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DOE OSTI2020

Editorial: Achieving Water-Energy-Food Nexus Sustainability: A Science and Data Need or a Need for Integrated Public Policy?

The benefits of addressing the water, energy, and food sectors in an integrated manner is gaining significant recognition. An integrated approach can provide improved resource use efficiencies, more coherent environmental policies, and an overall strategy for achieving sustainability in the three sectors, as outlined in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 2 (Food), 6 (Water), and 7 (Energy). Societies are concerned with ensuring food security, avoiding wars over water, and creating opportunity by ensuring access to energy. To be effective, however, this approach needs to be adopted at all levels of societies including government, private and civil society and reinforced by management and planning methods. This special issue identifies different approaches that are either being conceptualized or tested to support the Water-Energy-Food (WEF) Nexus approach. The articles contribute to answering the question, “Is achieving Water-Energy-Food (WEF) Nexus Sustainability a science and data need or an integrated public policy need?” In either case, both natural and social sciences will need to combine to support science issues or integrated policy issues. The papers explore the ways in which science, data, and policy development could help to define integrative principles and policies for the three sectors. This approach could expand beyond the water, energy, and food sectors to include health, environment, trade, commerce, and international assistance thereby providing broad support to the SDGs. Moreover, this issue demonstrates that data combined with new technologies (tools and models) can support better decision-making when adopted by governments and the sectors.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗
DOE OSTI2020

The Quantum Nature and Mass of the Neutrino. FY20 Annual Laboratory Continuation Progress Report

Over the last 100 years we have learned a much about the neutrino, but there remain interesting questions about this weakly interacting particle. In particular, at LLNL we are developing experiments to measure the mass and the quantum nature of the neutrino. The 2015 long range plan recommended tonne-scale neutrinoless double beta decay experiments as the top new project priority and this experiment will target the quantum nature of the neutrino. The LLNL team is motivated and focused on developing the best technology for this experiment which is a liquid xenon time project chamber called nEXO. On a longer time scale, LLNL is also developing technology to measure the neutrino mass with tritium decay experiments. Work on nEXO at LLNL started in 2015 with an LDRD and program development funds to develop the nEXO concept, publish sensitivity predictions, explore alternatives and risks, and to build a credible project team and this effort is on going. In addition, we received research funding from DOE-SC NP and LLNL manages pre-conceptual R&D for the nEXO collaboration a portion of which is executed at LLNL. The Project 8 effort is solely funded by LLNL LDRD, and ends this year. A second LDRD effort is focused on repurposing cyclotron radiation emission spectroscopy for eV-scale X-ray detection. This second effort, while separated from Project 8, still has scientific and technical commonalities with Project 8. The funding for this X-ray detection effort will continue for one more year. LLNL has a long history of building large projects, science projects and time projection chambers, but nEXO is in fact the first project of this scale that LLNL is prepared to lead for DOE-SC NP.We have the tools, skills, people and motivation to make nEXO a reality. The current program development dollars are used to prepare the nEXO concept for down select and CD1. These internal LLNL dollars pay for a number of things including project staff to organize the nEXO collaboration for the various reviews that lie ahead, to develop the draft plans and structure to manage the project as well as setting up an external advisory committee. The current LDRD is exploring alternatives that effect the risk profile as well as possible performance improvements. The DOE-SC NP base funding is targeted at simulation and analysis of the nEXO concept in preparation for the down select and refinement of the understanding of the detector as well as scientific effort on the large xenon test stand (LXTS) that will burn down one of the largest risks to the nEXO project. Lastly, LLNL is leading the pre-conceptual R&D effort and managing the funds for the nEXO collaboration. The results of this effort are reported elsewhere, but the scope of this executed at LLNL will be reported here and is primarily the engineering and construction of the LXTS experiment. The primary technical contribution of LLNL to the Project 8 concept is the formation and study of atomic tritium. Atomic tritium is necessary for Project 8 to reach the ultimate sensitivity. LLNL has considerable experience with tritium and is well suited for this crucial work. Although the focus of this work is strictly fundamental science, there has already been one significant spinoff to develop a new means to measure radio xenon in the air

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Current and Future Technological Issues Challenges for Nuclear Graphite Components

Historical and current data requirements for component qualification, as-manufactured graphite material properties, Irradiated & degraded material issues, code rules – Construction & Operation, status of current ASME code rules, progress in design rules, degradation, construction vs. operation, what should we be planning, and new technical areas getting started.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
DOE OSTI2022

Alternative Ratemaking in the US: A Prerequisite for Grid Modernization or an Unwarranted Shift of Risk to Customers?

