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DOE OSTI2025

Fossil Energy in the Hydrogen Economy – A Carbon-Water-Energy Nexus Adaptive Evaluation Platform

This project develops tools to evaluate fossil energy within the hydrogen economy. In particular, the project seeks to explore the Carbon-Water-Energy Nexus and develop adaptive evaluation tools. The primary goal of this project was to evaluate fossil-based hydrogen production methods with an emphasis on their sustainability, particularly with respect to carbon emissions and water use. The overall technical objectives that guided this evaluation consisted of 1) technology assessment, which sought to establish a comprehensive baseline of existing and emerging technologies for the generation, transportation, storage, and end use of hydrogen derived from fossil fuels, 2) carbon footprint analysis through quantification and analysis of carbon emissions associated with these hydrogen technologies, and identification of novel strategies and technologies that can effectively mitigate the carbon footprint, 3) water intensity assessment by evaluating the water needs (water-energy nexus) associated with different fossil fuel-based hydrogen technologies and proposing strategies to reduce water use, thus ensuring sustainable resource management, and 4) review of regulatory, policy and economic trends were examined to provide an overview of the factors influencing the adoption and integration of fossil fuel-derived hydrogen technologies into current energy markets. Beyond the technical outcomes, this project contributed to 5) education and workforce development through targeted training and educational opportunities for engineering students, preparing the next generation of professionals with technical, economic, and regulatory expertise in the hydrogen economy. Ultimately, this effort was intended to train the future workforce to provide useful insights to policymakers, industry stakeholders, and the broader energy community to facilitate informed decisions and responsible development within the hydrogen economy.

08 HYDROGEN↗

DOE OSTI2026

Geological Hydrogen: From Natural Occurrences to Anthropogenic Generation – A Critical Review of Potential, Challenges and Prospects

This technical report identifies critical research directions—from lab-based reaction kinetics experiments to pilot-scale field demonstrations—that will help delineate resource potential, address containment challenges, and streamline economic viability for geologic hydrogen as a versatile, low-emission energy option, based on extensive literature review of research articles and documents addressing geologic hydrogen for its source, generation mechanisms, migration pathways, generation schemes, and potential locations in US.

08 HYDROGEN↗

DOE OSTI2026

Data for Filling the Cellulosic Bio-economy Gap by Utilizing a Wedge Approach Combined with Stakeholder Collaboration

The price gap between the market and breakeven prices of cellulosic biomass for farmers represents a significant barrier to the development of a low-carbon cellulosic bioeconomy. Using a bottom-up, agent-based modeling tool that replicates the behaviors and interactions of key stakeholders, this study analyzes the emergence of a cellulosic bioeconomy at the local scale through a wedge approach that examines an integrated portfolio of multiple policy options, including subsidies for small-scale bioproducts and environmental credits. The role of collaboration among multiple stakeholders, such as biomass producers (farmers), bio-refinery industry, government, and society, is assessed for filling the price gap. Using the Sangamon River Basin as a case study site, we evaluate the effectiveness of the wedge approach by comparing simulation results from multiple scenarios, each incorporating different combinations of bioeconomy wedges, with and without stakeholder collaboration. Results underscore that active collaboration among stakeholders acts as a catalyst enlarging the effectiveness of bioeconomy wedges. Including the carbon credits and environmental value in the policy portfolio is found to bridge the price gap through collective contributions from diverse stakeholders, where the cellulosic biofuel and bioproduct industry plays a pivotal role. Although this study is conducted at the local watershed scale, the methodology and findings offer valuable insights for market development in other watersheds and the potential scaling of local markets to regional and national levels.

