National Labs Sign Memorandum of Understanding to Work Together on Finding New Innovative Uses for Coal

The Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and National Energy Technology Laboratory in Pittsburgh recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore new ways to use coal to create cutting edge innovative products in areas such as advanced manufacturing, high performance computing, workforce development in Appalachia, and extreme environment materials. “The MoU today signals the Department’s continued commitment to enhancing the use of our coal resources.” Department of Energy Assistant Secretary Winberg said at the signing event. “The depth and breadth of scientific knowledge across the DOE enterprise, especially at our National Labs, is what allows for this kind of innovative partnership.”

The labs will also work together to conduct research on topics such as:

• Reduction of water consumption in energy production
• Reduction of water consumption in energy production
• Development and testing of materials for use in extreme environments with an emphasis on materials for power generation and the conversion, use, storage, and transmission of energy
• Development of advanced electrical grids, microgrids, and cybersecurity technologies for energy infrastructure
• Innovation of advanced manufacturing technology for energy production, especially fossil energy technologiesExecution of workforce and economic development initiatives in the Appalachian region 

For more information about the work of ORNL, click here: https://www.ornl.gov/

For more information about the work of NETL, click here: https://www.netl.doe.gov/