Environmental Risk and Energy Analysis
Exploring the health, economic, and environmental dimensions of emerging energy resources
Scientists and engineers in the Environmental Risk and Energy Analysis group at Oak Ridge National Laboratory conduct comprehensive and interdisciplinary research to explore the complex interplay between human health, economic impacts, and environmental factors, related to emerging energy resources and technologies. Serving an extensive audience comprising academic institutions, government agencies, and industry practitioners, the team plays a vital role in ensuring that scientific and technological advances in energy resources are safely and effectively integrated, promoting growth and long-term benefits for human health, environmental stewardship, and economic security.
Real-world issues, especially those involving emerging energy technologies, are complex and cannot be fully understood from just one analytical perspective. Recognizing this, the group embraces integrated analyses to ensure that critical aspects and potential repercussions are thoroughly evaluated. By combining multiple research and analytic assessment tools, the group provides a deep understanding of how various energy solutions affect—and are affected by—the economy, environment, and human interactions.
Scientists deliver comprehensive research and advanced analytical tools to guide safe, effective integration of emerging energy technologies — ensuring beneficial outcomes for human health, environmental stewardship, and economic security at regional, national, and global scales. Credit: Carlos Jones/ORNL, U.S. Dept. of Energy
Researchers develop foundational science, advanced analytical frameworks, and sophisticated simulation models to inform critical decisions that influence health risk management, environmental protection, and energy economics and security. Utilizing state-of-the-art computational tools, the team systematically evaluates both current and future energy technologies, examining their environmental, economic, and health-related dimensions. This rigorous evaluation ensures that strategies devised today effectively support energy needs while preserving natural resources at local, regional, national, and global scales for future generations.
The group leverages expertise in numerous areas, including human health risk assessment, radiation dosimetry and protection, and toxicology across human and environmental endpoints. Specialists also provide comprehensive energy and economic modeling, and in-depth evaluation of novel energy technologies ensuring a well-rounded perspective in technoeconomic analyses and recommendations.