Joseph Pancrazio, vice president for research and innovation and a professor of bioengineering at UT Dallas, signed the agreement on July 28 at the university with Erik K. Webb, director of Sandia’s Energy Security Innovation Center, and Catherine Jereza, assistant secretary for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Electricity. Their collaboration reflects a growing effort by universities, national laboratories and federal agencies to shorten the path between laboratory research and technologies capable of operating under real-world conditions. That transition is particularly challenging in energy, where devices must function reliably at large scale, withstand fluctuating demand and remain safe over years of operation.

The need for such advances is being driven by the rapid transformation of the electric grid. Electricity consumption is increasing as transportation, industry, buildings and data infrastructure become more dependent on electric power. At the same time, solar and wind generation introduce variability because their output changes with weather and time of day. Energy storage systems can help balance that variability by absorbing electricity when supply is abundant and releasing it when demand increases. Power electronics, including inverters, converters and control systems, provide the hardware and software needed to regulate the movement of electricity between batteries, renewable generators, transmission networks and consumers.

A resilient grid requires more than simply adding generation capacity. It must respond quickly to disturbances, prevent local failures from spreading and maintain stable voltage and frequency as thousands of distributed devices connect to the network. Modern power electronics can perform many of these tasks by converting electricity between direct current and alternating current, adjusting voltage levels and coordinating energy flows in milliseconds. Advanced control systems can also allow batteries and other resources to operate as a coordinated network rather than as isolated devices. However, these technologies must be validated under demanding conditions before they can be trusted in critical infrastructure, making large-scale testing a central element of the new partnership.

Researchers at UT Dallas’ Batteries and Energy to Advance Commercialization and National Security facility, known as BEACONS, will work with Sandia experts specializing in electric-grid security and energy technologies. Their research is expected to address the development and commercialization of battery systems as well as the manufacturing processes required to produce them at scale. Battery performance depends on a complex interaction of chemistry, materials structure, thermal management and electronic control. Scientists must improve energy density and charging speed while limiting degradation, overheating and the use of scarce or expensive raw materials. Manufacturing research is equally important because a promising laboratory cell can face substantial obstacles when it is produced consistently in large volumes.

The collaboration will also support a planned test bed where researchers can evaluate energy technologies at larger scales than are typically possible in a university laboratory. A test bed can connect individual components—such as battery modules, power converters and grid-control systems—into an integrated experimental environment. This allows researchers to measure how devices respond to rapid changes in load, intermittent generation, faults and communication failures. Testing at this stage can reveal problems that remain hidden in small-scale experiments, including thermal bottlenecks, control instability, unexpected interactions between components and vulnerabilities that could compromise grid security.

Sandia’s role brings national-laboratory expertise in energy security, infrastructure resilience and the behavior of complex electrical systems. The laboratory’s researchers study how the grid can continue operating during equipment failures, extreme weather, cyber incidents and other disruptions. Combining that expertise with UT Dallas’ research in advanced energy systems could help produce technologies designed with security and reliability from the beginning rather than added after development. The approach is increasingly significant as the grid becomes more distributed and digitally controlled. Every connected inverter, battery and sensor can improve flexibility, but each also introduces new technical and operational challenges that must be managed.

The agreement is also intended to expand the energy-technology workforce. A test bed would give students and researchers experience with equipment and operating conditions that more closely resemble those found in utilities, manufacturing plants and national infrastructure. Such training can include battery diagnostics, power-converter design, grid modeling, system integration, safety procedures and data analysis. The need for this expertise is growing as the United States seeks to strengthen domestic production of batteries and other energy technologies. Training scientists and engineers alongside industry and government partners could help address shortages of specialized workers while ensuring that new technologies are developed with commercial and national-security requirements in mind.

Jereza described the agreement as an example of the country’s ability to translate scientific innovation into domestic manufacturing opportunities that can transform the electricity system. Webb emphasized that a secure and efficient grid will require both technological progress and workforce development, while Pancrazio said the partnership combines UT Dallas’ strengths in advanced energy systems with Sandia’s expertise in storage, power electronics and grid technologies. Together, the institutions aim to create a framework in which researchers, students, companies and government agencies can test ideas, identify engineering barriers and advance the solutions most likely to strengthen grid reliability.

