August 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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
NREL Puts Sound Waves to Test in Making Solar Cells Cheaper
Sound waves could play a part in making III-V solar cells more affordable for earth-bound applications, according to newly published research led by scientists at NREL.
Full Speed Ahead: Modeling a Faster Future for Lithium-Ion Batteries
From race car drivers to battery engineers, human nature drives us to push the boundaries of speed, performance, and efficiency in pursuit of excellence. Researchers are applying this determination and focus to optimize lithium-ion batteries for faster electric vehicle charging.
Former Tax Fraud Investigator Manajit Sengupta Thinks Big as a Distinguished Researcher
Distinguished Researcher Manajit Sengupta leads Solar Measurement and Modeling at NREL, and his group maintains expertise in solar and atmospheric resource measurement, modeling, and forecasting for renewable energy applications.
Quantum Computers Can Now Interface With Power Grid Equipment
The power system is so complex that even supercomputers struggle to efficiently solve certain optimization problems. But quantum computers might fare better, and now researchers can explore that prospect thanks to a software interface between quantum computers and grid equipment.
News Release: Bifacial Perovskite Solar Cells Point to Higher Efficiency
A bifacial perovskite solar cell, which allows sunlight to reach both sides of the device, holds the potential to produce higher energy yields at lower overall costs, according to scientists at NREL.
Last Updated May 28, 2025