Improving Energy Storage and Grid Capabilities

We enable and accelerate the development and adoption of new advanced technologies for power generation and energy efficiency. We work closely with academic, government and industry partners to conduct foundational and applied research that provides the groundwork for the development of transformative new energy technologies in the areas of energy storage and conversion, electrical grid, advanced materials for the energy infrastructure, science of manufacturing and water-energy nexus.

Broad Challenges We Face

Transportation

The transportation sector requires new technologies to keep up with growing demand.

The Electricity Grid

The centralized power grid needs to evolve to become more stable and reliable.

Water-Energy Nexus

The energy and water sectors are interdependent and both face significant strain from weather variability and natural disasters.

Science of Manufacturing

The manufacturing sector has enormous potential to contribute to energy savings and efficiency.

Our Research

Grid Integration

Working to reliably and securely modernize the electricity grid.

Energy Storage

Developing next-generation batteries that are safe and have high energy density, a long life and low cost.

Energy Conversion

Developing, advancing, and understanding the various technologies needed to minimize use of energy and maximize use of next-generation energy feedstocks.

Laser Technologies

Using novel sensors to identify the chemical makeup of materials in real-time.

Thermal Energy

Using a nano-to-macro understanding of heat to improve energy technologies.

Applied Energy Materials

Developing energy storage materials, solar energy materials and high performance materials.

Latest News

Building a Secure, Affordable Supply of Critical Minerals: Q&A With Andrew Haddad

Oct-06-26

The United States depends on imports of critical minerals, a group of 60 materials including rare earth elements that he... Read more

Energy Technologies Area Staff Honored in 2026 Director’s Awards

Oct-06-26

Several members of the Energy Technologies Area (ETA) staff have been recognized with Director’s Awards this year at the... Read more

Recent Publications

Rodriguez-Garcia, Luis, Galen L Barbose, Sydney Forrester, Michael Blonsky, and Miguel Heleno."Estimating the impact of tariff-driven behind-the-meter storage operation on distribution grid investments."Energy Reports 16 (2026) 109531. DOI

Kang, Yoon-Hee, Eunhye Kim, Seongeun Jeong, and Soontae Kim."Distance-dependent and nonlinear PM2.5 exposure responses to precursor-specific emission controls across Northeast Asia."Environmental Impact Assessment Review 121 (2026) 108551. DOI

Bauer, Dylan H, Grace Y Lau, Xiong Peng, and Michael C Tucker."Zinc treatment to enhance nickel electrode performance for liquid alkaline water electrolyzers."International Journal of Hydrogen Energy 228 (2026) 154701. DOI