BEACONS was launched in 2023, supported by a $30 million award from the U.S. Department of Defense to establish an Energy Storage Systems Campus at UT Dallas. The campus is intended to support battery research, technology development and collaboration with industrial partners. The new memorandum expands that mission by linking the university’s battery and manufacturing capabilities with Sandia’s national work on energy security and grid performance. If successful, the collaboration could help move emerging storage and power-conversion technologies from controlled laboratory demonstrations toward validated systems capable of supporting a more flexible, resilient and secure electric grid.

Subject of Research: Energy storage, battery technologies, power electronics, energy conversion, electric-grid security and workforce development.

Web References:
https://research.utdallas.edu/about/staff/leadership
https://research.utdallas.edu/
https://be.utdallas.edu/
https://beaconsusa.org/

UT Dallas To Lead $30 Million Battery Technology Initiative

Image Credits: The University of Texas at Dallas

Keywords

Batteries; energy storage; power electronics; energy conversion; electric grid; grid security; renewable energy; solar energy; wave energy; electrical engineering; materials engineering; Sandia National Laboratories; University of Texas at Dallas; BEACONS; laboratories; scientific research.

The appeal of ammonia (NH₃) as a hydrogen carrier lies in its liquid state under moderate conditions, rendering it far easier to store and transport compared to gaseous hydrogen. Unlike hydrocarbons, ammonia combustion emits almost no carbon dioxide, as its composition is solely nitrogen and hydrogen, thereby presenting a compelling option for sustainable energy infrastructure. However, until now, practical challenges such as degradation of nickel-based catalysts and sluggish reaction kinetics within fuel cells have stymied the widespread adoption of ammonia as a direct fuel.

Addressing these hurdles, the KAIST team engineered a novel catalyst architecture that leverages a “high-entropy” oxide matrix. High-entropy materials are meticulously designed by blending multiple elements to produce a robust, stable structure that resists structural collapse and deactivation. Integrating this with spontaneously formed metal alloy nanoparticles on the catalyst surface, the researchers created a synergistic system that drastically improves ammonia decomposition and hydrogen ion conduction.

Detailed atomistic simulations using Density Functional Theory (DFT) revealed that the high-entropy oxide framework effectively lowers the activation energy barrier for ammonia decomposition. This expedites the initial breaking down of ammonia molecules into nitrogen and hydrogen, with concurrent formation and stabilization of metal nanoparticle alloys that exhibit superior catalytic activity compared to traditional single-metal catalysts. This dual mechanism enhances reaction rates and reinforces catalyst longevity.

Experimental investigations corroborated these computational insights. Fuel cells equipped with the new catalyst delivered an unprecedented maximum power density of 2.04 watts per square centimeter at 700°C — a remarkable level of power output for an ammonia-based PCFC. Such efficiency translates to substantial energy generation from a remarkably compact cell footprint, akin to the size of a fingernail, making it highly attractive for scalable energy applications.

Stability tests demonstrated sustained operation over 255 hours at 600°C under demanding conditions without significant performance decay, addressing the chronic problem of catalyst degradation encountered in prior designs. This stability is crucial for real-world deployment where long-term durability under thermal and chemical stress ensures reliability and cost-effectiveness.

The team’s innovation pivots on the carefully orchestrated interplay between the engineered high-entropy oxide and the in situ formed alloy nanoparticles. This design not only protects the catalyst’s structural integrity against ammonia’s detrimental effects but simultaneously fosters enhanced surface reactions that underpin efficient power generation. This breakthrough marks a paradigm shift in the practical use of ammonia fuel cells.

Professor Kang Taek Lee emphasized the transformative potential of this synergy, stating that their catalyst design could accelerate the commercial viability of ammonia-based power generation technologies and spur widespread adoption of carbon-neutral hydrogen energy systems. The societal and environmental implications are profound, offering a viable pathway to mitigate reliance on fossil fuels and reduce greenhouse gas emissions globally.

