New director appointed to temporarily helm National Energy Technology Laboratory

Following the retirement of its director, Grace Bochenek, the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) has appointed veteran energy research leader Sean Plasynski as acting director.

Previously, Plasynski served as executive director of NETL’s Technology Development and Integration Center. In that role, he was responsible for managing the lab’s national programs with various DOE National Laboratories, universities, and industrial partners. The focus surrounds the development of technology for coal, oil, and gas alike. Plasynski has also worked as NETL’s acting deputy director, its chief operating officer, its director of the Strategic Center of Coal, as well as other leadership positions. Overall, he has 28 years invested in federal fossil energy research.

“This Laboratory has a long history of helping to provide energy security for the people of the United States,” Plasynski said. “It is a history accentuated by bold research and solid contributions that have had long-lasting impacts. It is an honor to have the privilege of working with a roster of talented researchers and administrators who have the skills and expertise to continue moving our nation forward.”

In his new role, Plasynski will help advance NETL’s ongoing mission to discover, integrate and mature technology solutions for the U.S. energy foundation while protecting the environment, despite a focus on fossil energy. Plasynski was officially appointed by U.S. Department of Energy Assistant Secretary for Fossil Energy Steven Winberg.