News and Feature Stories
The following news stories take an in-depth, behind-the-scenes look at how NREL is advancing energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies.
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August 2023
Aug. 15, 2023
How Do We Inventory the Materials Needed To Build Wind and Solar Farms?
The new Renewable Energy Materials Properties Database, the development of which was led by NREL, compiles information on materials used in wind and solar power plants.
Aug. 10, 2023
City of Cordova and U.S. Department of Energy Push Envelope of Microgrid Design
Cordova, Alaska, has historic collaboration from the U.S. Department of Energy that changed the city's electrical system into a model for resilient and modern technology.
Aug. 9, 2023
It Is Finally Here! New Water-Free Technology Can Imitate Ocean Waves
A new capability installed at NREL's Flatirons Campus can mimic ocean motions, including waves up to 8 feet high, and supports devices weighing about as much as a small RV.
Aug. 9, 2023
NREL Launches Science and News Podcast
"Transforming Energy: The NREL Podcast" shares news about research at the laboratory and the ways NREL's work is impacting the clean energy space in biweekly, 15-minute episodes.
Aug. 8, 2023
Registration Opens for Fall 2023 Geothermal Collegiate Competition
The GCC invites teams from collegiate institutions to develop real-world geothermal solutions for communities while competing for $10,000 in cash prizes and gaining resume experience in the renewable energy industry.
Aug. 4, 2023
Partnerships Electrify the Future of NREL Buildings Innovation
Transforming homes, offices, schools, restaurants, hospitals, and everything in between to efficiently run on clean energy is a complex area of research. Each building presents a unique challenge—there is no one-size-fits-all approach.
Aug. 4, 2023
NREL Workshop Hosts Experts To Envision Tomorrow's Sustainable Mobility Systems
At a a two-day workshop hosted by NREL, thought leaders from industry, government, and academia discussed the challenges—and opportunities—that should be prioritized to create the sustainable transportation systems of the future.
Aug. 4, 2023
New Government Regulations Could Impact Hydropower
Learn more about how recent changes to federal and state regulations are impacting the Hydropower Regulatory and Permitting Information Desktop (RAPID) Toolkit.
Aug. 4, 2023
For Distinguished Researcher Andrew Ferguson, Ideas and Golf Are Par for the Course
NREL Distinguished Researcher Andrew Ferguson had a chemistry kit as a boy but never imagined that it would lead to a science career—he preferred playing golf.
Aug. 3, 2023
News Release: NREL Analysis Quantifies Impacts of Setback Ordinances on Land Available for Renewable Energy Deployment
The number of local zoning ordinances governing renewable energy deployment is growing in the United States, according to new research by NREL. The amount of land available to deploy renewables depends on the characteristics of the ordinances.
Aug. 2, 2023
A Decade of Greener Computing Blooms Inside NREL's Data Center
Some things are treacherous when mixed, like water and electricity. So when advanced-computing experts at NREL made the move over a decade ago to use water to cool central processing units in its data center, it is understandable why some folks instinctively thought it was a bad idea.
Aug. 2, 2023
All Aboard! NREL Releases First Comprehensive, Open-Source Software for Freight Rail Decarbonization
ALTRIOS, the Advanced Locomotive Technology and Rail Infrastructure Optimization System, is the world's first fully integrated, open-source software designed for exploring deep decarbonization of the rail industry. The software is now publicly available for download.
Aug. 1, 2023
Distinguished Researcher Elisa Miller-Link Appreciates Mentors in Track and Career Tracks, Passing the Torch On
Distinguished Researcher Elisa Miller-Link has forged a reputation as a passionate supporter of mentorship during her 10 years at NREL.
July 2023
July 31, 2023
Sparking Collaboration on Sustainable Transportation Across the Pacific
With support from the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Energy, NREL is collaborating with the Kingdom of Tonga and other Pacific Island nations to support their ambitious clean energy, mobility, and resilience goals.
July 28, 2023
Distinguished Researcher Dirk Jordan Knows the Value of Long-Term Reliability
NREL Distinguished Researcher Dirk Jordan is interested in long-term performance of photovoltaic (PV) modules and systems, particularly how PV modules degrade over many years in the field and how this can significantly impact overall project economics.
July 27, 2023
Research Awards To Improve Water Desalination Methods
New funding awards from the National Alliance for Water Innovation will help NREL researchers improve the energy efficiency of U.S. desalination and water reuse technologies.
July 27, 2023
Ukraine Fights To Build More Resilient, Renewable Energy System in Midst of War
NREL is providing tools and technical support to help Ukraine realize a resilient, decentralized, renewable Energy Grid.
July 27, 2023
Saving the Planet, One Internship at a Time
Throughout the summer, more than 400 interns will work at NREL, in person and virtually, making it the laboratory's largest cohort.
July 26, 2023
NREL Researchers Bring Technical Expertise to Communities Selected for Geothermal Heating and Cooling Initiative
More geothermal heating and cooling could be coming to a community near you, thanks to a new initiative funded by the U.S. Department of Energy Geothermal Technologies Office.
July 26, 2023
SolarAPP+ Prize Brings Automated Solar Permitting to Two New States
Four communities received funding to support adoption of permitting solution that speeds residential solar adoption.
July 26, 2023
Nine Remote and Island Communities To Improve Energy Resilience Through Energy Transitions Initiative Partnership Project
While the islands of Alaska may differ from the Hawaiian archipelago, they share common energy obstacles, such as limited energy infrastructure, high costs of imported energy, and vulnerability to natural disasters.
July 26, 2023
Photovoltaic Device Innovation Poised for Global Impact on the Future Energy System
Recent decades of research and development have produced highly sophisticated solar cells that generated more than 1,000 terawatt-hours of electrical energy globally in 2022.
July 25, 2023
Distinguished Researcher Justin Johnson Is Attuned to Nature and Global Change
NREL Distinguished Researcher Justin Johnson is attuned to his natural surroundings—and his scientific career path reflects that awareness.
July 21, 2023
Lower Energy Costs, Healthier Air: How Energy CLASS Prize Winners Are Transforming Their School
Twenty-five local education agencies were awarded $100,000 at the close of the first phase of the American-Made Energy CLASS Prize. Teams will now receive training and personalized coaching to implement health and efficiency upgrades in their schools.
July 21, 2023
Distinguished Researcher Matt Keyser Recycles Lionfish and Li-Ion Batteries
NREL Distinguished Researcher Matt Keyser values recycling and upcycling—whether with used lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries or the invasive lionfish he spears while scuba diving.
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