Wisdom to guide mobility transformations at U.S. Ports

We’re using supercomputing to make travel more efficient and affordable.

About

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 16 U.S. airports and numerous industry partners.

Athena researchers have developed sophisticated models of current and future mobility requirements and emerging technologies, including a "digital twin" model to simulate the impacts of future capacity expansion scenarios, and models tailored to different energy systems.

Athena provides easy-to-use, scalable tools that any U.S. airport can use to analyze operations encompassing:

Rental cars
Shuttle buses
Rideshares
Freight
Advanced air mobility
Ground service equipment
Onsite energy generation and storage systems

Transportation Review Board and Electrical Energy Storage Applications & Technology Presentations

Jan. 2, 2025

Two Athena papers were accepted to the 2025 Transportation Review Board Annual Meeting and the 2025 IEEE Electrical Energy Storage Applications & Technology (EESAT) meeting.

A vehicle plugged into a DC Fast charging station

Portland International Airport Unveils First DC Fast Charging for Rental Facilities

Dec. 30, 2024

Portland International Airport, an Athena ZEV partner, became the first major airport with a DC fast charging system for on-site rental car partners to utilize. The technology charges vehicles approximately eight times faster than a standard charger.

San Luis Obispo and Austin Airports to join Athena Advisory Board

Dec. 16, 2024

San Luis Obispo County Airport (California) and Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (Texas) have joined on to help prototype solutions and advise on tool development. These two airports join 12 other U.S. airport partners who advise the project.

Research Leads

The Athena research team includes scientists and engineers from NREL, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and industry advisors and experts:

Aishwarya Krishnamoorthy

Aug 12, 2025, 16:21 PM

Title : Aishwarya Krishnamoorthy

First Name : Aishwarya

Last Name : Krishnamoorthy

Phone :

Email :

LinkedIn :

Job Title : Athena Communications Lead

National Renewable Energy Laboratory

Categories :

Key Stakeholders

The Athena project has a stakeholder advisory board consisting of representatives from major U.S. airports, seaports, technology and transportation companies, government agencies, and academic research institutions.

Contact

For more information on Athena, contact [email protected].