Juan Torres to lead energy systems integration at National Renewable Energy Laboratory

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) recently named Juan Torres the new Associate Laboratory Director for Energy Systems Integration, effective June 5.

In his new role at the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Golden, Colorado lab, Torres will manage NREL efforts at Energy Systems Integration Facility (ESIF) to improve the security of the U.S. electrical grid, increase the use of renewable energy resources as well as develop, and demonstrate new technologies to update the grid.

“I’m excited about returning to my home state of Colorado to tackle U.S. energy challenges at the nation’s premier advanced energy lab,” Torres said.

Torres will take over for Bryan Hannegan, who will stay until June 23 to facilitate a smooth transition.

Torres has worked at DOE’s Sandia National Laboratories for 27 years and has served as deputy to the vice president for energy and climate programs for the past year. In that position, Torres has played a key role in cybersecurity efforts, guided investments in advanced energy research and DOE’s initiative to modernize the U.S. electrical grid.

Torres earned a bachelor’s degree in electronics engineering technology from the University of Southern Colorado in Pueblo and a master’s in electrical engineering from the University of New Mexico. He has also completed additional postgraduate engineering work at Stanford University.

“Juan’s expertise encompasses many of NREL’s core program areas,” NREL Director Martin Keller said. “He will lead research teams that include renewable energy systems integration, cybersecurity, grid modernization, and energy systems security and resilience.”