October 7, 2026
5 MIN READ
With support from DOE national laboratories, including ORNL, Texas-based company Element3 has launched the first domestic lithium mining project in 50 years. This achievement is likely to have a big impact, turning the United States from a net importer of lithium to a country well on the path to greater energy independence, national security and economic strength.
October 7, 2026
9 MIN READ
ORNL researchers are developing intelligent automation systems that help manufacturers operate efficiently with smaller workforces. Work at the Manufacturing Demonstration Facility integrates robotics, sensing and advanced controls to increase flexibility and reduce production time. These technologies are strengthening U.S. manufacturing competitiveness by supporting faster deployment and securing domestic supply chains.
September 25, 2026
4 MIN READ
ORNL has released the 2026 edition of the U.S. Hydropower Market Report, providing updated statistics and analysis of trends in conventional hydropower and pumped storage hydropower. The report primarily examines developments through the end of 2025, with selected updates from 2026, in areas including fleet capacity, investment, ownership, licensing, project development, plant performance, electricity markets and the supply chain.
September 25, 2026
6 MIN READ
Dolly Parton’s paternal ancestors, George and Cassie Rayfield, lived in the Park City community and are buried at New Bethel Baptist Church cemetery on what is now the Oak Ridge Reservation. Their family’s connection to the area continues through ORNL Fire Chief Daron Long, Parton’s third cousin, who works on the same land where the Rayfields once lived.
September 24, 2026
1 MIN READ
Two transportation researchers at the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Josh Pihl and Derek Splitter, have been named SAE International Fellows, an honor recognizing individuals of exceptional distinction for outstanding and sustained accomplishments in mobility or related engineering.
September 23, 2026
5 MIN READ
More than 200 experts from industry, government, academia and national laboratories gathered at the Department of Energy’s Manufacturing Demonstration Facility (MDF) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory in October 2024 to identify opportunities for and challenges to adoption of the technology. Their conclusions, available in a new report, point to a rapidly growing field with the potential to transform advanced manufacturing.
September 22, 2026
8 MIN READ
ORNL researchers are improving methods to recover tiny amounts of rare radioisotopes produced during californium-252 production. The more efficient processes increase purity and recovery while reducing workers’ radiation exposure, providing materials for research on the heaviest elements.
September 22, 2026
6 MIN READ
ORNL shipped more than two tons of its historic lithium-7 enriched FLiBe salt to Natura Resources for a new molten salt research reactor in Texas. The transfer will help accelerate development of the first U.S. salt-fueled reactor since ORNL’s Molten Salt Reactor Experiment ended in 1969.
September 22, 2026
6 MIN READ
ORNL welcomed 60 graduate students and postdoctoral researchers for its second National Neutron Scattering School at SNS and HFIR. Participants gained hands-on experience with neutron scattering techniques while learning from experts and building connections in the field.
September 22, 2026
5 MIN READ
September 21, 2026
6 MIN READ
ORNL and Boeing 3D printed a nearly 2-ton metal mold to explore faster, more efficient manufacturing of thermoplastic composite aircraft parts. The project demonstrates how large-scale additive manufacturing could support aerospace and other U.S. industries.
September 18, 2026
5 MIN READ
ORNL received the IEEE Quantum Technical Community Distinguished Synergy Award for its collaborative approach to advancing quantum materials, computing, networking and sensing. The award recognizes ORNL’s work bringing together expertise, research facilities and partners to move quantum technologies from scientific discovery toward practical applications.