We're using supercomputing to make travel more efficient and affordable

at one of the busiest airports in the world

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Using data-driven statistical modeling and artificial intelligence, Athena is helping transportation hubs integrate and adapt to transformative technologies that support ambitious energy goals.

Funded by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Vehicle Technologies Office, Athena is a collaborative effort led by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in partnership with Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Dallas-Fort Worth International (DFW) Airport, and industry.

Athena researchers have developed sophisticated models of current and future mobility requirements, including a "digital twin" model of DFW Airport to simulate the impacts of future capacity expansion scenarios.

Athena insight will help inform realistic recommendations for long-term investments at DFW airport and other transportation hubs over the next 20 years.

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Multiyear NREL Study Uses Digital Twin of Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport to Inform Long-Term Investments at Major Transportation Hubs

July 5, 2021

Now in the third year of the Athena project, the team has published a series of three journal articles sharing key results on shuttle bus route optimization and expanded parking choices to improve energy use and reduce operational costs at airports.

Athena Papers Accepted to Transportation Review Board Meeting

Jan. 25, 2023

Two Athena papers were accepted to the 2021 virtual Transportation Review Board Annual Meeting that will bring together government, industry, academia, and research organizations to discuss topics within the theme of Launching a New Century of Mobility and Quality of Life.

Screenshot of a video interview with Sean Donohue

DFW International Airport CEO Highlights Athena

Sep. 24, 2020

In an interview for the Air Transport Advisory Group, DFW International Airport CEO Sean Donohue acknowledged the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and the Athena project as key factors for reducing emissions, improving efficiency, and enhancing energy systems at the airport.

News Archive

The primary Athena research team includes NREL, ORNL, DFW Airport, the North Texas Council of Governments, and the DFW Airport Clean Cities Coalition.

Regional stakeholders and data providers include American Airlines, Hitachi, Toyota, the Federal Aviation Administration, and NASA.

The project also involves a National Technical Advisory Board of multiple airports and ports, including Denver International Airport (DEN), the Port of Long Beach (POLB), Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL), the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ), and the Port of Seattle.