Economics↗

DOE OSTI2025

Applications of visualization technology in the structural sciences

The structural sciences are undergoing a transformation driven by advancements in visualization technologies that aid researchers in understanding and communicating experimental data from complex molecular systems. New applications of integrative structural biological and biophysical approaches add a wide variety of complementary information from a broad range of scientific disciplines. These approaches extend structural biophysical methodologies to enable research by the incorporation of a variety of data streams and utilization of tools like molecular graphics, virtual reality, and machine learning. To redefine how structural data—particularly from cryo-electron microscopy and x-ray crystallography—are fed forward for scientific exploration and communication, the advances in tools for data visualization and interpretation have been critical. By bringing molecular systems into an interactive three-dimensional space, these novel technologies enhance research workflows, facilitate structure-based drug design, and create engaging educational experiences. Taken together, these visualization innovations are essential tools for advancing the field by making concepts more accessible and compelling.

Eng, Edward T. [New York Structural Biology Center↗

DOE OSTI2025

Securing Solar for the Grid (S2G) (Final Project Report) [Slides]

This is the final technical report for the SETO-funded project Securing Solar for the Grid (S2G) from FY22-24. The project scope included development and dissemination of standards' requirements, best practices, equipment testing procedures, assessment tools, as well as education and training materials for cyber defense, posture and maturity tailored to solar technologies. The outcomes for this work include: co-led the development of cybersecurity certification standard (UL2941), co-led the development of cybersecurity guide (IEEE1547.3), development of recommendations for supply chain cybersecurity, and development of cybersecurity risk profiles and recommendations for DERMS.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

DOE OSTI2025

A dual promotional effect of doping tantalum (Ta) in atomically dispersed Ru/CeO 2 catalyst toward CO 2 methanation: Enhanced associative adsorption of CO 2 and activation of H 2

Precisely controlling the product selectivity in CO 2 hydrogenation through rational catalyst design presents a promising approach to mitigate environmental and energy-related challenges, though it remains a significant scientific hurdle. Herein, the CH 4 selectivity of 0.5 wt% Ru loaded catalysts at 250 °C was effectively shifted from approximately 35 % to 100 % through the incorporation of Ta dopant into the CeO 2 support. The EXAFS spectra in conjunction with CO DRIFTS experiment indicated the presence of atomically dispersed Ru particles anchored on the Ta-doped CeO 2 surface. A higher oxidized CeO 2 surface was evidenced in the presence of Ta dopant. The presence of Ta dopant also improved the dispersion of Ru species and their interaction with the support. Most importantly, the Ru/Ta-CeO 2 catalyst exhibited a pronounced capacity for associative CO 2 -adsorption under atmospheric pressure at 50 °C. An improved H 2 activation was also observed under CO 2 hydrogenation conditions. This novel finding of the dual promotional effect of Ta carries a significant impact in the field of CO 2 capture and utilization.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

DOE OSTI2024

Center for Applied Physics and Superconducting Technologies (CAPST)

Fermi Research Alliance, LLC, as operator of Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (Fermilab) and Northwestern University (Northwestern) have a broad overlap in scientific interests and complementary state-of-the-art facilities in the area of applied physics and technology, in particular physics of superconductivity, materials science, and detector technology. The Center for Applied Physics and Superconducting Technology (CAPST) will provide a mechanism for cross-utilizing capabilities of the two institutions for advances in understanding key scientific problems of mutual interest and opening up broader educational opportunities for students and postdoctoral candidates (postdocs). Northwestern undergraduate students, graduate students and postdocs will be able to perform cutting edge science and technology research in accelerator and detector science and the physics of superconductivity at Fermilab and Northwestern under the joint direction of Fermilab researchers and Northwestern professors. Research program covers three thrusts below, with subtopics detailed in the CRADA: • Vortex dynamics in superconductors • Superconducting devices • New frontiers in microwave instrumentation/techniques.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

DOE OSTI2024

Energy Technology Commercialization and Entrepreneurship: Insights From the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Technology Transitions 2024 Energy Technology University Prize Faculty Track

