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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 19 records
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2026

Barriers and Opportunities for Energy Technology Adoption in Juneau, Alaska

This report presents findings from a qualitative study examining barriers and opportunities for air source heat pump (ASHP) and electric vehicle (EV) adoption in Juneau, Alaska, with a particular focus on manufactured and multifamily housing. The analysis draws on community insights from end users and middle actors to better understand how technology adoption unfolds in contexts with distinct logistical, infrastructural, and housing constraints. The report is organized according to key barriers and opportunities identified through stakeholder input, providing a structured understanding of adoption dynamics across technologies and housing types. These insights are intended to inform program design and support more effective electrification strategies tailored to local conditions. The study team employed qualitative methods to capture both in-depth and high-level perspectives on technology adoption. Data collection included: 1) two 2-hour focus groups with a total of five end users and seven middle actors, enabling detailed and structured discussion and 2) ten semistructured interviews with manufactured home owners, multifamily landlords, and one tenant, providing complementary insights across housing contexts. Focus groups captured accounts of shared challenges and opportunities while interviews offered more concise reflections on individual experiences. Together, these methods enabled a more comprehensive understanding of both systemic barriers and lived experiences with ASHPs and EVs. The findings reveal that adoption of electrification technologies is shaped by a combination of economic, logistical, and informational factors that vary across housing types, technology characteristics, user groups, and other demographic factors. Addressing these factors requires tailored strategies that reflect local conditions and user experiences. The insights in this report can provide a foundation for organizations such as AEL&P to refine program design, support more effective outreach, and anticipate shifts in energy demand associated with increased electrification. More broadly, the study highlights the importance of incorporating community perspectives when developing electrification initiatives to ensure they are both practical and responsive to real-world constraints.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2026

Understanding Advanced Vehicle Technology Adoption Potential in Commercial Fleets Across Major Trucking Sectors

Adopting advanced vehicle technologies, such as battery-electric, hybrid, and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, can be an effective strategy for reducing fleet owners' operating costs. However, different trucking sectors, such as private and for-hire carriers and short- or long-haul operations, may face unique challenges in adopting those vehicle technologies due to their own operational needs and budget constraints. Current studies on fleet-wide vehicle technology projections frequently overlook such sectoral differences and fail to capture variation in adoption potential across sectors. This study addresses this gap by analyzing the disparities in the total cost of ownership (TCO) and payback period (PBP) among a large and heterogeneous sample of fleet owners. It aims to understand the sectoral differences in the long-term potential for adopting advanced vehicle technologies. Utilizing the 2021 US Vehicle Inventory and Use Survey (US VIUS), which offers data on various commercial vehicle sectors, their operational patterns, and current vehicle assets, this research estimates the TCO and PBP for individual trucks over multiple future years. The results reveal variation in the cost-effectiveness of different vehicle technologies across trucking sectors, as well as the potential technology landscape in both the short and long term. The findings from this study can inform policymakers and practitioners on how to prioritize sectors with lower barriers for advanced vehicle technology adoption and support industries that face challenges in switching to advanced vehicles.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2018

Electric Technology Adoption and Energy Consumption

Scenario data from the Electrification Futures Study Scenarios of Electric Technology Adoption and Power Consumption for the United States report. Annual projections from 2017 to 2050 of electric technology adoption and energy consumption for five scenarios reference electrification medium electrification high electrification electrification potential and low electricity growth. Each scenario assumes moderate technology advancement as described by Jadun et al. 2017 https//www.nrel.gov/docs/fy18osti/70485.pdf.

2017-2050↗
DOE OSTI2018

Electrification Futures Study: Scenarios of Electric Technology Adoption and Power Consumption for the United States