This research effort was a collaborative enterprise comprising multidisciplinary expertise from KAIST, the Korea Institute of Ceramic Engineering and Technology (KICET), and the Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources (KIGAM). The interdisciplinary approach facilitated innovative materials design, advanced theoretical modeling, and rigorous experimental validation, demonstrating the integrated nature of contemporary energy research.

The results are documented in a scientific paper titled “Entropy-Modulated Oxide–Metal Catalyst Architectures for Direct Ammonia Protonic Ceramic Fuel Cells,” published in the high-impact journal Nano-Micro Letters. The publication reflects a significant contribution to the energy materials research community and opens avenues for further exploration and refinement of fuel cell catalysts tailored for ammonia and other hydrogen carriers.

Supported by multiple funding initiatives, including the Mid-Career Researcher Program of the Ministry of Science and ICT and the Global Basic Research Laboratory Program, this study exemplifies how strategic investments in foundational science can yield technological breakthroughs with far-reaching economic and ecological benefits. The research sets a new benchmark for ammonia fuel cell performance and durability, inspiring optimistic prospects for a sustainable hydrogen economy.

The advent of high-entropy oxide–metal hybrid catalysts heralds a new chapter in clean energy technologies, potentially enabling efficient, stable, and practical ammonia-based fuel cells. By overcoming the intrinsic limitations of previous materials, this innovation paves the way for scalable implementation of carbon-free power generation, offering a glimpse into a future where ammonia serves as a cornerstone of sustainable energy infrastructure worldwide.

Subject of Research: Development of high-performance catalysts for ammonia-based protonic ceramic fuel cells enabling direct ammonia utilization

Article Title: Entropy-Modulated Oxide–Metal Catalyst Architectures for Direct Ammonia Protonic Ceramic Fuel Cells

News Publication Date: 20-May-2026

Web References: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s40820-026-02194-9

Image Credits: KAIST

Keywords

Protonic Ceramic Fuel Cells, Ammonia Fuel, High-Entropy Oxide Catalyst, Metal Nanoparticles, Catalyst Durability, Hydrogen Economy, Carbon-Free Power Generation, Density Functional Theory, Ammonia Decomposition, Catalyst Stability, Fuel Cell Performance, Sustainable Energy

The core of Lonergan and Sansavini’s work lies in recognizing the multifaceted nature of energy infrastructure design, where diverse technological options and regional characteristics intertwine with social dynamics and political contexts. Historically, energy planning has predominantly emphasized cost-efficiency, supply reliability, and emission reduction metrics. However, these standard objectives often overlook who benefits from the energy systems and who bears their costs. By treating distributive justice as a central planning principle, the study advocates for a holistic approach that balances technical optimality with social equity, thereby creating infrastructure that is sustainable, fair, and resilient.

At the heart of this conceptual evolution is a sophisticated computational framework that models future energy systems with layers of distributive justice embedded as core constraints and objectives. The authors leverage advanced optimization algorithms that integrate multiple criteria — including affordability, access equity, and environmental sustainability — across diverse geographic and demographic contexts. This methodological innovation allows for the exploration of a wide spectrum of potential infrastructure configurations that can meet decarbonization targets while addressing historical and prospective inequalities in energy access and burden sharing.

An essential insight from the study is the recognition of trade-offs inherent in energy infrastructure decisions. For instance, prioritizing the cheapest energy sources might concentrate environmental burdens or economic benefits unevenly across communities. Conversely, pursuing equity-driven outcomes may increase upfront costs or complicate deployment timelines. Lonergan and Sansavini’s framework offers planners a nuanced decision-making tool that quantifies these trade-offs explicitly and transparently, enabling policy-makers to negotiate complex value judgments informed by empirical evidence rather than ideological preferences or political convenience.

The study’s implications extend far beyond academic discourse, touching on real-world socio-political challenges in the energy transition. Many regions, especially in developing countries or marginalized urban areas, currently suffer from energy poverty or inefficient systems that exacerbate social inequities. By applying distributive justice-aware planning models, governments and utilities can prioritize investments that ensure all citizens receive reliable, affordable, and clean energy, rather than perpetuating patterns of exclusion. This alignment between ethical imperatives and infrastructure planning marks a critical step in democratizing the benefits of energy transformation.

