Energy Innovation Series

About the Project
 

In order to foster greater understanding of and support for the role of innovation in the energy system, the CSIS Energy Security and Climate Change Program with input and support from the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Technology Transitions and Chief Commercialization Officer will host an ongoing discussion series focused on specific categories of energy technology. The purpose of this series is to gather facts and varied feedback on and investigate the innovation priorities within the Department of Energy and the National Laboratory Complex against the broader ecosystem, both domestic and international, for advancing a portfolio of solutions.

The series consists of five public events highlighting the innovation occurring in different energy technology areas and a final wrap-up discussion of the innovation ecosystem at large. The technology areas are storage and battery technologies; grid infrastructure, software, and cybersecurity; carbon dioxide management; advanced nuclear energy; advanced transport beyond electric vehicles. Each session will feature a representative from a national lab, an independent researcher, and a representative of the private sector working on innovation in each technology area. In addition, each discussion will highlight the technology area’s route from laboratory testing to demonstration or pilot projects to commercialization and market deployment.

Sessions

February 20, 2020: Innovation in Storage and Battery Technologies

This public discussion explores the innovation occurring in the energy storage and battery space, including batteries for electric vehicles and for grid storage. Under Secretary of Energy for Science Paul Dabbar opens the session with a keynote address. The presentation is then followed by speakers from the national lab system, academia, and the private sector, who present their work and discuss innovation in storage technologies and energy storage’s route from the laboratory to the market.

April 30, 2020: Grid Modernization

This public webinar examines the innovation occurring with grid modernization, including physical infrastructure, grid management software, and efforts by all actors to increase the resilience and security of the grid. Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Sean Plankey from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response opens the session with a keynote address. Sarah Ladislaw (CSIS) then provides opening remarks, followed by a moderated discussion with Juan Torres (NREL),  Amit Ronen (advisor to Sen. Maria Cantwell), and Marissa Hummon (Utilidata) on various grid modernization initiatives and the role of both technological and policy innovation on the electric grid.

June 10, 2020: Innovation in Carbon Management

This public webinar will examine the innovation occurring in carbon capture, use, and sequestration (CCUS). The U.S. Department of Energy’s Assistant Secretary for Fossil Energy Steven Winberg will open the session with a keynote address. Sarah Ladislaw (CSIS) will then provide opening remarks, followed by a moderated discussion with Grant Bromhal (National Energy Technology Laboratory), Rouzbeh Shahsavari (C-Crete Technologies), and a representative from the Hill on how they are approaching CCUS development from technological and policy perspectives.

July 14, 2020: Innovation in Advanced Nuclear Energy

This online event examines the innovation occurring in nuclear energy. The U.S. Department of Energy’s Assistant Secretary for Nuclear Energy Rita Baranwal gives a brief keynote address on the Department’s priorities and the role of innovation in nuclear energy. Jane Nakano (CSIS) then moderates a discussion with Ashley Finan (INL), Todd Allen (University of Michigan), and Chris Colbert (NuScale Power) on how various efforts in these categories fit into the innovation chain, from basic science to commercialization and deployment.

September 30, 2020: Innovation in Transportation Fuels

This online event examines the innovation occurring in alternative transportation fuels, including biofuels, power-to-liquids, and hydrogen. The U.S. Department of Energy’s Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Daniel Simmons gives a brief keynote address on the Department’s priorities in advancing low-carbon fuels. Nikos Tsafos (CSIS Energy) then moderates a discussion with John Farrell (NREL), Bruno Miller (Fulcrum Bioenergy), and Matthew Blieske (Shell Hydrogen) on how various efforts in these categories fit into the innovation chain, from basic science to commercialization and deployment.

October 23, 2020: The U.S. Innovation Ecosystem

Featuring a keynote from Secretary of Energy Dan Brouillette, this online event examines the energy innovation chain from conception to commercialization and deployment and how to spur more innovation in the United States. Conner Prochaska (U.S. Department of Energy) discusses his work as the Department of Energy’s Chief Commercialization Officer. Emily Reichert (Greentown Labs) speaks to her perspective working with innovative actors in the private sector as the head of the country’s largest clean energy incubator. Ellen Williams (University of Maryland) discusses her research on innovation clusters and her perspective as the former head of the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy. David Hart (ITIF) shares insights into U.S. energy innovation and how to build an advanced energy economy. Following these remarks, Sarah Ladislaw (CSIS Energy Security & Climate Change Program) moderates a panel discussion.

This project is made possible by support from ClearPath and the Energy Innovation Fund at National Philanthropic Trust.