With increasing frequency, investor-owned electric utilities are requesting preferred cost recovery for "grid modernization" in multiple forms, from multi-year rate plans to riders. Utilities' claims that massive grid investment is necessary, and that exceptional investment requires exceptional cost recovery, are typically accepted by policymakers with little challenge. It is difficult for policymakers to resist the siren call of grid modernization's perceived outcomes, from improved reliability and resilience to reduced risks to safety and new customer technology adoption (electric vehicles, distributed energy resources, and more). This paper provides a contrarian viewpoint that is virtually absent as policymakers consider alternative ratemaking practices. It introduces the possibility that excess grid investment in the name of modernization is not only possible, and economically harmful, but has already occurred, encouraged by alternative ratemaking. It provides examples of common grid modernization expenditures the authors have identified as cost-ineffective in the course of their work. It also describes traditional grid planning practices with proven ability to address changing requirements over time, calling into question the need for exceptional grid modernization investment plans. Most important, the paper explains the moral hazard inherent in alternative ratemaking, and the fundamental shift in ratemaking risks and responsibilities from utilities to customers that results. The perspectives this paper presents are critical for policymakers to understand before adopting, extending, or expanding alternative ratemaking practices in their respective jurisdictions.

ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY,POWER TRANSMI↗
DOE OSTI2020

Special issue on the 24th workshop on MHD stability control

We report the 24th workshop on magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) stability control was held on the Columbia University campus 28–30th October, 2019. The purpose of this annual workshop is to discuss cutting edge results and form future plans for active control of MHD instabilities in magnetic confinement fusion reactor concepts. The program was organized by an international committee of representatives from Auburn University (USA), Columbia University (USA), Massachusetts Institute of Technology (USA), Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (USA), Princeton University (USA), Tottori University (Japan), Kyoto Institute of Technology (Japan), National Institute of Radiological Sciences (Japan), National Institute for Fusion Science (Japan), Institutes of Physical Science—Chinese Academy of Sciences (People's Republic of China), and Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (Italian Republic). Dr Gerald Navratil and Columbia University, in particular, were responsible for organizing and hosting the meeting on their beautiful Morningside Heights campus.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2021

Household Transportation Energy Affordability by Region and Socioeconomic Factors

Transportation fuel is an important component of household budgets, as 3.3% of total household expenditures are for vehicle fuel nationwide and over 50% of annual household expenditures on energy are for transportation. These average values vary geographically, and higher energy cost burdens are faced by households with lower incomes. Defining transportation energy affordability burden as the percentage of annual household income spent on vehicle fuel, this study aims to quantify affordability as a function of household characteristics and geography. Here, through analysis at the census tract level, this study (i) projects annual household vehicle miles traveled (VMT) based on demographic factors using machine-learning techniques, (ii) estimates local differences in vehicle fuel economy and fuel price, and (iii) quantifies resulting transportation energy affordability by census tract. This study found that the average burden by tract varies from 0.15% to 8%. The variation in affordability can be largely explained by income level and vehicle fuel efficiency. Suburban and rural households spend more on transportation energy compared with urban households because of the usage of less fuel-efficient vehicle technologies and higher annual VMT. Lower-income groups have a wide distribution of the percentage of income spent on transportation energy, 1.2% to 8%, whereas the range for the highest income group ($125,000+) is from 0.15% to 3.9%. This detailed transportation energy affordability analysis provides a better understanding of regional variations in household travel behavior, helps to determine where fuel-efficient vehicle technologies are more likely to be used, and improves estimates of vehicle ownership costs.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗
DOE OSTI2020

Sandia Labs Academic Alliance 2019 Collaboration Report

Sandia's Academic Alliance (SAA) program takes a deliberate approach to building partnerships with universities that combine strengths in key academic disciplines, contain sizable portfolios of relevant research capabilities, and demonstrate a strong institutional commitment to national security. The SAA Program aims to solve significant problems that Sandia could not address alone, sustain and enrich Sandia's talent pipeline, and accelerate the commercialization and adoption of new technologies.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗
DOE OSTI2021