Moreover, the inclusion of distributive justice as a systematic planning principle shifts the power dynamics often observed in energy infrastructure governance. In traditional models, decision-making authority and benefits frequently concentrate within elite groups, corporations, or dominant regions. Lonergan and Sansavini’s approach advocates for participatory frameworks that incorporate diverse stakeholder views, reflecting a more pluralistic and accountable governance structure. This inclusive process can mitigate conflicts, build social legitimacy, and accelerate the adoption of sustainable and equitable energy systems.

Technically, the study harnesses detailed geospatial data, social metrics, and energy demand projections to simulate various infrastructure design scenarios. By integrating real-world data on income distribution, demographic patterns, and environmental vulnerabilities, the model can forecast how different planning choices impact social justice outcomes on a granular level. This high-resolution analysis is crucial for tailoring energy solutions that address local needs rather than relying on generic, one-size-fits-all strategies that often fail to meet the nuances of heterogeneous populations.

A compelling aspect of the research is its adaptability to evolving energy technologies and market structures. As innovations like battery storage, smart grids, and decentralized generation become more prevalent, the distributive justice framework accommodates emerging modalities and evolving cost structures. This future-proof orientation ensures that justice considerations remain central as the energy landscape dynamically changes, rather than becoming an afterthought or a static add-on to infrastructural blueprints.

The study’s findings are underpinned by rigorous scenario analyses that contrast infrastructure pathways optimized solely for cost or carbon reduction with those incorporating distributive justice. Results indicate that while justice-oriented designs might incur moderate increases in system costs, they yield substantial social dividends in terms of reduced energy disparities and enhanced community resilience. Such evidence challenges the conventional wisdom that equity necessarily conflicts with efficiency, illustrating instead that justice can be synergistic with sustainable energy transitions.

Beyond immediate planning applications, Lonergan and Sansavini’s work invites a broader normative rethinking of how societies conceive of energy futures. By positioning distributive justice as a foundational principle, the study catalyzes a shift from technocratic energy models to more ethical, human-centered paradigms. This recalibration aligns energy policy with fundamental societal values such as fairness, dignity, and solidarity, which are essential for sustaining public trust and collective action in the climate crisis era.

Critically, the research also reveals significant methodological challenges ahead, including how to operationalize justice metrics, balance diverse stakeholder priorities, and dynamically update models in fast-evolving contexts. The authors call for interdisciplinary collaboration among engineers, social scientists, ethicists, and policy-makers to refine these tools and embed them into institutional decision-making. This call to action underscores the complexity of marrying technology and justice but also highlights the promising convergence of theory and practice in energy planning.

The timing of this study is notably relevant as countries worldwide scale up ambitious net-zero commitments and face increasing scrutiny over the social impacts of their transition strategies. International climate agreements and regional regulations are progressively emphasizing equitable energy access and just transition frameworks. Lonergan and Sansavini’s contribution thus provides an invaluable blueprint for integrating these high-level policy goals into tangible, quantifiable infrastructure planning processes.

The implications for marginalized and vulnerable populations are profound. By centering distributive justice, the proposed framework explicitly addresses systemic inequities fueled by historical patterns of exclusion and environmental injustice. This could lead to more targeted investments in underserved communities, better protections against energy cost burdens, and enhanced participation of affected groups in decision-making. Such transformations promise not only more sustainable energy systems but also more inclusive societies.

In sum, the integration of distributive justice into energy infrastructure planning represents a paradigm shift with far-reaching consequences for both the technical and social dimensions of the energy transition. Lonergan and Sansavini’s pioneering work articulates a comprehensive vision where fairness, sustainability, and innovation coalesce to shape energy futures that are not only clean but also just. This heralds a new era in which infrastructure design becomes a key lever for achieving broader social goals alongside environmental imperatives.

As renewable energy technologies continue to proliferate and markets evolve, embedding justice as a planning principle ensures adaptability and resilience in the face of future uncertainties. This alignment fosters infrastructure systems capable of withstanding socio-economic shocks, accommodating demographic changes, and supporting long-term societal well-being. Ultimately, it redefines success in energy transition to encompass human-centered values alongside ecological stewardship.