The Energy Technology University Prize (EnergyTech UP) was established in 2022 with the goal of challenging student teams to develop impactful business plans for energy technologies of their choosing. EnergyTech UP is part of the The American Made Challenges program portfolio, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy. EnergyTech UP is specifically funded by the Department of Energy's Office of Technology Transfer (OTT) and is administrated by staff at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). Since its inception, the annual prize has attracted applications from approximately 1,948 students across nearly every U.S. state and territory, awarding over $1 million in funds to student teams. In 2024, the prize expanded to include a Faculty Track, which invited faculty members from degree-granting institutions across the U.S. to design entrepreneurship-based curricula or educational activities. This new track aims to foster innovation in energy entrepreneurship education by leveraging the expertise of faculty to create robust, practical, and inclusive learning experiences. This report summarizes the themes, strategies and impacts identified in proposals from EnergyTech UP's inaugural Faculty Track. Our primary data for organizing insights are the Faculty Track applications themselves. This evaluation of 2024 EnergyTech UP Faculty Track applications aims to support future EnergyTech UP Faculty Track applicants as well as others who are interested in promoting, developing, and/or implementing educational activities that focus on energy commercialization and entrepreneurship at their institutions. By presenting insights from 2024 entries to the Faculty Track, we hope to contribute to a growing inventory of open-source curriculum development resources and provide materials to facilitate the growth of similar programs at a variety of collegiate institutions.

adoption readiness level↗

DOE OSTI2026

Recent progress in atomic-scale controlled plasma processing

Atomic-scale control in plasma processing is becoming increasingly critical for fabricating of advanced semiconductor devices, particularly as the industry shifts toward three-dimensional (3D) architectures and high-aspect-ratio (HAR) structures. This review presents a comprehensive overview of recent developments in atomic-scale controlled plasma processes, organized along two key directions: the hierarchical structure of plasma–surface interactions and the generational evolution of atomic layer processing (ALP) technologies. We examined the gas phase, where molecular design enables selective generation of ions and radicals; the boundary layer, where transport phenomena govern species delivery into nanoscale features, and the surface, where temperature-dependent reactions and cyclic processing determine etching selectivity and precision. Building on this foundation, we outline five generations of ALP—from thermal atomic layer deposition to transport-aware, temporally and structurally decoupled processes—highlighting the increasing sophistication of process control. The review further explores the transition from empirical recipe development to science-based, data-driven methodologies. By integrating quantum-chemical modeling, advanced diagnostics, and machine learning, we demonstrated how predictive models can link plasma species composition to process outcomes, enabling autonomous and adaptive control strategies. Finally, this review discusses the broader societal implications of plasma process innovation through the E4 quartet: energy and resource efficiency, environmental sustainability, evolutionary advancement, and educational promotion. These principles guide the development of sustainable and intelligent atomic-scale manufacturing technologies that are not only technically advanced but also socially responsible.

Ishikawa, Kenji [Nagoya Univ. (Japan)] (ORCID:0000↗

DOE OSTI2025

CIE Curriculum Guide (V.2.0)

