Advancing new technologies

We are committed to R&D and advancing technologies required to achieve net-zero

Powering Progress Through Research

PPL is leading the way with research and development and innovations that are helping to solve the most pressing energy challenges of our time. Simply put, we believe what has made this company and our industry successful for the last 100 years won’t guarantee our success for the next 10. That’s why we’re powering about 180 active R&D projects to advance technologies that can be scaled safely, reliably and affordably to meet our customers’ evolving energy needs.

We’re collaborating with leading researchers, top universities and cutting-edge organizations, and we’re connecting with energy startups and tapping into the transformative power of big tech. All our efforts are designed to build more resilient grids to protect against severe weather; leverage advanced technology to deliver better outcomes, drive efficiency and keep energy affordable; help America win the AI race by supporting data center expansion; and accelerate cleaner energy innovation through powerful partnerships.

Our strong emphasis on R&D exemplifies our commitment to shaping the future of energy.

Our R&D Priorities

Carbon capture and sequestration

We are developing technologies that capture carbon dioxide emissions from industrial sources and power plants and store them underground to prevent release into the atmosphere.

Renewable Integration

We are researching solutions that enable the seamless integration of variable renewable energy sources like solar and wind into the grid. This includes forecasting, demand management, and grid coordination.

Energy Storage

We are evaluating energy storage technologies to capture energy through electrical, mechanical, chemical or other methods and hold it for later use, helping support grid reliability and flexibility.

Advanced nuclear technologies

We are actively studying advanced nuclear energy solutions for their ability to generate reliable, dispatchable, carbon-free electricity. 

Learn more about our nuclear feasibility study

DER solutions and next-generation smart grid

We are reliably integrating more behind-the-meter, small-scale energy systems (such as solar panels, battery storage, EVs and demand response systems), enabling real-time monitoring and two-way communication between utilities and consumers.

Key Partnerships

Through collaboration with key industry partnerships, we are driving innovation through a focus on R&D priorities to close the net-zero gap.

Electric Power Research Institute

Continuing partnerships with EPRI on utility-scale energy storage system research and initiatives focused on grid resilience and adaptation.

Read about the Climate READi initiative

Univ. of Kentucky at PPL R&D Center

Innovative partnership with the University of Kentucky to study capture of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions at natural gas combined cycle power plants.

Read more about the carbon capture project

University of Rhode Island

PPL’s strategic research partnership with URI seeks to address research in offshore renewable energy, climate change, grid decarbonization, nuclear technology advancement and carbon capture, among others.

Venture Capital Partnerships

We are investing in clean energy technologies that support emerging innovation and advance our decarbonization strategy. 

We are making strategic investments in environmental & decarbonization funds focused on emerging clean energy technologies.

Read more about PPL’s investment with EIP

PPL is proud to partner with The Westly Group in supporting entrepreneurs who are driving transformative solutions for some of the world’s biggest industries.

Research Publications

Each year, PPL provides funding to institutions that have demonstrated a commitment to energy and carbon capture research.

View a full list of funded research publications

Innovation in Action

Read more about innovative research projects happening across PPL’s companies.