Grid Modernization News

Oct 14, 2021, 18:00 by User Not Found

From Iceland to Alaska to France, NREL geoscientist Amanda Kolker has studied geothermal energy all around the world. After graduating with a bachelor's degree in geology, Kolker went to study volcano and glacier interactions in Iceland but was quickly distracted by Iceland's vast geothermal energy systems.

Oct 13, 2021, 18:00 by User Not Found

Researchers at NREL and Colorado School of Mines are applying a new technique to identify defects in silicon solar cells that cause a drop in efficiency. The lessons learned at the atomic level could lead to improvements in the way manufacturers strengthen their products against what is known as light-induced degradation.

Oct 12, 2021, 18:00 by User Not Found

Researchers at NREL are collaborating with leading industry and research partners on a new modeling framework that can be used to analyze and plan net-zero-emission and hybrid freight train systems: Advanced Locomotive Technology and Rail Infrastructure Optimization System (ALTRIOS) software.

Oct 12, 2021, 18:00 by User Not Found

To help combat the plastic waste problem, NREL and its collaborators have developed a method to upcycle polyethylene terephthalate (PET) into performance-advantaged nylon, a precursor to other valuable products such as waterproof clothing, stick-free cookware coatings, and heat-resistant machine parts.

Oct 12, 2021, 18:00 by Anya Breitenbach

Rural areas are working to connect in new ways, through improved digital and cell phone networks, as well as alternative forms of transportation. Researchers from NREL are joining small towns across America to expand affordable, convenient, and energy-efficient transportation choices.

Oct 10, 2021, 18:00 by User Not Found

Scientists at NREL developed a fully integrated process to produce a promising precursor for diesel and jet fuel from lignocellulosic biomass, and for less expense than the selling price of the same material from petroleum.

Oct 7, 2021, 18:00 by User Not Found

Ten teams competing in the CABLE Conductor Manufacturing Prize were selected as Stage 1 winners. Competitors are helping re-wire the future of electricity—developing concepts for affordable and manufacturable conductivity-enhanced, next-generation materials.

Oct 7, 2021, 18:00 by User Not Found

A poppy seed from your morning bagel is about 1,000 times larger than a bacterial cell. That small cell is about 1,000 times larger than the chemical structures NREL researchers are creating and studying to transform how we use energy.

Oct 7, 2021, 18:00 by User Not Found

An upcoming partnership with company Electric Hydrogen will draw on deep experience in developing breakthrough renewable technologies; this time, they are targeting robust and cost-effective electrolyzers for clean hydrogen.

Oct 7, 2021, 18:00 by User Not Found

October 8—10/08—is Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day! This year NREL is celebrating this symbolic date, chosen to represent the atomic weight of hydrogen (1.008), by highlighting innovative hydrogen and fuel cell research across the laboratory.

Oct 5, 2021, 18:00 by User Not Found

New study by the Joint Institute for Strategic Energy Analysis finds industrial manufacturing could profitably help stabilize the grid with large-scale batteries.

Oct 5, 2021, 18:00 by User Not Found

An exciting new initiative has been created by DOE and NREL to catalyze the development of cybersecurity solutions for the nation's clean energy grid of the future. The Clean Energy Cybersecurity Accelerator brings together federal infrastructure and expertise, asset owners in the energy sector, and technology innovators in a way that has not yet been done before.

Sep 30, 2021, 18:00 by User Not Found

An NREL-led project is working on a new type of grid device that could segment sections of the grid, providing advanced control for flexibility and resilience for our power systems.

Sep 30, 2021, 18:00 by User Not Found

The Composites Manufacturing Education and Technology Facility can help partners build better materials for wind and marine energy, transportation, and energy-efficient buildings.

Sep 28, 2021, 18:00 by User Not Found

In March 2022, the Collegiate Wind Competition organizers will implement a new application process and timeline for the 2023 competition. This new process is intended to broaden the reach and impact of the CWC.

Sep 28, 2021, 18:00 by User Not Found

Researchers at NREL have determined how to transport massive wind turbine blades to parts of the country at a lower cost than segmented blades, but the solution will require some flexibility on the part of industry.

Sep 28, 2021, 18:00 by User Not Found

This is the first in series of articles profiling NREL researchers whose work is helping build a circular economy to extend the lifespan of materials, components, and products, while reducing waste, conserving resources, and boosting efficiency. NREL Senior Research Fellow Bob Allen shared his thoughts on how innovations in upcycling sustainable polymers and composites can contribute to the circular economy.

Sep 28, 2021, 18:00 by User Not Found

The infrastructure that defines the U.S. electric grid is based largely on pre-digital technologies and is now faced with increasingly difficult load and power quality demands. New tools are required to create a flexible and modern electric grid and the next generation of renewable energy professionals are here to help.

Sep 27, 2021, 18:00 by Rebecca Martineau

A state-of-the-art thermal management system developed by NREL in collaboration with John Deere promises to significantly increase the power density of silicon carbide (SiC) inverters within heavy-duty EV applications.

Sep 26, 2021, 18:00 by User Not Found

The NREL star thought he had no potential growing up. Today, he is leading research on how land use constraints factor into realizing wind energy's full potential.