This report is the second in a series of Electrification Futures Study (EFS) publications, a multi-year research project to explore widespread electrification in the future energy system of the United States. The report presents scenarios of electric end-use technology adoption and resulting electricity consumption in the United States. The scenarios are used to characterize changes to end-use sectors under futures with increased electrification and to quantify how those changes might impact the amount and shape of electricity consumption. These scenarios were developed primarily using expert judgment and an energy system accounting framework. Of course, technology adoption will ultimately depend on a set of complex considerations that are not fully assessed using our methodology, but which are discussed extensively throughout the report. These interacting factors include technology and fuel cost trade-offs, infrastructure needs, environmental policies, and consumer preference. Within each of these factors are barriers that might challenge increased electrification - such as higher upfront costs or unfamiliarity with new electric technologies - but also opportunities that could yield greater adoption - such as increased productivity or expanded value streams enabled by electric and/or grid-connected technologies. Understanding and quantifying these factors are needed to both evaluate the implications of a potential increased electrification future and to influence the degree of future electrification. Overall, the report represents an initial step to inform researchers and decision-makers with data and context to plan for a potential future in which electricity powers an expanded share of the U.S. energy economy.This report is the second in a series of Electrification Futures Study (EFS) publications, a multi-year research project to explore widespread electrification in the future energy system of the United States. The report presents scenarios of electric end-use technology adoption in all major sectors - transportation, commercial and residential buildings, and industry - and resulting electricity consumption in the United States. The scenarios are used to characterize changes to end-use sectors under futures with increased electrification and to quantify how those changes might impact the amount and shape of electricity consumption. These scenarios were developed primarily using expert judgment and an energy system accounting framework. Of course, technology adoption will ultimately depend on a set of complex considerations that are not fully assessed using our methodology, but which are discussed extensively throughout the report. These interacting factors include technology and fuel cost trade-offs, infrastructure needs, environmental policies, and consumer preference. Within each of these factors are barriers that might challenge increased electrification - such as higher upfront costs or unfamiliarity with new electric technologies - but also opportunities that could yield greater adoption, such as increased productivity or expanded value streams enabled by electric and grid-connected technologies. Understanding and quantifying these factors are needed to both evaluate the implications of a potential increased electrification future and to influence the degree of future electrification. Overall, the report represents an initial step to inform researchers and decision-makers with data and context to plan for a potential future in which electricity powers an expanded share of the U.S. energy economy.

2050↗
DOE OSTI2018

Easy and Enticing: How a Collaborative Approach to Emerging Technology Adoption in the Commercial Building Sector Has Made Its Mark

In 2012, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), in collaboration with interested partners (e.g., applicable trade groups), initiated a novel market transformation approach, technology adoption campaigns, to speed the adoption of new technologies that save energy and money in buildings—first with lighting and later with other building technologies. This approach couples technical performance evaluation, guidance, data tracking and technical assistance with recognition for exemplary performance and best practices. Campaigns can be designed around emerging technologies that have significant, cost-effective national energy savings potential and where there is strong public- and private-sector interest in sharing performance criteria and outcomes. Participants in the campaigns share project data with the national laboratories and DOE, benefit from technical support and assistance from objective experts, and highly value recognition for their accomplishments. DOE and its campaign partners benefit from accelerated adoption of new energy-saving technologies and engagement with manufacturers and end users that allows for data collection and insights into technology research needs. This paper documents the success, challenges, lessons learned, and energy and cost savings of lighting campaigns, and in many cases compares these findings with other campaign efforts. This paper also presents recommendations for how other programs of various sizes can employ this model.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2018

Easy and Enticing: How a Collaborative Approach to Emerging Technology Adoption in the Commercial Building Sector Has Made its Mark

In 2012, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), in collaboration with interested partners (e.g., applicable trade groups), initiated a novel market transformation approach, technology adoption campaigns, to speed the adoption of new technologies that save energy and money in buildings - first with lighting and later with other building technologies. This approach couples technical performance evaluation, guidance, data tracking and technical assistance with recognition for exemplary performance and best practices. Campaigns can be designed around emerging technologies that have significant, cost-effective national energy savings potential and where there is strong public- and private-sector interest in sharing performance criteria and outcomes. Participants in the campaigns share project data with the national laboratories and DOE, benefit from technical support and assistance from objective experts, and highly value recognition for their accomplishments. DOE and its campaign partners benefit from accelerated adoption of new energy-saving technologies and engagement with manufacturers and end users that allows for data collection and insights into technology research needs. This paper documents the success, challenges, lessons learned, and energy and cost savings of lighting campaigns, and in many cases compares these findings with other campaign efforts. This paper also presents recommendations for how other programs of various sizes can employ this model.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2018

Easy and Enticing: How a Collaborative Approach to Emerging Technology Adoption in the Commercial Building Sector Has Made Its Mark

In 2012, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), in collaboration with interested partners (e.g., applicable trade groups), initiated a novel market transformation approach, technology adoption campaigns, to speed the adoption of new technologies that save energy and money in buildings—first with lighting and later with other building technologies. This approach couples technical performance evaluation, guidance, data tracking and technical assistance with recognition for exemplary performance and best practices. Campaigns can be designed around emerging technologies that have significant, cost-effective national energy savings potential and where there is strong public- and private-sector interest in sharing performance criteria and outcomes. Participants in the campaigns share project data with the national laboratories and DOE, benefit from technical support and assistance from objective experts, and highly value recognition for their accomplishments. DOE and its campaign partners benefit from accelerated adoption of new energy-saving technologies and engagement with manufacturers and end users that allows for data collection and insights into technology research needs. This paper documents the success, challenges, lessons learned, and energy and cost savings of lighting campaigns, and in many cases compares these findings with other campaign efforts. This paper also presents recommendations for how other programs of various sizes can employ this model.