The Cyber-Informed Engineering (CIE) Curriculum Guide offers a comprehensive framework, guidance, and resources for integrating CIE into university-level engineering programs and related educational activities. The primary goal is to help educators adopt CIE principles into their teaching to produce future engineers and technicians who understand digital risks in modern engineered systems, thereby addressing the nation’s infrastructure resilience needs. This guide outlines practical integration examples, links to resources to accelerate CIE adoption, and shares insights from partner academic institutions on various implementation strategies. CIE is a framework for embedding engineered controls that mitigate the impact of cyber-attacks in any cyber-physical system used in critical energy infrastructure and other sectors. Developed by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response (CESER), the National Cyber-Informed Engineering Strategy emphasizes embedding CIE into formal education, training, and credentialing. This guide supports this strategic objective by providing examples of integrating CIE concepts into engineering curricula, from class activities to new courses and certificate programs. The importance of educating cyber-informed engineers is underscored by the evolving cybersecurity threats facing engineered systems. As industrial control systems (ICS) increasingly incorporate digital technologies, the responsibility for security extends to both cyber professionals and engineers. CIE addresses critical gaps in designing and protecting physical systems with digital components against cyber risks, ensuring engineers consider digital risk throughout the engineering design lifecycle. Currently, engineering education does not routinely include cyber-informed principles, highlighting a gap in addressing modern engineering system risks. This guide advocates for updating engineering curricula to include digital risk management as a fundamental element. By doing so, future engineers will be equipped to design resilient systems that mitigate digital risks from the outset. Through this guide, engineering faculty can integrate CIE into their curricula, bridging the gap between digital risk and engineering. This approach prepares a cyber-informed workforce capable of safeguarding the cyber-physical systems crucial to national security and public welfare. By embedding CIE into education and training, institutions can produce engineers and technicians who can effectively mitigate cyber impacts throughout the engineering design lifecycle, resulting in more secure critical infrastructures.

42 - ENGINEERING↗

DOE OSTI2025

Advancements in active filler-contained polymer solid-state electrolytes for lithium-metal batteries: A concise review

Lithium-metal batteries (LMBs) usually are regarded as the pinnacle of next-generation energy storage due to the high specific capacity and low redox potential of the Li-metal anode. However, their development is hindered by safety hazards related to flammable electrolytes and uncontrolled side reactions within the battery. Both polymer and solid-state inorganic electrolytes, despite their potential, exhibit shortcomings that limit their practical applications. Active filler-containing polymer electrolytes (AFPEs) offer a promising solution by combining the benefits of both types. Enhanced by supramolecular interactions between the polymer matrix and active fillers, AFPEs demonstrate superior electrochemical performance over traditional polymer electrolytes. This review discusses the progress in active fillers and various polymer matrices, examining the factors that enhance performance, particularly ionic conductivity. It also outlines the future research directions of AFPEs, aiming to broaden the application of solid electrolytes in high-performance LMBs.

All solid-state batteries↗

DOE OSTI2025

Sustainable Triacetic Acid Lactone Production from Sugarcane by Fermentation and Crystallization

Triacetic acid lactone (TAL) has the potential to serve as a bioderived platform chemical for commercial products including sorbic acid and recyclable polydiketoenamine plastics. In this study, we leveraged BioSTEAM to design, simulate, and evaluate (via techno-economic analysis, TEA, and life cycle assessment, LCA) TAL production from sugarcane. We experimentally characterized TAL solubility, calibrated solubility models, and designed a process to separate TAL from fermentation broths by crystallization. The biorefinery could produce TAL at a minimum product selling price (MPSP) of $\$3.73$–5.86·kg –1 (5th–95th percentiles; baseline at $\$4.60$·kg –1 ) and a carbon intensity (CI) of 5.31 [2.60–8.71] kg CO 2 -eq·kg –1 , which could enable financially viable, low-CI production of sorbic acid and polydiketoenamines. To drive down costs and CI, we explored the theoretical fermentation space (titer, yield, productivity combinations), operation scheduling and capacity expansion strategies (e.g., integrated sorghum processing), and potential separation improvements (mitigating TAL loss through pH control). Advancements in key design and technological parameters could further reduce MPSP by 51% to $\$2.26$·kg –1 [$\$1.97$–2.80·kg –1 ] and CI by 43% to 3.05 [1.91–4.15] kg CO 2 -eq·kg –1 . This research highlights the ability of agile TEA-LCA to screen promising designs, navigate sustainability trade-offs, prioritize research needs, and chart quantitative roadmaps to advance bioproducts and biofuels.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

