EPRI

𝗔𝗜, 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗔𝗜, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝘆𝗯𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆: 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗘𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗴𝘆? The energy industry is rapidly evolving, and AI is at the forefront of this transformation. However, the rising and diverse challenges of cybersecurity issues come with the growing integration of AI and generative AI into critical energy infrastructure. In the newest episode of the EPRI Current podcast, host Bill Florence speaks with Jason Hollern, a cybersecurity technical executive with EPRI, and Marc Spieler, Senior Managing Director for Energy with NVIDIA. Hollern discusses key findings from his latest EPRI white paper, Artificial Intelligence and Generative AI in the Energy Sector: Cyber Security Use-Cases, Considerations, and Implications, while Spieler provides a global perspective based on NVIDIA’s experiences with utilities worldwide. Among the key points discussed during the episode: • AI systems are vulnerable to new forms of cyberattacks, including data manipulation. • Attackers increasingly leverage AI to exploit energy systems, highlighting the urgent need for robust defenses. • However, AI can be a double-edged sword. When deployed effectively, it helps detect cyber threats in real-time, safeguard power grids, and optimize operations. • Automated detection algorithms and advanced AI tools offer the potential to mitigate risks and enhance security protocols across the industry. Visit www.epricurrent.com (or your favorite podcast platform) to download and listen to this week’s episode. #AI #Cybersecurity #EnergySector #DigitalTransformation #Innovation #Sustainability

Electricity demand is growing—so how do we ensure a reliable supply? 🔋 In a new episode of the United States Energy Association Power Sector Podcast, EPRI’s Anna Lafoyiannis spoke with Utility Dive’s Herman Trabish about the evolving ways power companies are managing energy supplies in order to meet spikes in customer demand. Specifically, how a new understanding around the flexibility of distributed energy resources (DER) can give system operators insights on how to support resource adequacy. “There’s always the rule-of-thumb that the cheapest electricity is the electricity you don’t use. So, with the demand respond side or the energy efficiency side—it’s reasonable to think that there’s still distributed resources to come. Especially as we try to decarbonize the grid and continue our energy transition.” 📢 Listen to their full convo to learn more about ensuring energy to power our future.  https://lnkd.in/eMSvP3uG

EPRI’s Nuclear leadership team welcomed representatives from Japan’s The Kansai Electric Power co., inc. (KEPCO) this week for discussions and a tour of the Charlotte laboratory facilities. 

𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗱𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗷𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 hashtag #𝗳𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗴𝘆 𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻! EPRI’s Fusion Forum, a free, public webcast series is a great way to hear the latest from industry leaders, researchers, and innovators. Join the Fusion Forum on October 17, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. ET, as we welcome Eli Moll, Vice President and General Manager of Systems and Manufacturing at SHINE Technologies. SHINE Technologies is leveraging fusion technology today for industrial inspection and medical isotope production and is working towards goals of nuclear waste recycling and fusion energy. There will be an opportunity for audience Q&A and discussion after the presentation. Register for the October Fusion Forum here: https://lnkd.in/eyHN2Ywp #fusionenergy #energytransition #medical

"The key is to move the lead term notice for grid connections - starting to develop a data platform to encourage all fleet operators to communicate with the relevant utility; improving transparency in EV charging planning to inform grid investments and accelerate grid interconnects." - Britta Gross, Director of Transportation, EPRI Britta Gross, a leading voice in transportation electrification, delivered an impactful keynote. She touched on the importance of early engagement between fleet operators and utilities. She also advocated for using visual aids, like maps, to clearly communicate grid capacity and needs. #EVSUMMIT | #EVSUMMITUSA | #ElectricVehicles | #EV | #Sustainability

Our members depend on EPRI’s research to help them achieve greater safety and operational efficiencies. This in turn enables them to better serve their customers and provide reliability. Recently, Daniel M. (Dan) Wells from EPRI spoke with Johnathan Chavers from Southern Nuclear at the EPRI Nuclear Advisory meetings in Washington, D.C. about the research that EPRI is conducting in the area of #nuclear fuels. There is a focus in the industry on moving from 18 month to 24 month refueling cycles for pressurized water reactors. This will help to enable reduced outage costs, enhance fuel utilization, and provide greater operational #flexibility. There are still some challenges that need to be addressed and EPRI, with collaboration from members like Southern, is helping to find solutions. Learn more in the video below.

October is #CybersecurityAwarenessMonth — a time to reflect on the progress and road ahead in securing the technologies that power our lives. For energy companies, an increasingly important question around cyber security is the impact from a growing use of artificial intelligence. In a recent technical brief, EPRI delves into the challenges and opportunities for AI and Generative AI in the energy sector. It provides guidance and resources for developing and implementing effective cybersecurity strategies and solutions for Generative AI -- emphasizing where it can be an effective tool, and when it presents a risk. Promoting a culture of trust, cooperation and collaboration among all parties involved will allow AI to become a meaningful and widespread resource throughout the industry. Read the full brief below to learn more about this important topic and what it means for the future of the energy industry. https://lnkd.in/eAPGYNSq Be on the lookout for weekly Cybersecurity tips all month!

Hydrogen could be a powerful resource for decarbonization efforts—but uncertainty around its costs, commercialization and availability has kept some companies from incorporating it. Recently, EPRI used a ‘capacity extension planning model’ to observe how hydrogen uncertainties could impact a company’s energy resource plan. In a new report, EPRI researchers Nidhi R. Santen and Anna Lafoyiannis break down the findings, including: ⚠️ When technology options are limited, externally produced hydrogen could help lower total system costs. ⛽️ The availability of hydrogen fuel plays a more impactful role in investment return and operating decisions than its cost or capital. 🏭 Additional research around hydrogen production, such as electrolysis, could help inform more complex modeling methods. Check out all the key findings in the new report, “Impact of Uncertain Hydrogen Technology Futures on Long-Term Electric Company Investment Portfolios.” https://lnkd.in/e6PKBAtw

EPRI is proud to recognize National Coming Out Day, a day to be authentic and courageous in sharing your true self. Earlier this year, EPRI employees founded an internal group celebrating the diversity and equality of the LGBTQIA+ community and its allies within the institute. “I am proud to work as an openly queer person in an organization that values and encourages us to bring our authentic selves to work,” said Hank Chambers, an EPRI employee and co-lead for EPride.

Thermal energy storage (TES) is emerging as a key technology for grid flexibility and decarbonization. EPRI, in collaboration with Storworks Power and Southern Company, recently piloted concrete thermal energy storage (CTES) at Alabama Power’s Plant Gaston. The system completed 86 charge/discharge cycles, offering longer-duration, lower-cost storage than lithium-ion batteries. EPRI’s research validated the technology, achieving roundtrip efficiencies over 88%, uncovering valuable lessons learned for future deployments. Could CTES be the next big breakthrough in energy storage? Read more about this project in a recently published EPRI Journal article and discover how EPRI is driving the future of reliable, flexible energy. https://lnkd.in/eBfiXzMp #EnergyStorage #CleanEnergy #GridFlexibility (Photos courtesy of Southern Company)