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All sources NASA NTRS DOE OSTI

DOE OSTI2026

Multidisciplinary Design, Analysis, and Optimization (MDO) for Co-Designed Transmission & Distribution Electric Grid Planning

This paper describes early experiences and example use cases applying multi-disciplinary design analysis and optimization (MDO) to the integrated design of power grids. Adapted from aerospace, MDO enables combining multiple existing tools into a coordinated optimization. Here we use MDO to simultaneously capture integrated transmission-distribution and investment-engineering trade-offs in an automated framework. Example use cases showcase prototype interactions among existing grid models using MDO and hint at the types of integrated analyses enabled by this approach. In addition, we share experiences and thoughts on grid-specific challenges and opportunities to help advance further work in this area.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

DOE OSTI2024

A Generic and Multifunctional Electromagnetic Transient Model for Grid-Following Inverters

This paper presents a generic and multifunctional electromagnetic transient (EMT) dynamic model of grid-following (GFL) inverter-based resources (IBRs) using the PSCAD software platform. The features of the model include flexibility in selecting various types and combinations of DC sources covering photovoltaic modules, battery modules, and ideal DC-source modules as well as flexibility in selecting either switching or averaged models of the inverter. This model also covers exhaustive lists of controller algorithm, including open-loop/closed-loop PQ dispatch control, DC voltage and AC terminal voltage control, and conventional current control designed in the dq-domain, the ..alpha....beta.. -domain, and the positive-/negative-sequence domain. Moreover, this model is equipped with flexibility in selecting various types of current-limiting schemes, including saturation-based and latching-based current limiters, and anti-windup protection. Also, the EMT model is agnostic to the MVA rating and is suitable for interfacing transmission systems by complying with IEEE Std. 2800. The generality in the power circuits and the multifunctional options in the operation and control of the developed EMT model make it suitable for both academia and industry to study various power system aspects, including, but not limited to, the fault behavior of GFL IBRs, the impacts on the protection system, and the transient stability of a system interfaced with large numbers of GFL IBRs.

integrated circuit modeling↗

DOE OSTI2026

OCHRE

OCHRE™ uses a variety of input data sources to run time-series simulations. Building models can be taken from the ResStock™ database or generated using the Building Energy Optimization Tool (BEopt™) or other OpenStudio-HPXML workflows. EV charging profiles can be taken from datasets used in NLR's 2030 National Charging Network project. Weather data can be taken from the National Solar Radiation Database or EnergyPlus® weather files. There are no public datasets with OCHRE outputs at this time. However, a recent project dataset on water heater and EV demand flexibility can be requested. OCHRE is a Python-based energy modeling tool designed to model flexible loads in residential buildings. OCHRE includes detailed models and controls for flexible devices including HVAC equipment, water heaters, EVs, solar PV, and batteries. It is designed to run in co-simulation with custom controllers, aggregators, and grid models.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

DOE OSTI2024

Object-Oriented Controllable High-Resolution Residential Energy (OCHRE) (TM) Model

This presentation describes the OCHRE model as part of NREL's Powered By webinar series. OCHRE is a building energy modeling tool designed to model flexible loads in residential buildings. OCHRE includes detailed models and controls for flexible devices including HVAC equipment, water heaters, electric vehicles, solar PV, and batteries. It is designed to run in co-simulation with custom controllers, aggregators, and grid models.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

DOE OSTI2024

Large-Scale Inverter Integration in Bulk Power Grids Using Heterogeneous Grid-Forming Control Strategies

The conventional generation within the grid is gradually being replaced by inverter based resources. However, the integration of inverters into realistic transmission grid models has not been thoroughly explored. To address this gap, this work develops an automation framework aimed at facilitating the integration of a large number of inverter-based resources into a large-scale grid. Two types of grid-forming controlled inverters—namely droop-controlled inverters and virtual synchronous machine-controlled inverters—are developed for use in positive-sequence simulation packages. Various penetration levels ranging from 23% to 100% of grid-forming inverters are tested in a grid setup in the US Western Interconnection. The dynamic performance of inverters under different control schemes is compared in response to various disturbances.

