Energy Secretary Joins Kilmer at PNNL in Sequim
Sequim, WA – On Wednesday, U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm and U.S. Department of Energy Undersecretary for Science & Innovation Geri Richmond joined U.S. Representative Derek Kilmer (WA-06) for a visit to the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory-Sequim (PNNL-Sequim). The PNNL-Sequim campus, which houses the only marine research facilities in the Department of Energy (DOE) complex, conducts marine-based research that is focused on helping the nation achieve sustainable energy, a sustaining environment, and coastal security. It was the first time that a U.S. Energy Secretary or Undersecretary visited the facility.
“Tuesday’s visit by Secretary Granholm and Undersecretary Richmond to PNNL-Sequim was an excellent opportunity to showcase to leaders of the Energy Department the extraordinary work that’s happening here in our region. As we work to transition our nation toward a renewable future, the work happening in our region can play a pivotal role in tackling the climate crisis, helping get reliable and affordable energy to rural areas, and creating good paying jobs,” said Rep. Kilmer.
“I’m so grateful to Representative Kilmer for showing me his beautiful district and for his enormous leadership in Congress on the sustainable blue economy,” said Secretary Granholm. “Sequim is at the forefront of marine science and energy innovation, and this region should be at the front of the line for investments as we build our clean energy future together.”
“DOE is so proud to support PNNL Sequim’s groundbreaking marine science and energy work to build a healthier future for both the ocean and for humanity,” said Dr. Richmond. “What we saw at Sequim demonstrates why our National Labs are the world’s innovation powerhouses, and why this administration will continue to invest in our scientific talent.”
During the visit, Secretary Granholm, Undersecretary Richmond, and Rep. Kilmer toured PNNL-Sequim facilities and met with PNNL-Sequim leadership and team members to learn about the unique capabilities of the facility. They toured the pier and took a ride on one of the facilities research vessels to learn more about PNNL’s marine and coastal research capabilities – which aim to advance DOE’s goal of deploying 30 gigawatts of offshore wind by 2030 by providing offshore wind resource characterization and the collection and management of data necessary to accelerate environmental permitting in offshore environments. In addition, they toured PNNL’s unique seawater laboratories, which allow researchers and partners to evaluate new marine technologies in realistic seawater conditions. The tests conducted here aim to help advance the development of marine energy devices as well as support critical mineral separations; carbon dioxide removal; approaches for converting algae to fuels, food, and materials; and prevention of corrosion and biofouling that impacts technology performance.
In addition to touring the facilities, Secretary Granholm and Rep. Kilmer participated in a roundtable discussion with Olympic Peninsula community leaders to discuss community collaboration opportunities for climate and energy resilience in the region. The conversation focused on the energy needs of the Olympic Peninsula and challenges and opportunities for system upgrades in Jefferson and Clallam Counties. Participants shared their views on how PNNL and DOE can assist with their ongoing efforts to meet current and energy future energy goals, including decarbonization, resilience, equity and access, and economic development.
“As we work to transition to renewable energy sources, we can’t leave rural communities and Tribal nations behind. That’s why I’m glad Secretary Granholm and Undersecretary Richmond could meet firsthand with community leaders from across the Olympic Peninsula to learn more about the challenges our region faces – but also to talk about the opportunities that exist for collaboration - to ensure that we can grow renewable energy and create jobs right here in rural communities in the Pacific Northwest,” said Rep. Kilmer.
Roundtable participants included Secretary Grahnolm, Undersecretary Richmond, Rep. Kilmer, Jamestown S’Klallam Tribal Chairman Ron W. Allen, Makah Tribal Chairman Timothy J. Greene Sr., State Representative Steve Tharinger, DOE Pacific Northwest Site Office Acting Manager Ted Pietrok, Clallam PUD General Manager Steve Worthington, North Olympic Development Council Executive Director Karen Affeld, and City of Sequim Resource Analyst/Lead of Sustainable Sequim Program Meggan Uecker.
During Wednesday’s visit, Rep. Kilmer discussed the Blue Energy Innovation Act – bipartisan legislation he introduced that aims to redouble America’s efforts to harness the blue economy (technologies and economic development tied to the ocean and other waterways) and reassert the United States as the global leader in the research and development of blue energy technologies (renewable energy that capitalizes on water’s low-costs energy and decarbonization potential). The bill aims to help DOE leverage resources across relevant federal agencies, national laboratories like PNNL-Sequim, and other partners, to develop cutting-edge blue energy technologies that aim to improve the sustainability and cost-effectiveness of activities tied to the blue economy.
“With tremendous assets like the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in Sequim, which houses the only marine research facilities in the Department of Energy complex, and a unique and thriving maritime sector, this bipartisan legislation can help Washington state can become a global leader in driving innovation and sustainability, creating blue economy jobs, and fighting the climate crisis,” said Rep. Kilmer.
Secretary Granholm’s first visit to the Evergreen State as Energy Secretary follows the Senate’s passage of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, and according to DOE, underscores the Department’s commitment to working with President Biden to battle climate change, lower energy, and transportation costs for American households, and reinvigorate domestic manufacturing. Rep. Kilmer, who invited the Secretary and Undersecretary to Sequim, is expected to vote in favor of the legislation on August 12.