DOE OSTI2024

Energy Technology Proving Ground Program Plan

New methods of energy production and distribution are required to meet clean energy goals and demands across all U.S. energy sectors. Idaho National Laboratory’s (INL) Integrated Energy Systems (IES) initiative is enabling clean energy research, development, and demonstration (RD&D) activities. To date, IES demonstration programs have been limited by distributed infrastructure and a lack of large-scale facilities to accommodate industry-scale research of Technical Readiness Level (TRL) 6-8 technologies. The IES initiative plans to eliminate these constraints by establishing a new research complex at INL known as the Energy Technology Proving Ground (Proving Ground) to be led by the Energy and Environment Science and Technology Directorate. The Energy and Environment Science and Technology (EES&T) directorate, one of five Idaho National Laboratory (INL) RD&D organizations, focuses on clean energy technologies that anchor the industry-enabling research of the Proving Ground. The Proving Ground will combine diverse clean energy systems into lean integrated test bed of independent multiscale capabilities available to the government and commercial industries to perform research; and will enable INL’s goal of becoming a Net-Zero entity by 2031. This program encompasses existing and new research space at both the in-town Research and Education Campus (REC) and the Arco desert site (the Site). The Proving Ground will support the maturation of IES technologies from TRL 1 through 8 by providing the infrastructure and capabilities needed to sustain a continuum of RD&D from basic science to industry-scale. To establish The Proving Ground and meet INL’s net-zero goals by 2031, nine research program areas have been identified within the IES initiative that require expanded and new capital infrastructure. This program plan provides guidance for establishing the Proving Ground at the Site for plug-and-play pilot testing and proofing of integrated energy system functionality including fission and renewable energy sources for industry driven application platforms.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗

DOE OSTI2025

Energy Technology Proving Ground FY-2026 Program Plan (Rev.1)

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗

DOE OSTI2025

Multiplexing Focusing Analyzer for Efficient Stress-Strain Measurements

Statement of the problem or situation that is being addressed. Although thermal and cold neutron scattering is widely used and is critical for success in many areas of materials science and engineering, relatively low neutron fluxes severely limit applications of not only laboratory neutrons generators, but also large national neutron facilities. State-of-the-art thermal and cold neutron sources are large expensive national facilities, which serve diverse community of scientific and industrial users. The constant need to improve the instruments performance, stems from the fact that neutron methods are gaining in popularity, and becoming more and more powerful, while new neutron sources are not being constructed to keep pace with the developments and needs of the scientific community. Small research reactors at universities and National Labs, and laboratory-based neutron generators, are necessary not only for education and training, but also when samples cannot be transported to other facilities. However, the standard neutron techniques, which were developed for high-flux facilities, require much higher efficiencies to be used effectively with the low fluxes of small sources. Thus, the efficient use of neutron sources, such as with our proposed analyzer, is important for the progress and broader use of these neutron techniques. General statement of how this problem is being addressed. We propose to design and demonstrate novel diffractive optical device, which will enable very efficient residual stress neutron diffractometers. The proposed device will be a multi-foil analyzer, where each foil is constructed of focusing bent single crystals of Si. Such device will enable polychromatic residual stress neutron diffraction. At large national facilities, such as at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, these analyzers would enable very fast measurements for determining residual stress tensors, raster large samples or screen multiple samples. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits The outcome of this project would be the demonstration of commercial devices, novel neutron optical components, which could be utilized to improve the performance of existing instruments or build novel neutron scattering instruments at DOE neutron facilities and commercial laboratory neutron sources. These new devices will widen the scope of research conducted using neutrons and enable measurements not feasible at present. Summary for Members of Congress Thermal and cold neutron beams are a powerful materials science probe, which provide unique information about the structure of matter. The proposed innovations expand the reach of neutron-based investigations to new materials and industries by enabling new instrumentation capabilities, thereby greatly enhancing and expanding the role of small, laboratory-based neutron instrumentation, and improving education and training of neutron users.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

DOE OSTI2025

5G integrated edge computing platform for efficient component monitoring in coal-fired power plants

