NREL names Energy Systems Integration chief

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has appointed Juan Torres as the new Associate Director for Energy Systems Integration.

In his role at NREL, Torres will oversee continuing efforts at the laboratory’s Energy Systems Integration Facility (ESIF) to strengthen the security of the US electrical grid, to increase the use of renewable sources of energy, and to develop and demonstrate new technologies to modernize the power grid.

Martin Keller, Director of NREL, said: “Juan’s expertise encompasses many of NREL’s core program areas. He will lead research teams that include renewable energy systems integration, cybersecurity, grid modernization, and energy systems security and resilience.”

Torres is taking over the role from Bryan Hannegan, and will be reporting directly to Keller. He joined Sandia National Labs 27 years ago, and has served as deputy to the vice president for energy and climate programs for the past year.

In that position, Torres led efforts in cybersecurity, guided investments in advanced energy research, and played a key role in the Department of Energy’s multi-lab effort to modernize the US electrical grid, NREL said.

NREL is the US Department of Energy’s primary national laboratory for renewable energy and energy efficiency research and development.