Advanced Computing Triumphs: Kestrel Powers Over 300 Clean Energy Initiatives

NREL’s cutting-edge computing, streamlined data management, and dynamic visualizations drive breakthroughs in clean energy. As the sole DOE lab focused on energy efficiency and renewables, NREL underscores the pivotal role of advanced computing in its FY 2023 report. Throughout the year, NREL’s HPC facilitated over 300 projects across various renewable energy sectors within the DOE. “Computational approaches are critical to the energy transition,” commented Ray Grout, center director of NREL’s Computational Science Center. “HPC enables the energy community to make critical advances in core science as well as translate scientific discoveries into practical solutions. With Kestrel ready to provide greater computing power, the future of renewable energy is stronger than ever.”

The key features of the report include:

• SEAS, an award-winning open-source software, employs modeling and ARIES-related hardware to simulate and assess clean energy solutions virtually, minimizing risks before real-world implementation.
• Collaborative effort across multiple laboratories focuses on analyzing pathways to achieve Puerto Rico’s energy objectives in the PR100 study, aiming for grid resilience and a transition to 100% renewable energy.
• Research project investigates the impact of 100% drop-in sustainable aviation fuels on aviation combustor performance, addressing sustainability challenges in the aviation sector.