Over the last year, with the help of our advisors, we’ve identified several broad and important industry issues that will drive our R&D agenda. These issues cut across multiple programs and require a holistic approach.

The first deals with thermal plant cycling and load following, and the challenge of quantifying the key impacts to support effective O&M and capital planning, and deciding on mitigation strategies. The second is identifying technically and economically viable options to reduce the carbon footprint of fossil generation assets, ranging from least-cost to more capital-intensive opportunities. The final issue is identifying all factors important to the “migration” of the current generation assets – also known as “glide path” – to support critical decisions.

These issues are extremely challenging and critically important for our industry during this time of economic and regulatory uncertainty. Engagement with our members in addressing these issues provides the basis for effective R&D planning and for leveraging your investment in EPRI technologies across the Sector and Institute.

We’ve already begun planning in these areas, and we look forward to our continued engagement with each of you as we refine our research portfolio.

Sincerely,

Carolyn Shockley
Vice President, Generation