July 2015
Popular Mechanics: Scientists Break This Virtual Power Grid to Save the Real One
Popular Mechanics describes how NREL's Energy Systems Integration Facility helps integrate solar power into outdated systems—without causing blackouts or explosions in the process.
Data From Power Production Units Can Benefit Industry
For more than 5 years, DOE has been leveraging its ownership of two 250-kilowatt geothermal power production units to gather field data that will benefit the industry.
Continuum Magazine - NREL Analysis: Reimagining What's Possible for Clean Energy
The Summer 2015 issue of Continuum Magazine.
NREL Awarded $4.9 Million for Small Business Voucher Pilot
During the July 8 Clean Energy Manufacturing Initiative’s Southeast Regional Summit in Atlanta, Georgia, the Energy Department announced the national laboratories that will be taking the lead in implementing a new $20 million Small Business Vouchers Pilot. Through a competitive selection, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory was awarded $4.9 million for their work on the pilot.
NREL's Winning Hand of Clean Transportation Tools
NREL's suite of transportation tools helps fleet managers and individual drivers alike to "green up" their travel decisions
NREL's 91-Year-Old Palmer Carlin—a Wind Energy Pioneer
Release of the Energy Department's has added an important tool to his arsenal.
June 2015
Battery Second Use Offsets Electric Vehicle Expenses, Improves Grid Stability
NREL researchers are identifying strategies capable of offsetting expenses while helping utilities support peak electricity demands.
Colorado Students Secure in Science Knowledge
Ridgeview Classical Schools captured a 4-3 record at this year's National Science Bowl.
NREL Innovates Today for the Homes of Tomorrow
Researchers and industry partners collaborate in the Systems Performance Lab on energy-saving technologies for the smart homes of the future.
News Release: NREL Partnerships to Help the Grid Accommodate More Renewable Energy
The Energy Department’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) announces five new partnerships that will award up to $6.5 million in federal funds to technical teams throughout the country. The cost-shared projects with industry, universities, and other stakeholders will address the challenge of enabling the nation’s electric grid to handle increasing amounts of renewable energy.
NREL and Partners Review Integration Studies, Show Wind and Solar Can Support Proposed EPA Goal of 30% Carbon Dioxide Emissions Reduction
Report summarizes relevant studies that show wind and solar power plants can improve power system operations, reliability, and stability while reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 30% or more—helping inform the public discussion surrounding the cost and reliability impacts of complying with the EPA’s proposed target.
NREL Staff Recognized by DOE for Outstanding Achievements
At the 2015 Annual Merit Review and Peer Evaluation Meeting, the U.S. Department of Energy's Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Program honored four National Renewable Energy Laboratory staff for their outstanding achievements.
Geothermal Energy Association Honors Two NRELians with Top Recognition
Dan Getman and Jordan Macknick were recognized by the Geothermal Energy Association (GEA) during its National Geothermal Summit on June 3, 2015, in Reno, Nevada.
News Release: NREL, Clemson University Collaborate on Wind Energy Testing Facilities
Two of our nation’s most advanced wind energy research and test facilities have joined forces to help the wind energy industry improve the performance of wind turbine drivetrains and better understand how the turbines can integrate more effectively with the electrical grid.
Kuwait Visitors Interested in NREL Solar and Geothermal Efforts
During a visit on June 4, representatives of the Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) learned about NREL projects involving water desalination and enhanced oil recovery.
Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Mentors Honored as Outstanding
Three NREL hydrogen and fuel cell researchers were among seven outstanding mentors from NREL's Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internships (SULI) program who were announced at the spring SULI program poster session on May 14, 2015. The Outstanding Mentor Award recognizes researchers and scientists who have been exceptional mentors for interns in the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science's SULI program.
News Release: NREL’s Economic Impact Tops $872 Million
The economic impact of the Energy Department’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) was $872.3 million nationwide in fiscal year 2014, according to a study by the University of Colorado Boulder’s Leeds School of Business.
NREL Cyanobacteria Ramps Up Photosynthesis—and New Challenges
In a recent project, an NREL research team, led by Jianping Yu, improved ethylene productivity so that up to 10% of photosynthetically fixed carbons become ethylene—with one unexpected, yet welcome, surprise. While cellular metabolism was expected to change, possibly inhibiting growth due to significant and continuous loss of carbon, growth seems to be unaffected.
May 2015
Rain or Shine, Students Keep Their Race Cars Going
Teams from 17 Colorado middle schools competed in annual solar- and battery-powered model car race.
African Delegation Exchanges Knowledge with Top Geothermal Experts
Tapping into 14,000 megawatts of geothermal potential in eastern Africa is the focus one new collaboration at NREL.
Last Updated May 28, 2025