective. This EPRI Technology Innovation Spotlight examines existing safeguards, the value of ongoing, enhanced safety protocols, and the technology’s contribution to decarbonization and resilience goals. The surge in US manufacturing capacity elevates industrial sector electricity consumption and presents new grid-planning and operational challenges. Following decades of offshore investment and job migration, a revitalization in US manufacturing is underway – and welcome. An EPRI white paper, Reindustrialization, Decarbonization, and Prospects for Demand Growth, takes a deep dive into this complex issue.

Our Incubatenergy Labs® (IEL) continues to engage with technology startups to advance clean energy projects and modernize grid infrastructure. In 2023, amidst a field of more than 200 global applicants, 16 promising early-stage companies were selected. Projects spanned eight essential domains: Customer and Community Engagement; Decarbonization and Sustainability; E-Mobility; Fixed Premise Electrification; Intelligent, Predictive and Prescriptive Operations; Customer and Community Resilience; Wildfires; and Workforces of the Future. Successfully executed in just 16 weeks, these initiatives were showcased at the Fall 2023 IEL Cohort Demonstration Days event.

Global Innovation Hub

EPRI’s interactive report on Alternatives to Traditional Grid Solutions helps electric utilities explore and implement new ways to connect with customers. The report presents an array of possibilities, with a focus on increased energy independence, environmental benefits, and access to remote areas far from traditional electric grids.

2023 HIGHLIGHTS

2024 TOP GOALS

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Artificial intelligence (AI) computer systems hold tremendous, transformational promise. They also require energy-intensive computations and large data centers, resulting in significant CO2 emissions. A 2023 EPRI Insight, How Does AI Contribute to CO2?, explores how AI-related CO2 emissions may be managed and mitigated.

Climate READi™ focuses on managing climate risk in the power sector as extreme events increase in frequency and intensity.

Climate READi™

EVs2Scale2030™

Battery Fire Prevention and Mitigation Research: Supporting a Safe Clean Energy Transition

Increasing Reliability and Reducing O&M Costs

Investigating and solving tough Customer and Utility PQ problems

Critical Utility Communications: Mitigating 6GHz Interference, Informing the FCC

FERC Order 896 and Climate READi

EVs2Scale: Supporting the rapid deployment of millions of EVs

Hear EPRI Technical Experts

Ensuring Resource Adequacy

Improving Equitable Energy Access

Proactive Response to FERC Order No. 881

Ensuring Resource Adequacy

Improving Equitable Energy Access

Proactive Response to FERC Order No. 881

Research Highlights

Scroll to See Highlights Below

Empowering the Electric Landscape

TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION

ENERGY DELIVERY & CUSTOMER SOLUTIONS

NUCLEAR

GENERATION

INTRODUCTION

Global Innovation Hub

TI’s new Tech Radar and Tech Portal tools offer insights into innovation and emerging energy technologies.

Envisioning Energy's Future

Thought Leadership (Strategic Initiatives)
Enabling Innovation (EPRI’s Global Innovation Hub)
Strategic Research Priorities
Long-Term R&D

30 Million Investment in Innovation

While recent media coverage has emphasized safety issues surrounding lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles, renewable energy storage, and consumer electronics, EPRI provided a contextual, fact-based perspective. This EPRI Technology Innovation Spotlight examines existing safeguards, the value of ongoing, enhanced safety protocols, and the technology’s contribution to decarbonization and resilience goals.

EPRI’s interactive report on Alternatives to Traditional Grid Solutions helps electric utilities explore and implement new ways to connect with customers. The report presents an array of possibilities, with a focus on increased energy independence, environmental benefits, and access to remote areas far from traditional electric grids.

2023 HIGHLIGHTS

Identify and accelerate research that supports utility and community decarbonization targets
Evaluate emerging topics, innovation areas, and technology gaps
Enable innovation through collaboration. TI’s new Tech Radar and Tech Portal tools offer insights into innovative, emerging energy technologies.

2024 TOP GOALS

Scroll to See Highlights Below

Ahead of the Changing Energy Curve

TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION

ENERGY DELIVERY & CUSTOMER SOLUTIONS

NUCLEAR

GENERATION

INTRODUCTION

Extending Life of Existing Nuclear Reactors: Cost effective, carbon free energy production

AI in Nuclear: Enhance safety and efficiency while reducing costs

Hear EPRI Technical Experts

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

Championing Intelligent Innovation

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

Decarbonizing Energy’s Future

TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION

ENERGY DELIVERY & CUSTOMER SOLUTIONS

NUCLEAR

GENERATION

INTRODUCTION

Lakshmi Srinivasan
Team Lead, Principal

Neal Murray

Mark Stephens
Program/Area Manager

Matt Wakefield
Director, Research and Development

Morgan Scott
Director, Research and Development, Sustainability

David Porter
VP, Electrification and Sustainable Energy Strategy

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.
Hosted a cross-sector Supply Chain Workshop for Advanced Energy Systems to address the importance of a robust supply chain for new technologies, including advanced nuclear
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
Signed onto the Nuclear Energy Agency’s new joint project on Waste Integration for Small and Advanced Reactor Designs (WISARD), which focuses on waste management strategies for SMRs and advanced nuclear energy systems

Artificial intelligence (AI) computer systems hold tremendous, transformational promise. They also require energy-intensive computations and large data centers, resulting in significant CO₂ emissions. A 2023 EPRI Insight, How Does AI Contribute to CO₂?, explores how AI-related CO₂ emissions may be managed and mitigated.