Trieu Mai is interested in renewable grid integration, energy system transformation, electrification, and clean energy policy. His research utilizes an array of power system models and energy-economic tools to examine the possible evolution of the power system, including costs, benefits, and impacts of increasing wind and solar penetration, as well as the economics of grid flexibility. He has coauthored over 75 articles on these topics and regularly presents to a broad range of audiences. 

Research Interests

Effects of high penetration of renewable energy

Power system economics

Technology innovation and policy impact on energy system transformation

Education

Ph.D., Theoretical Physics, University of California, Santa Cruz

M.S., Physics, University of California, Santa Cruz

B.S., Physics, University of California, Davis

Professional Experience

Patent Agent, Lumen Patent Firm (2007–2009)

Featured Work

Setting Cost Targets for Zero-Emission Electricity Generation Technologies, Applied Energy (2019)

Electrification Futures Study: Scenarios of Electric Technology Adoption and Power Consumption for the United States, NREL Technical Report (2018)

A Prospective Analysis of the Costs, Benefits, and Impacts of U.S. Renewable Portfolio Standards, NREL Technical Report (2016)

Renewable Electricity Futures for the United States, IEEE Transactions on Sustainable Energy (2014)

View all NREL publications for Trieu Mai.

Awards and Honors

Excellence Award, Energy Systems Integration Group (2019)

Outstanding Performance Staff Award, National Renewable Energy Laboratory (2015)

Energy Rock Star Award, U.S. Department of Energy (2015)

Achievement Award, Utility Variable-Generation Integration Group (2013)

Chairman’s Award, National Renewable Energy Laboratory (2011, 2015)