Epri Unplugged Podcast Series

Integrated resource planners play a unique role in the utility industry as the people tasked with anticipating what the future may hold. EPRI’s vice president of Distribution and Energy Utilization sits down to talk about the impact of renewable generation, distributed energy resources, and the need for common standards across the industry.

The nuclear industry is taking the lead to reach new heights in innovation. Hear from EPRI experts and the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Development & Deployment in the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Nuclear Energy as they discuss emerging technologies, how DOE and EPRI are supporting R&D, and when advanced nuclear technologies could be deployed in the United States.

Advances in technology gifted us with greater convenience through smaller, smarter devices, while also contributing to energy efficiency. This “naturally occurring” form of energy efficiency is driving down energy demand as customers adopt new technologies. Energy efficiency can be described in three waves, dating back to the 1970s. In this episode, EPRI researcher Doug Lindsey discusses the characteristics of each wave, specifically those associated with the third wave, and potential impact on the utility industry.

With a growing number of electric vehicle options entering the market, able to cover longer distances at an affordable price, the idea of a North American infrastructure for vehicle charging is moving from concept to reality. Dan Bowermaster, EPRI senior program manager for electric transportation, discusses what exists today and pilot projects underway to plan for an increasingly electrified tomorrow.

As utilities look at maintaining nuclear power generation assets beyond current 60 year operating licenses, EPRI’s Long-Term Operations program is researching the technical issues associated with long term operations. Senior Program Manager Sherry Bernhoft discusses the potential for life extensions to 80 years, and even beyond.

If you’ve played Pokémon Go, you’ve experienced augmented reality. The benefits of this technology reach far beyond gaming. Advances in augmented reality are allowing utilities to visualize components and systems. In this episode, EPRI Technical Executive John Simmins discusses potential applications for the “glasses” that would alter how utility workers view their work in the field.

The December 2015 Paris Agreement on Climate Change set a new direction for global climate policy with developing and developed countries joining together in making commitments to limit their emissions through 2030 ,and beyond. Hear from EPRI climate researcher Steve Rose about his participation as well as important takeaways from the historic event.

The Incubatenergy Network, an effort led by EPRI with co-funding from the U.S. Department of Energy, is creating a stronger collaborations with the entrepreneurial community to identify and incubate clean energy technologies. EPRI's lead for the Incubatenergy Network, Beth Hartman, is joined by Jenn Garson from the DOE and Kathleen Baireuther from the Austin Technology Incubator to discuss the role the network plays in supporting entrepreneurs.

The power system is rapidly changing. What does that mean for utilities? What does it mean for consumers? EPRI President and CEO Mike Howard is joined by EPRI Technology Innovation Senior Program Manager Ron Schoff to talk about the principles of flexibility, connectivity and resiliency, which EPRI sees as central to transforming the power system.