Economic Impact of Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) on the State of Washington in Fiscal Year 2020

The FY 2020 Economic Impact Report details several of PNNL’s economic indicators, including PNNL’s total economic output, annual spending, jobs, number of employees, purchased goods and services, companies with roots in PNNL, STEM support and corporate charitable contributions. It also explains the economic impact of PNNL operations on the state of Washington—all within the context of PNNL’s response to the COVID pandemic and the effect of COVID-19 on PNNL’s economic impact within the state and local community during FY 2020. The results are impressive. Our response to COVID allowed for the majority of our staff to transition to telework, stay productive, avoid furloughs, and even hire new staff. COVID had minimal impact on our ability to positively effect economic impact in the state and community. Additionally, we directly and indirectly supported more than $1.59B through PNNL payroll and domestic purchased goods and services, and we generated 7,580 jobs in Washington State. PNNL’s annual spending was more than $1.1B. Battelle and PNNL contributions to philanthropic and civic organizations totaled $1.08M, many of which are outlined within the report. This information is intended to answer questions we often get from stakeholders who believe in the power of science and technology institutions to help sustain vibrant, educated communities in our state.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗
DOE OSTI2023

Electrochemical Reduction of Flue Gas Carbon Dioxide to Commercially Viable C2-C4 Products (Final Report)

This is the final scientific/technical report for a DOE project focused on the electrochemical conversion of CO 2 in non-aqueous solvents to novel products. Electrochemical reduction of CO 2 provides an attractive route to produce valuable fuels and chemicals that can simultaneously lower greenhouse gas emissions when powered by renewable electricity. While recent technological advances have shown the feasibility of industrial CO 2 electroreduction, many challenges remain to improve this technology and expand the list of economically viable products. The vast majority of electrochemical CO 2 reduction research has been conducted in aqueous media under neutral to alkaline conditions, leading to commonly reported products including carbon monoxide, formic acid, methane, methanol, ethylene, acetic acid, and ethanol. In comparison, non-aqueous media for CO 2 reduction has been underexplored but represents a possible avenue to yield new products and improved operating conditions. The aim of the project was to convert waste CO 2 in the form of flue gas to a multicarbon C2 - C4 chemical product in a reactor designed to achieve economically competitive values of current density and selectivity. The project strived to advance the technology readiness of an electrochemical CO 2 reduction process in alcohol solvents from the proof-of-concept stage to a device capable of meeting performance metrics for commercial viability. In the initial plan, the University of Louisville researchers were to focus on investigating the electrochemical process and improving the faradaic efficiency for novel C2 – C4 species, while also working on a parallel effort to build a practical electrolysis reactor to markedly increase the CO 2 reduction current density. The reactor development effort also aimed to engineer a dual-electrolyte feed strategy with non-aqueous catholyte and aqueous anolyte to promote water oxidation as the coupling anodic half-reaction to enable a sustainable and economical overall process. At the outset, the University of North Dakota was to investigate the feasibility of operating directly from coal-derived flue gas without separate capture and purification. The research team sought to determine impurity effects and test mitigation strategies, as well as engineer the gaseous feed system for high reactor tolerance to lower CO 2 concentration. In the last half year of the project, the focus was planned to shift to integrating the advances in the catalysis, electrochemical conditions, reactor design, and flue gas compatibility into a fully functional device and improve it for maximum current density and faradaic efficiency for C2 – C4 species. Knowledge of the full system components, constraints, and maximum performance was then to be used as the basis for a thorough technoeconomic analysis (TEA) and life cycle analysis (LCA) at the end of the project.