Myer, Michael↗
DOE OSTI2017

Tailoring of cyber security technology adoption practices for operational adoption in complex organizations

As concerns with cyber security and network protection increase, there is a greater need for organizations to deploy state-of-the-art technology to keep their cyber information safe. However, foolproof cyber security and network protection are a difficult feat since a security breach can be caused simply by a single employee who unknowingly succumbs to a cyber threat. It is critical for an organization’s workforce to holistically adopt cyber technologies that enable enhanced protection, help ward off cyber threats, and are efficient at encouraging human behavior towards safer cyber practices. It is also crucial for the workforce, once they have adopted cyber technologies, to remain consistent and thoughtful in their use of these technologies to keep resistance strong against cyber threats and vulnerabilities. Adoption of cyber technology can be difficult. Many organizations struggle with their workforce adopting newly-introduced cyber technologies, even when the technologies themselves have proven to be worthy solutions. Research, especially in the domain of cognitive science and the human dimension, has sought to understand how technology adoption works and can be leveraged. This paper reviews what empirical literature has found regarding cyber technology adoption, the current research gaps, and how non-research based efforts can influence adoption. Focusing on current efforts accomplished by a government-sponsored activity entitled “ACT” (Adoption of Cybersecurity Technologies), the aim of this paper is to empirically study cyber technology adoption to better understand how to influence operational adoption across the government-sector as well as how what can be done to develop a model that enables cyber technology adoption.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
DOE OSTI2020

Identifying institutional barriers and policy implications for sustainable energy technology adoption among large organizations in California

Large organizations wield considerable market power, their procurement activities can be leveraged to achieve social, economic and environmental goals by ‘pulling’ more desirable products into the market. However, while there is substantial research in individual consumer buying behavior and market barriers to sustainable technology adoption, less is known about large organizational buying behavior and the impact of institutional barriers in this area. To address these research gaps, in this work we conducted an exploratory study aimed at better understanding the process through which large organizations purchase sustainable energy technologies and what internal barriers they experience during that process. Additionally, we surveyed and interviewed 120 individuals involved in procurement from Californian organizations representing both public and private sectors. Survey results indicate the need to resolve the conflict between prioritizing lowest first cost and lowest life cycle cost, better engage multiple stakeholders involved in internal decision-making around purchasing, and improve existing procurement tools or offer new ones. We provide recommendations for how policymakers can apply our findings to increase the adoption of sustainable energy technologies in their own organizations and communities.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗
DOE OSTI2026

Evaluating Technology Adoption Risks in Early-Stage Materials Research

Development of new technologies often begins with fundamental materials science research. Decisions at this stage can shape factors related to the eventual adoption readiness of the technology, such as process scalability or materials availability. Here we present the early-Stage Technology Evaluation for Adoption Risks (STEAR) framework as a method for qualitatively assessing metrics spanning four categories of adoption risks: value proposition, market acceptance, resource maturity, and license to operate. We conduct a case study applying STEAR to different methanol production processes at a range of technology readiness levels and demonstrate how the assessment identifies key challenges related to adoption readiness. Finally, we discuss efforts to expand the applicability and utility of STEAR, including focus group feedback and complementary quantitative analysis methods.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS2000

Estimating The Rate of Technology Adoption for Cockpit Weather Information Systems

In February 1997, President Clinton announced a national goal to reduce the weather related fatal accident rate for aviation by 80% in ten years. To support that goal, NASA established an Aviation Weather Information Distribution and Presentation Project to develop technologies that will provide timely and intuitive information to pilots, dispatchers, and air traffic controllers. This information should enable the detection and avoidance of atmospheric hazards and support an improvement in the fatal accident rate related to weather. A critical issue in the success of NASA's weather information program is the rate at which the market place will adopt this new weather information technology. This paper examines that question by developing estimated adoption curves for weather information systems in five critical aviation segments: commercial, commuter, business, general aviation, and rotorcraft. The paper begins with development of general product descriptions. Using this data, key adopters are surveyed and estimates of adoption rates are obtained. These estimates are regressed to develop adoption curves and equations for weather related information systems. The paper demonstrates the use of adoption rate curves in product development and research planning to improve managerial decision processes and resource allocation.

