Paul Denholm

Paul Denholm is a Senior Research Fellow at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), leading research in grid applications for energy storage and solar energy. He has pioneered methodologies to evaluate the technical, economic, and environmental impacts of large-scale renewable energy deployment and co-authored over 100 articles in this field.

• Education:
  • PhD in Land Resources/Energy Analysis and Policy, University of Wisconsin-Madison
  • Master in Instrumentation Physics, University of Utah
  • Bachelor in Physics, James Madison University
• Professional Experience:
  • Electrical Engineer at Bardac Drives Corp. (1995–1999)

His research spans renewable energy integration, grid flexibility (via storage, demand response, and market design), and solar energy applications. Recent articles highlight long-duration energy storage, 100% renewable electricity pathways, and grid reliability under extreme demand.

Scientific Awards:

• NREL Distinguished Member of Research Staff (2021)

With over 100 invited presentations to agencies like the National Science Foundation and World Bank, Denholm combines rigorous analysis with hands-on engineering, evidenced by personal projects like a concentrating solar marshmallow cooker.