DOE National Labs sign Memorandum of Understanding for joint research

Two U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) National Laboratories signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) Tuesday in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to pursue joint research on various topics.

Representatives of Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) at NETL’s Pittsburgh site signed the MOU. ORNL Director Thomas Zacharia, Acting NETL Director Sean Plasynski, DOE Assistant Secretary for Fossil Energy Steve Winberg, and other lab employees attended the signing event.

“Both laboratories bring specific experience, skills, and techniques to bear on challenges related to the efficient development of fossil energy resources,” Plasynski said. “It is practical to make sure those various attributes are attuned to a progressive collaborative approach. Great positive strides will result.”

The laboratories will collaborate on research related to using coal to create products such as pitches, fibers, and nanocarbon catalysts; reducing water consumption in energy production; developing and testing materials for use in extreme environments; developing advanced electrical grids, microgrids and cybersecurity technologies for energy infrastructure; developing advanced manufacturing technologies for energy production; and executing workforce and economic development initiatives in the Appalachian region.

“The MOU signed today signals the Department’s continued commitment to enhancing the use of our coal resources,” Winberg said. “The depth and breadth of scientific knowledge across the DOE enterprise, especially at our National Labs, is what allows for this kind of innovative partnership.”