ICR24's Top 5 Innovations for Enhancing National Security and Resilience

Innovative research is paving the way for solutions to escalating environmental instability that not only enhance resilience but also bolster national security. At the ICR24 conference, participants offered five groundbreaking research topics that each offered unique aspects to a successful national security and resilient future.

1) Integrating Small Modular Reactors into the National Power Grid

Small modular reactors (SMRs) are a game-changer in nuclear energy technology. Their scalability and reliability positions them as a promising solution for a resilient energy future. By integrating SMRs into power grids, we can provide a stable and clean energy source, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

ICR24 showcased several SMR-related research presentations:

• Integrating Small Modular Reactors into California’s Power Grid presented by Michael Grappone, Matthew Signorotti, Jean-Paul Watson and Philip Cameron-Smith from Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and Manit Shah, Gregory Westphal and Wesley Williams from Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
  
• Committed Emissions Reductions Available from Replacement of Coal-Fired Power Plants with Nuclear Plants presented by Tim Coburn and Thomas Bradley from Colorado State University, United States and Jason Pope, from Colorado State University, Austria.
  
• Phased Approach to Adding Advanced Nuclear to Reach Net Zero Carbon Objectives presented by Andrew Griffith, Battelle
  

2) Expanding Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage

Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) is pivotal for mitigating emissions from existing industrial and energy infrastructure. Research at ICR24 highlighted the critical role of CCUS technologies in advancing energy independence and strengthening our industrial base. Emphasizing the importance of comprehensive subsurface data, these studies advocate for a flexible, multimodal CO2 transportation system to support the scaling of CCUS infrastructure.

Key CCUS-related presentations at ICR24 included:

• Navigating Data Deficiencies in CCUS: Charting a Course for Subsurface Success presented by Anna Littlefield, Colorado School of Mines, Tim Coburn, Colorado State University and Jason Eleson, The GeoIntegra Group.
  
• Multimodal Transportation of CO2 to Support Large-Scale Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS)e presented by Majbah Uddin and Robin Clark, Oak Ridge National Laboratory

3) Delivering Adaptation Solutions to Protect Our Coastal Regions

The urgent need for adaptive solutions to protect U.S. coastlines, residents and military personnel was a major focus at ICR24. Traditional defenses such as seawalls are becoming unsustainable, prompting a shift towards nature-based strategies that bolster coastal resilience. Advanced technology and tailored approaches are crucial for assessing flood risks and planning effective adaptation strategies.

Highlighted presentations included:

• Nature-Based Solutions for Reducing Risk from Coastal Hazards presented by Katie Arkema from Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and University of Washington
• Development of a Practical Modeling Platform for Assessing Saltwater Intrusion Impacts under Future Sea-Level Change presented by Chris Patterson, Naval Facilities Engineering and Expeditionary Warfare Center; Ronald Falta, Clemson University; Sorab Panday, GSI Environmental Inc.; Mark Bakker, Delft University of Technology & Alan Lemon, Aquaveo LLC
  
• Evaluating Seawater Inundation, Storm Surges, and Groundwater Table Rise at Coastal Superfund Sites presented by Erika Beyer and Ricardo Estrada from the Naval Facilities Engineering and Expeditionary Warfare Center

4) Building Long-Duration Energy Storage

Energy storage is essential for integrating new energy sources into the grid, ensuring reliability, and reducing dependence on non-domestic energy. Long-Duration Energy Storage (LDES) solutions can stabilize energy supply and support a transition to a resilient energy economy.

Research at ICR24 emphasized the need for policy and planning reforms to facilitate the development of LDES technologies. A key presentation was:

• Long-Duration Energy Storage: Why Do We Need It and How Can We Enable It? presented by Jeremy Twitchell, Kyle Desomber, Di Wu, Vincent Sprenkle and Prathit Dave Pacific from the Northwest National Laboratory.

5) Securing Safe Drinking Water and Food for All

Securing clean water and food is critical in the face of an uncertain future. As water scarcity becomes a global issue, local instability can escalate into national security concerns. Solutions are needed to deliver clean water and build resilient food systems.

Notable presentations included:

• Operationalizing Water Science to Illuminate Links from Water to Instability presented by Kate Brauman; Penny Beames & Mike Gremillion from the Global Water Security Center at The University of Alabama
  
• Adaptive Pathways: An Approach to Achieving City Water Resilience Gaining Traction Globally presented by Ryan Brotchie, Anne Lynch and Greg Finlayson from GHD
• Evaluative Strategies for Sustaining Food Security by William Easterling from Penn State University

These innovations from ICR24 highlight the transformative potential of research and technology in addressing some of the most pressing challenges of our time. By focusing on these areas, we can enhance national security paving the way for a resilient future.

ICR25, being held April 21-23, 2025 in Washington DC, will showcase innovations that address major challenges to our environment, health, communities, national security, and economic stability. If you have a solution you would like to showcase at ICR25, or would like to attend, please visit battelle.org/ICR.