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT↗
DOE OSTI2024

Industrial Energy Storage Review

As the United States moves to net-zero carbon emission by 2050, a transition to renewable energy generation is required. However, the variable nature of renewable energy generation at high penetrations can cause imbalances in generation and transmission of electricity. These imbalances can be circumvented by the deployment of energy storage. Global industrial energy storage is projected to grow 2.6 times in the coming decades, from just over 60 GWh to 167 GWh in 2030. The challenge is to balance energy storage capabilities with the power and energy needs for particular industrial applications. Energy storage technologies can be classified by the form of the stored energy. The most common forms include thermal, chemical, electrochemical, and mechanical storage technologies. The most appropriate storage technology will depend on the unique energy needs of the industrial application. The purpose of this report is to provide a review of energy storage technologies relevant to the U.S. industrial sector, highlighting the applications in industry that will benefit from increased integration of energy storage, as well as the respective challenges and opportunities unique to integrating different storage technologies.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2026

MEP Core Tools

This slide deck provides an update on the progress of the project titled "MEP Core Tools" funded by the Energy Efficient Mobility Systems program in the Vehicle Technologies Office at the Department of Energy.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗
DOE OSTI2022

Superconducting magnets and technologies for future colliders

The implications of accelerator magnet R&D towards future colliders are reviewed and discussed. It starts with a brief overview of the present and future accelerator facilities which rely on the significant advances and innovations in key technologies. Then advances and needs for present key projects and studies are expanded on specific examples. This provides the lead to discuss the recent progress in accelerator magnet R&D and the future plans. We conclude with a summary of our view of the major development drivers and future perspectives.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2023

Review of the 1st EUV Light Sources Code Comparison Workshop

We review the results of the 1 st Extreme Ultraviolet (EUV) Light Sources Code Comparison Workshop. The goal of this workshop was to provide a platform for specialists in EUV light source plasma modeling to benchmark and validate their numerical codes using well-defined case studies. Detailed consideration of a plethora of atomic collisional and radiative processes is required for modeling EUV light source plasmas. Eight institutions spanning four countries contributed data to the workshop. Two topics were addressed, namely (i) the atomic kinetics and radiative properties of tin plasmas under EUV-generating conditions and (ii) laser absorption in a fully ionized, one-dimensional hydrogen plasma. In this paper, we summarize the key findings of the workshop and outline plans for future iterations of the code comparison activity.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2024

Energy I-Corps Annual Report 2023

The U.S. Department of Energy Office of Technology Transitions is pleased to provide an update on the Energy I-Corps program. Now in its eighth year, Energy I-Corps delivers workforce development training and funding support to accelerate clean energy technology commercialization. As of November 2023, 215 teams from 12 National Labs have participated in Energy I-Corps over the course of 17 cohorts and the pilot. More than 20 teams have launched new businesses based on their Energy I-Corps technology. Post Energy I-Corps, technologies have attracted more than $177 million in post-program funding and executed 78 licenses.

commercialization↗
DOE OSTI2022

Influence of Hybridization on the Capacity Value of PV and Battery Resources

Utility-scale systems that combine solar photovoltaic and battery (PV+battery) technologies are growing in popularity on the U.S. bulk power system. The business case for PV+battery systems depends on both their ability to reduce costs and their ability to generate value synergies associated with the provision of energy, capacity, and ancillary services. Capacity value can constitute a significant portion of the value PV+battery hybrids provide to the grid (e.g., through avoided or deferred capacity) and receive through revenues. Throughout this report, we define capacity value as the monetary value of a plant's contribution towards the planning reserve margin, which ultimately depends on market rules and structures. PV+battery hybrids do not always fit into current market structures because of the interactions between the PV and battery components. Unique considerations for the capacity value of PV+battery hybrids include the disparate nature of participation models for PV and battery technologies in existing market rules and the potential influence of a shared interconnection capacity; limitations imposed by a shared inverter; limited ability to charge the battery in advance of capacity events if charging must be sourced from the coupled PV; and challenges or uncertainties associated with co-optimizing the operations of the PV and battery components. Grid operators are currently considering how market structures can be modified to optimally determine the capacity value provided by PV+battery systems, and the rules of how they are integrated into markets are still being written. As with any resource, poorly designed rules could increase the cost of energy and reduce system reliability, while well-designed rules could allow markets to receive the full benefits hybrid systems can offer without overcompensating them for the services they provide. Well-designed rules for PV+battery systems must consider the unique aspects listed above, while leveraging the commonalities with existing resource types. In this report, we summarize the technical capability and market rules that influence the capacity value of PV+battery systems. We further discuss the potential tradeoffs between computational complexity and accuracy for the various ways in which grid operators can credit PV+battery systems for capacity. Finally, we describe markets for capacity, survey current wholesale market rules applying to PV+battery systems, and provide a snapshot of the current regulatory landscape for PV+battery systems.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2022