This project developed a cutting-edge 5G-integrated edge computing framework to enhance operational efficiency and reliability in coal-fired power plants through real-time component monitoring and anomaly detection. The initiative focused on leveraging distributed machine learning, federated learning, and 5G-based dynamic network slicing to support scalable, fault-tolerant monitoring environments to meet the operational requirements in industrial control systems. With a Distributed Edge Computing Service (DECS) orchestration, this project enabled federated learning at edge for condition monitoring and introduced adaptive client selection strategies to minimize communication overhead. Scalable distributed training was achieved using the Horovod framework, thus enhancing performance across edge nodes. In the realm of 5G networking, the project designed and deployed reconfigurable, QoS-aware network slicing tailored for operational technology (OT) environments, integrating software-defined networks to bolster cyber-resilience and enabling dynamic slicing for federated learning workloads. A significant milestone was the development of a virtualized ICS environment with 5G core integration—which allowed elastic and fault tolerant distributed training on real-world datasets such as NASA Bearings, Hydraulic Systems, and TEP. To broaden the impact of the project, a TRL-3 virtualized ICS testbed for research and education was designed. This project engaged several graduate and undergraduate students to conduct research on the cutting-edge technology, and it resulted in one PhD dissertation, one MS thesis, and over 14 peer-reviewed publications. With the support of this project students also participated in national cybersecurity competitions to improve their professional development skills.

20 FOSSIL-FUELED POWER PLANTS↗

DOE OSTI2025

Elucidating the impact of fiber source on polypropylene/hemp composite performance for the automotive industry

Given their high strength-to-weight ratio, there is an ever-increasing volume of plastics being used in the automotive industry as plastics aid in the charge to lightweight vehicles for improved fuel efficiency. However, these plastics are often landfilled at their end-of-life, which has given rise to the demand for sustainable materials and waste management alternatives compared to purely synthetic systems. Natural fiber composites have been explored as a viable material option to reduce the environmental impact of plastic use in automobiles while simultaneously ensuring the part performance is not sacrificed. Herein, we explored the use of hemp/polypropylene (PP) composites in which US-sourced hemp is compared to internationally sourced and industrially available hemp. There appears to be a minimal impact on the composite properties regardless of fiber sourcing, and the addition of a natural filler to the PP matrix results in up to a 367% increase in Young's modulus, 126% increase in heat deflection temperature, and comparable water uptake performance. It should be noted that the natural filler addition does increase density by up to 13% due to the higher density of natural fibers compared to the low-density PP matrix. A modified rule of mixtures calculation revealed that the composite materials produced in this study demonstrated good agreement with analytical modeling. Finally, a screening analysis was performed exploring the transportation of hemp fibers, and the results build a strong case for regionalized manufacturing of automotive parts.

Hubbard, Amber M. [Oak Ridge National Laboratory (↗

DOE OSTI2025

A Grassroots Network and Community Roadmap for Interconnected Autonomous Science Laboratories for Accelerated Discovery

Scientific discovery is being revolutionized by AI and autonomous systems, yet current autonomous laboratories remain isolated islands unable to collaborate across institutions. We present the Autonomous Interconnected Science Lab Ecosystem (AISLE), a grassroots network transforming fragmented capabilities into a unified system that shorten the path from ideation to innovation to impact and accelerates discovery from decades to months. AISLE addresses five critical dimensions: (1) cross-institutional equipment orchestration, (2) intelligent data management with FAIR compliance, (3) AI-agent driven orchestration grounded in scientific principles, (4) interoperable agent communication interfaces, and (5) AI/ML-integrated scientific education. By connecting autonomous agents across institutional boundaries, autonomous science can unlock research spaces inaccessible to traditional approaches while democratizing cutting-edge technologies. This paradigm shift toward collaborative autonomous science promises breakthroughs in sustainable energy, materials development, and public health.

Ferreira da Silva, Rafael [Oak Ridge National Labo↗