Renewable Energy

Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency are represented in the 2010 Research Portfolio as "virtual" sectors to complement  EPRI's traditional four sectors (Environment, Generation, Nuclear and Power Delivery & Utilization), and also may bring a cross-sector perspective in highlighting key research areas and programs.

The Renewable Energy virtual sector highlights research to help the electricity sector develop large-scale and distributed generation technologies, and to expand and equip the grid to operate efficiently and reliably with diverse renewable generation sources.

• Anticipating renewable portfolio mandates and higher costs for fossil fuels, utilities are moving to develop renewable technology options.
   
• EPRI is assessing the status, performance, and cost of large-scale and distributed generation technologies.
   
• Energy storage systems also may emerge as key assets.
   
• Power grids will require significant advances in technology, operations and planning to accommodate the variable and intermittent production of renewables.
   
• Research will help evaluate grid infrastructure and operations, including redefining reserve margins and other ancillary requirements.
   
• The deployment of distributed renewable resources throughout the distribution system will require new operating methods and a highly flexible, interactive network of intelligent devices, such as those envisioned for the smart grid.