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Research for secure, sustainable energy

Americans consume more energy per person than any other country in the world. At PNNL, we believe there can be no energy solutions without associated environmental solutions. From grid modernization and building controls to providing scientifically-defensible solutions for legacy waste, our researchers are helping deliver secure, sustainable energy.


  • PNNL Staff Are Among the 'Titans of Nuclear'

    Sustainable Jet Fuel: The Flight Path from Fundamental Science to Applied Technology

    PNNL's thermocatalytic process opened the door to sustainable jet fuel from low-cost waste gases. Commercial partner LanzaTech will build a U.S. facility to make millions of gallons of ethanol-based fuel annually.

  • Shedding Light on Increasingly Bright Night Skies

    Shedding Light on Increasingly Bright Night Skies

    When a recent study confirmed the Earth is getting brighter at night, attributing much of the increase to needless waste resulting from LEDs reducing the cost of lighting and hence driving unwarranted increases in its use, PNNL researchers felt compelled to respond. Their paper, "Light at Night—A Delicate Balance," offers an alternative perspective on what we can—and cannot—conclude about new evidence of brightening night skies.

  • In rural southwest Washington state, new culverts replace a tide gate and reconnect a wetland to the Grays River and Columbia River estuary.

    Restoring Salmon Ecosystems on the Columbia River

    The once "Mighty Columbia" now is channelized and fragmented, with infrastructure cutting off much of the river from wetlands—and affecting salmon migrations. A PNNL-led research team has shown that reconnecting former wetlands, with new culverts, improves the base of a healthy aquatic food web and aids in salmon restoration.

  • Pharmaceutical Material Shows Promise for Better Grid-Scale Batteries

    Pharmaceutical Material Shows Promise for Better Grid-Scale Batteries

    PNNL scientists modified phenazine, a naturally occurring compound used in dyes and antibiotics, which could lead to a more efficient, less costly battery for grid-scale electricity storage.

  • Seawater yields first grams of yellowcake

    Start Your Engines - With Next-Generation Fuels from Co-Optima

    A national laboratory team identified new mixtures that combine bio- and petroleum-based fuels. These could deliver significantly improved performance and savings at the pump, while giving refiners and fuel producers more flexibility in making their products.

  • Liu Receives DOE Distinguished Achievement Award

    Liu Receives DOE Distinguished Achievement Award

    Jun Liu honored with DOE Distinguished Achievement Award for world-class leadership of Battery500 Consortium.

  • Xiaohua Hu - Metal Research Paper Honored by American Iron and Steel Institute

    Metal Research Paper Honored by American Iron and Steel Institute

    A team of researchers from a handful of DOE national labs—including PNNL—and industry recently received a prestigious award from the American Iron and Steel Institute.

Core Research Areas

We are organized into core research areas that align with customers' mission needs.

Energy and Environment

Core Research Areas

Resources

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