2025 Review: Research Lights the Future for the Power Industry

As technology builds on scientific knowledge, research becomes essential for improving tools and processes in the energy field. In 2025, universities, national laboratories, and think tanks all contributed to expanding knowledge and applications that could improve electric vehicles and batteries, data center operations, power grid management, and renewable and nuclear energy.

Here are a few notable research studies EEPower reported on in 2025.

Artist’s concept of an inertial fusion energy power plant’s target chamber. Image used courtesy of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory/Eric Smith

Electric Vehicles

Electric vehicles seem to have reached maturity, but several problems exist, including battery safety, charging, and range.

• This study used deep learning to predict the risk of thermal runaway in lithium-ion batteries: AI Warns of Imminent EV Thermal Runaway Danger
• Researchers also focused on ways to stabilize batteries and lengthen their lives: Research Finds 30% More Power in EV Batteries

EV battery. Image used courtesy of Adobe Stock

• Charging is always a concern for scientists. This study zeroed in on charging and driving range in cold weather: Cold-Weather EV Battery Design Charges 500% Faster
• Many factors affect EV driving range, but batteries are a major influence: Can This Battery Tech Help EVs Travel 3,000 Miles per Charge?

Data Centers

AI data center power consumption, power architecture, and efficiency were top concerns for researchers and developers in the past year.

• The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy analyzed data center trends and grid load and suggested ways for data centers to give power back to the grid: 3 Steps to Turning Data Center Energy Hogs Into Grid Assets
• ZincFive’s study may provide scientists with guidance on potential research areas. They analyzed the top needs and desires of data center developers and operators: What Do Data Center Pros Want for Efficient Operations?

Power Grid Management

AI, digital systems, and other technologies are transforming power operations and management and redefining what we mean by “smart” grid.

Grid visualization. Image used courtesy of ORNL

• NREL used artificial intelligence to strengthen grid resilience when integrating renewable energy sources: Autonomous Energy Systems Turn Grid Management Upside Down
• Grid reliability depends on maintaining essential infrastructure. The Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s research evaluated drone surveillance: How Do Drones Make Smart Grids Smarter?

Renewable Energy

Solar, wind, geothermal, hydrogen, and hydropower have had their ups and downs in 2025, but research pushes on.

• This study was one of many examining the effectiveness of perovskite in photovoltaic technology: Research Pushes Perovskite and Solar to New Levels

Al2O3 added to a perovskite solar cell. Image used courtesy of Perera et al

• Making hydrogen is a hot topic of debate, but this study posits that natural hydrogen might be more than enough: Underground Hydrogen Could Supply Power for 170 Millennia

Nuclear Energy

While nuclear energy may not be renewable, it is a low-emissions energy source and the subject of much research and development. Here’s a roundup.

• Nuclear energy is advancing and expanding as energy demands grow:  The World Considers a Nuclear-Powered Future
• Turns out fusion is no longer a futuristic possibility, but a growing reality. This study revives the concept of cold fusion: Amid Skepticism, Cold Fusion Experiments Heat Up Again