Kauffmann, Paul↗
DOE OSTI2021

Climate change deniers, hippies, and preppers. Oh my!: Unpacking engineering student perceptions of renewable energy technology adoption in the United States

Engineers play a key role in the formation, operation, and maintenance of large socio-technical systems. Enmeshed in these practices of engineering are shared perceptions and visions of how society should be ordered, and what role of engineers should play. These value systems and how they shape the perception of who and where alternative energy belongs will shape who does or does not have the opportunity to participate in these alternative visions of energy. Drawing on engineering studies and dialectology research this study examines how a group of engineering students engaged in learning about renewable energy systems perceive the kinds of people in the United States who would or would not adopt alternative energy. Rather than see adoption/non-adoption as a purely “technical” matter, students brought their own perceptions of regional, social, and political differences to characterize the potential acceptability of each technology. Certain regions of the United States, despite their technical potential based on government and industry sources, are cast as too culturally backward and resistant to change to embrace new energy sources. In conclusion, these insights elucidate the importance of 'engineers' value systems as they continue to play a significant role in shaping the development of alternative energy technologies and markets.

Adoption↗
DOE OSTI2017

Developing Use Cases for Evaluation of ADMS Applications to Accelerate Technology Adoption: Preprint

Grid modernization for the distribution systems comprise of the ability to effectively monitor and manage unplanned events while ensuring reliable operations. Integration of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) and proliferation of autonomous smart controllers like microgrids and smart inverters in the distribution networks challenge the status quo of distribution system operations. Advanced Distribution Management System (ADMS) technologies are being increasingly deployed to manage the complexities of operating distribution systems. The ability to evaluate the ADMS applications in specific utility environments and for future scenarios will accelerate wider adoption of the ADMS and will lower the risks and costs of their implementation. This paper addresses the first step - identify and define the use cases for evaluating these applications. The applications that are selected for this discussion include Volt-VAr Optimization (VVO), Fault Location Isolation and Service Restoration (FLISR), Online Power Flow (OLPF)/Distribution System State Estimation (DSSE) and Market Participation. A technical description and general operational requirements for each of these applications is presented. The test scenarios that are most relevant to the utility challenges are also addressed.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2022

Alternative Technologies Adopters Outreach Survey Report

Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL), in collaboration with Ioanna Iliopulos and Christopher Boyd (independent contractors), conducted quantitative and qualitative surveys to document views and opinions of scientists and researchers with firsthand experience operating x-ray devices for a wide range of research applications. The goal of the study was to fill critical information gaps and identify misconceptions widely held among the research community regarding the transition from Cesium-137 irradiators to x-ray devices. The survey instrument focused on three distinct yet interrelated areas that impact users' experience: operational impacts, including infrastructure needs, workflow, personnel management, and training, and regulatory compliance; research design and investigation impacts, including calibration, dosimetry, continuity of previous studies, development of new research agendas, and the outcomes for both; and funding impacts, specifically how grant sources and opportunities have responded to the transition.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2021

American Homeowner Perceptions and Choices for Energy Efficiency: Summary of Technology Adoption – Census Division Level

In 2020 a nationwide survey of homeowners was conducted to determine what energy efficiency upgrades homeowners had made to their homes and which ones they would make in the near future. The survey also included results on respondent financials about energy efficiency home upgrades/retrofits and perceptions of the value of energy efficiency/who should support improving the energy efficiency of the residential sector. The Department of Energy’s goal for this survey is to inform ongoing work in the residential energy efficiency research portfolio on the human dimensions of residential energy systems transformation. In addition, DOE envisions this work supports efforts by industry, non-profits, and other government partners in informing programming, customer discovery, and policy writ large. This report provides a general summary of the nationwide results as they pertain to the following three issues: (1) how much did respondents indicate spending on energy efficiency-related home upgrades, (2) what upgrades/improvements had they made to their homes, and (3) which upgrades/improvements do they believe have the most significant impact on energy efficiency. The results provided are segmented by census division as specific regions demonstrated unique preferences for energy efficiency and willingness to expend family resources to achieve those goals. As such, the goal of this report is not to analyze the data nor draw cross-cutting conclusions but to serve as a resource for any groups interested in reviewing national trends about residential energy efficiency.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