Energy-Storing Cryogenic Carbon Capture™ for Utility and Industrial-scale Processes (Final Report)

This project leverages work completed under funding from previous U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) projects and other sources of funding around the Cryogenic Carbon Capture Process™ (CCC). The purpose of this project is to further develop a perturbation of the CCC process that stores energy called the Cryogenic Carbon Capture™ Energy Storing (CCC-ES) process. The successful completion of the tasks in this project has prepared the CCC-ES process for scaling and developed initial plans and a feasibility analysis for an engineering-scale or small-commercial scale system that can store at least 10 MWh of energy. The specific areas of work in this project are: (1) Develop a conceptual, site-specific integrated process flow diagram: Sustainable Energy Solutions (SES) developed a conceptual, site-specific plan including a process flow diagram for integrating CCC-ES at a specific location. The proposed system was based on a typical engineering-scale CCC system designed to capture 30-50 metric tonnes of CO 2 per day (TPD), with modifications and additional changes and equipment put in place to add the energy storage element to the system. The 30-50 TPD scale corresponds to the required 10 MWh of stored energy. This task includes updating simulation software for transient analysis. SES also coordinated with the Jim Bridger Power Plant in Point of Rocks, Wyoming to get site-specific data. Using these data, SES completed site-specific preliminary process flow diagrams, estimated capital and operating costs for the CCC-ES system, and used the upgraded software package to estimate the primary figures of merit. (2) Complete a technoeconomic analysis (TEA): SES completed a full-scale TEA of the CCC-ES system to meet specific success criteria. This TEA used process information from the host site selected above. (3) Technology and data gap assessment for the CCC-ES process: As part of the technology gap assessment, SES performed an assessment of the best alternative energy storage solutions including figures of merit and operational strengths and weaknesses. SES then compared the proposed system with a discussion of how it addresses the weaknesses of alternative systems, showing for example a cost of stored energy at less than $50/MWh and with a roundtrip efficiency of greater than 95%. This assessment includes technical and other risk analyses and technology gaps with research and development needs to commercialize the process by 2030. Finally, work includes a commercialization roadmap/development pathway outlining the major milestones to move to a commercially operating CCC-ES system. (4) Phase II pre-FEED project plan: SES completed a project plan for the Phase II pre-FEED analysis using the same host site as in the Phase I conceptual study.

03 NATURAL GAS↗
DOE OSTI2021

PV in the circular economy, a dynamic framework analyzing technology evolution and reliability impacts

Rapid, terawatt-scale deployment of photovoltaic (PV) modules is required to decarbonize the energy sector. Despite efficiency and manufacturing improvements, material demand will increase, eventually resulting in waste as deployed modules reach end of life. Circular choices for decommissioned modules could reduce waste and offset virgin materials. We present PV ICE, an open-source python framework using modern reliability data, which tracks module material flows throughout PV life cycles. We provide dynamic baselines capturing PV module and material evolution. PV ICE includes multimodal end of life, circular pathways, and manufacturing losses. We present a validation of the framework and a sensitivity analysis. Results show that manufacturing efficiencies strongly affect material demand, representing >20% of the 9 million tons of waste cumulatively expected by 2050. Reliability and circular pathways represent the best opportunities to reduce waste by 56% while maintaining installed capacity. Shorter-lived modules generate 81% more waste and reduce 2050 capacity by 6%.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2021

High Energy Physics Network Requirements Review (Final Report, July-October 2020)

Throughout 2020, ESnet and the Office of High Energy Physics (HEP) of the DOE SC organized an ESnet requirements review of HEP-supported activities. Preparation for this event included identification of key stakeholders: program and facility management, research groups, technology providers, and a number of external observers. These individuals were asked to prepare formal case study documents about their relationship to the HEP program to build a complete understanding of the current, near-term, and long-term status, expectations, and processes that will support the science going forward. A series of pre-planning meetings better prepared case study authors for this task, along with guidance on how the review would proceed in a virtual fashion.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