Lyu, Xue [BATTELLE (PACIFIC NW LAB)]↗

DOE OSTI2025

Popnet : computer vision based deep learning model for forecasting gridded population

Here, this study introduces Popnet, a deep learning model for forecasting 1 km-gridded populations, integrating U-Net, ConvLSTM, a Spatial Autocorrelation module and deep ensemble methods. Using spatial variables and population data from 2000 to 2020, Popnet predicts South Korea’s population trends by age groups (under 14, 15-64 and over 65) up to 2040. In validation, it outperforms traditional machine learning and state-of-the-art computer vision models. The output of this model discovered significant polarisation: population growth in urban areas, especially the capital region, and severe depopulation in rural areas. Popnet is a robust tool for offering significant insights to policymakers and related stakeholders about the detailed future population, which allows them to establish detailed, localised planning and resource allocations.

computer vision↗

DOE OSTI2026

Cybersecurity Workforce Training for SMR Integration into Distribution Grids: A Competency Framework and Containerized Hands-On Lab for the SMR/DER/Microgrid Boundary

Small modular reactors (SMRs) and microreactors are entering the U.S. distribution grid as synchronous generation on feeders designed for loads and inverter-based distributed energy resources (DERs). No existing cybersecurity training program addresses this intersection of nuclear operations, DER management, and operational technology security. As subcontractor to Iowa State University on the CyDERMS Center, Argonne analyzed the relevant standards and training landscape, translated the resulting gaps into a twelve-objective competency framework across distribution-operator and graduate-analyst role tracks, and built a containerized training lab using a ∼400-bus composite grid model behind a realistically simulated Modbus TCP SCADA stack. The analysis isolates the balance-of-plant / energy-management-system (BOP/EMS) boundary as the critical jurisdictional seam where, as of March 2026, neither NRC nor NERC CIP cleanly claims cybersecurity responsibility for distribution-connected SMRs. The framework maps each objective across NIST CSF 2.0, ISA/IEC 62443, NIST NICE Task–Knowledge–Skill statements, and NRC RG 5.71 awareness-and-training controls. The training lab implements operator-recognition assessment scenarios spanning grid-side disturbances and telemetry-layer anomalies.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

DOE OSTI2026

Scaled Implementation of Smart Charge Management for Electric Vehicles

Smart charge management (SCM) has become a critical strategy for mitigating potential grid impacts and reducing electricity costs for all customers. This study will evaluate the economics of implementing light-duty EV SCM at scale across the United States. This work will enhance distribution system analysis by estimating SCM implementation costs, exploring viable business cases, and developing a framework for national-level applications. The primary methodology involves leveraging detailed grid modeling from a specific service territory and using spatial extrapolation techniques to generalize findings to other regions. The analysis will develop key metrics to quantify the costs and benefits of SCM, including implementation costs relative to strategy and scale, the cost of distribution system upgrades with and without SCM, and the percentage of peak-load reduction. The objective is to produce a comprehensive report and a parameterized framework that enables utilities to self-assess the value of SCM in their own service territories. This will support the development of cost-effective charging strategies, accelerate the energization of new EV chargers, and facilitate the seamless integration of EVs into the nation's power grid.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

DOE OSTI2024

Empowering Rural Electrification in Honduras: An Integrated Assessment of PV/BESS and Productive Uses of Electricity in Gracias a Dios

Honduras faces significant challenges in its energy sector, particularly in rural areas where access to reliable and affordable electricity remains limited. The flagship rural electrification initiative for Honduras Secretary of Energy (SEN) is the Politica de Acceso Universal a la Electricidad (PAUEH - Universal Electricity Access Policy), a key solution for addressing this energy poverty is the deployment of more than 1700 distributed solar and hybrid mini-grid solutions. In late 2023 as a first step towards supporting SEN's electrification efforts, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) developed a literature review of SEN electrification policy documents and conducted a series of technical capacity-building workshops with SEN and other energy sector stakeholders in Honduras focused on using NREL's open-source REopt tool to conduct techno-economic assessments and develop least-cost optimizations for potential solar + storage mini-grid systems. Building on some initial capacity building on mini-grid modeling, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) worked with SEN to develop a detailed techno-economic assessment for electrifying two schools, a healthcare clinic, and a hospital in a hypothetical community within the department of Gracias a Dios. The analysis also evaluates the business case for cold storage productive use of energy (PUE) applications for the fisheries value chain and how the incorporation of these PUE loads potentially impacts both the viability of the PV+BESS solutions as well as local economic development. By assessing the potential for deployment of integrated PV/BESS systems to both support critical community services like education and healthcare, as well as potential for downstream enterprise and economic development, this analysis represents a first step that can help to inform specific strategies for development of pilot PV+BESS projects aligned with national priorities and sector level planning under PAUEH.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗

DOE OSTI2024

Fortalecimiento de la Electrificación Rural en Honduras: Una Evaluación Integrada de PV+BESS y Usos Productivos de la Electricidad en Gracias a Dios, Honduras [Empowering Rural Electrification in Honduras: An Integrated Assessment of PV/BESS and Productive Uses of Electricity in Gracias a Dios] (Spanish Translation)

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

DOE OSTI2025

Characterization of Gulf Stream energy resources: A 30-year high-resolution simulation study

The strength and proximity of the Gulf Stream (GS) along the U.S. coast offers opportunities for marine energy extraction. Leveraging high-resolution (up to 400 m) long-term (30-year) hindcasts based on an unstructured grid model, this study characterizes the energy potential of the GS in two viable locations: the Florida Straits (FS) and Cape Hatteras (CH). Results reveal distinct characteristics in the kinetic energy flux (KEF) and kinetic energy density (KED) for the two regions. The 30-year mean KEF at CH is 27.50 GW, surpassing the 19.74 GW estimated for the FS, which is attributed to the wider cross-section of the GS in CH. Additionally, CH exhibits higher KEF variability due to GS’s larger path shifts and meanders. Estimated KEDs at ADCP site locations reach up to 2,908 W/m 2 in the FS and 1,512 W/m 2 in the CH at a depth of 20 m. High-energy zones are closer to shore in the FS, whereas energy-rich areas at CH are located further offshore. A depth-based KED analysis shows significant decreases across typical energy extraction depths (20 to 100 m), with reductions up to 44%. Finally, this study provides high-resolution resource characterization, forming a foundation for optimized site selection and marine hydrokinetic system design.

16 TIDAL AND WAVE POWER↗

DOE OSTI2026

Hybrid Grid-Renewable Strategies for Green Steel Production under Electricity Market Uncertainty

Volatility in grid spot prices is expected to rise with climate change-driven demand pressures and the intermittency of renewable generation. This volatility poses financial risks for green hydrogen-based steel production. The Direct Reduced Iron− Electric Arc Furnace (H 2 -DRI-EAF) is a promising pathway to decarbonize steel, which accounts for ∼8% of global GHG emissions. This study assesses how increased grid spot price volatility influences the optimal sizing and operation of H2-DRIEAF plants under three operational scenarios: grid-connected, fully behind-the-meter (islanded), and mixed-mode (semi-islanded). Our analysis identifies the semi-islanded configuration as the most cost-effective solution, achieving a Levelized Cost of Steel (LCOS) 10−35% lower than sourcing energy solely from the grid. Modeling also shows hydrogen storage or selective electricity purchases at high prices (>$1000/MWh) generally outperform battery storage, except under extreme volatility. Additionally, the study explores cost reduction strategies to strengthen the economic viability and sustainability of green steel production.

Batteries↗

DOE OSTI2025

Reducing Long‐Standing Surface Ozone Overestimation in Earth System Modeling by High‐Resolution Simulation and Dry Deposition Improvement