Lonergan and Sansavini’s research calls on governments, industry leaders, and civil society to embrace this integrated approach urgently. By advancing tools and frameworks that operationalize distributive justice, stakeholders can pioneer energy infrastructure designs that are equitable, sustainable, and future-ready. The study thereby marks a pivotal step towards energy systems that power not only economies but also justice and social progress.

Subject of Research: The integration of distributive justice in the planning and design of future energy infrastructure systems to ensure equitable, sustainable, and socially inclusive energy transitions.

Article Title: Considering distributive justice as a planning principle helps navigate a diversity of future energy infrastructure designs.

Article References:
Lonergan, K.E., Sansavini, G. Considering distributive justice as a planning principle helps navigate a diversity of future energy infrastructure designs. Nat Commun 16, 10509 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-65526-0

Image Credits: AI Generated

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-65526-0

A comprehensive study published in the journal Energy and Environment Materials emphasizes the pivotal role of solar technology in the transition towards cleaner, renewable energy sources. The research team, hailing from the Advanced Technology Institute (ATI) at the University of Surrey, posits that solar energy deployment is not a distant goal but rather a fundamental component of a sustainable energy infrastructure. With over 1.5 terawatts of solar power installed globally by 2024—double the capacity of just four years prior—solar power has the potential to illuminate homes for millions, thus fulfilling a critical part of the world’s energy needs.

The research highlights the surprising statistic that, even in the UK—situated at 50 degrees north of the equator—solar energy has emerged as the most affordable option for extensive energy production. This finding challenges many preconceived notions about solar power’s limitations, especially in regions where sunlight is less abundant. The technological advancements in PV systems have enabled greater efficiencies, meaning solar can now reliably compete with established sources of energy, paving the way for a transition to more sustainable practices.

The findings underscore significant economic transformations. For instance, the price of lithium-ion batteries, pivotal for storing solar-generated energy, has plummeted by an astonishing 89% since 2010. This drastic reduction in cost has catalyzed the prevalence of solar-plus-storage systems, allowing users to store excess solar energy for use during outages or nighttime. The integration of battery storage with PV systems enhances the reliability of solar power, making it a dispatchable energy source capable of meeting fluctuating grid demands.

However, the path to a solar-dominant energy landscape is not devoid of challenges. One of the notable hurdles pointed out by the research team is the connection of substantial amounts of solar energy to existing electricity distribution networks. In highly solar-dependent regions like California and parts of China, grid congestion has led to dilemmas where excess solar output cannot be utilized effectively. This results in wasted energy, raising questions about grid capacity and infrastructure resilience.

To mitigate these issues, the researchers advocate for the implementation of smart grid technologies, AI forecasting, and improved interconnection among various regions. These strategies are crucial for stabilizing power systems as the adoption of renewable energies ramps up. As the demand for solar energy continues to grow, the grid’s ability to absorb and allocate this energy will determine the feasibility of solar as a primary energy source.

Further optimizing the solar landscape, advancements in material science present exciting opportunities. Innovations such as perovskite solar cells—a potential game-changer—could enhance energy output by as much as 50% without necessitating more land. This efficiency leap could ultimately unlock vast amounts of renewable energy, maintaining ecological balance while increasing solar power generation capabilities.

The importance of governmental policy and long-term strategies in shaping the solar market cannot be overstated. Researchers emphasize that sustained commitments in the form of supportive regulations can promote investment and innovation within the industry. Legislative frameworks like the US Inflation Reduction Act and the EU’s REPowerEU initiative serve as prime examples of how coherent policy direction can stimulate renewable energy advancements.

The global conversation on renewable energy now hinges on collaboration as well. International partnerships and knowledge exchange are essential for accelerating the transition to sustainable energy systems. Countries that share technology, expertise, and resources can bolster their respective energy infrastructures, making significant strides in combating climate change.

In conclusion, the path paved by solar energy technology marks a pivotal shift in how we conceptualize energy generation and consumption. The cost-effective nature of solar power, combined with advancements in storage solutions, positions it as a frontrunner in the race towards sustainability. While challenges remain, the commitment to innovation and collaboration can help us overcome obstacles, ultimately leading us toward a brighter and