The overestimation of surface ozone concentration in low‐resolution global atmospheric chemistry and climate models has been a long‐standing issue. We first update the ozone dry deposition scheme in both high‐ (0.25°) and low‐resolution (1°) Community Earth System Model (CESM) version 1.3 runs, by adding the effects of leaf area index and correcting the sunlit and shaded fractions of stomatal resistances. With this update, 5‐year‐long summer simulations (2015–2019) using the low‐resolution CESM still exhibit substantial ozone overestimation (by 6.0–16.2 ppbv) over the U.S., Europe, eastern China, and ozone pollution hotspots. The ozone dry deposition scheme is further improved by adjusting the leaf cuticle conductance, reducing the mean ozone bias by 19%, and increasing the model resolution further reduces the ozone overestimation by 43%. We elucidate the mechanism by which model grid spacing influences simulated ozone, revealing distinctive pathways in urban versus rural areas. In rural areas, grid spacing mainly affects daytime ozone levels, where additional NO x emissions from nearby urban areas result in an ozone boost and overestimation in low‐resolution simulations. In contrast, over urban areas, daytime ozone overestimation follows a similar mechanism due to the influence of volatile organic compounds from surrounding rural areas. However, nighttime ozone overestimation is closely linked to weakened NO titration owing to the redistribution of urban NO x to rural areas. Additionally, stratosphere‐troposphere exchange may also contribute to reducing ozone bias in high‐resolution simulations, warranting further investigation. This optimized high‐resolution CESM may enhance understanding of ozone formation mechanisms, sources, and changes in a warming climate.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

DOE OSTI2025

Fingerprints of Triaxiality in the Charge Radii of Neutron-Rich Ruthenium

We present the first measurements with a new collinear laser spectroscopy setup at the Argonne Tandem Linac Accelerator System, utilizing its unique capability to deliver neutron-rich refractory metal isotopes produced by the spontaneous fission of 252 Cf. We measured isotope shifts from optical spectra for nine radioactive ruthenium isotopes 106–114 Ru, reaching deep into the mid-shell region. The extracted charge radii are in excellent agreement with predictions from the Brussels-Skyrme-on-a-Grid models that account for the triaxial deformation of nuclear ground states. We show that triaxial deformation impacts charge radii in models that feature shell effects, in contrast to what could be concluded from a liquid drop analysis. This indicates that this exotic type of deformation should not be neglected in regions where it is known to occur, even if its presence cannot be unambiguously inferred through laser spectroscopy.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

DOE OSTI2025

Grid Reliability Statistics [SWR-25-45]

This codebase houses a suite of statistical and descriptive analyses of NERC GADS data of interest to grid modelers and planners. This repository is envisioned to house a collection of statistical and descriptive summaries of NERC GADS data, particularly summaries that on their own might be insufficient to warrant publication. In addition, it is intended to disseminate results rather than to enable reproduction as GADS is non-public.

Murphy, Sinnott [National Renewable Energy Laborat↗

DOE OSTI2026

Grid-Kitchen/grid-meta (33407-E)

A repository for extracting dehydrated metadata for distribution power grid model.

Duwadi, Kapil [Pacific Northwest National Laborato↗

DOE OSTI2025

Graph-Learning-Assisted State and Event Tracking for Solar-Penetrated Power Grids with Heterogeneous Data Sources

Unlike transmission systems, distribution systems do not typically contain sufficient metering to enable real-time state estimation. The lack of sufficient real-time measurements prohibits accurate and timely monitoring of the state of distribution systems. As a result, control and optimal operation of distribution systems, especially those containing large numbers of renewable generation units are not possible without proper data and information about the current state of the system. The main motivation of this project is to address this shortcoming by developing an approach which provides “predicted” real-time measurements so that they can be used to execute a distribution system state estimator. Thus, the objective of the project is to make the distribution systems fully observable, such that the hosting capacity for solar generation can be accurately estimated, and unnecessary solar curtailments can be avoided. In order to accomplish this goal, the project investigated the use of a grid-model-informed machine learning (ML) tool which integrates heterogeneous data streams obtained from AMI meters, SCADA as well as PMU measurements and created synchronous measurement snapshots for the state estimator (SE); and developed a hybrid robust SE which provides not only accurate state estimates but also real-time feedback for the ML model refinement.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

DOE OSTI2026

Data Center Market Report

The data center market is poised to explode in the coming decade due to undeniable drivers such as continued adoption of generative AI, increased data storage needs, and enterprise integration of AI in numerous industries [1] [2] [3]. Scalable power and increased computational capacity are at the forefront of considerations for hyperscalers, the major cloud service providers in this space. Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory is uniquely poised to help with informed decision making for data center market leaders during this phase of explosive expansion. National grid modeling expertise and cutting edge innovations in computer cooling systems place LLNL in an enviable position for creating economic impact in the data center industry by leveraging its expertise in these areas which can help the data center market keep up with growing demand.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