June 2023
Informing Energy Transitions: The 2023 Electricity Annual Technology Baseline
Informing energy transitions in the United States, NREL has released the 2023 Electricity Annual Technology Baseline (ATB), a realistic and timely set of technology cost and performance data (current and projected) for the electric sector.
Q&A With Clayton Barrows: Breaking Barriers on Road to Resilience
On a road trip 15 years ago, Clayton Barrows passed by NREL and thought out loud about pursuing a meaningful career in power systems modeling at the laboratory. Today he is the group manager of Grid Operations Planning in NREL's Grid Planning and Analysis Center.
Building the 2030 National Charging Network
Nearly 70 years ago, the United States began construction on the Interstate Highway System, setting in motion an effort that has been called the greatest public works project in American history.
Their Powers Combined: NREL Postdocs Study Turbulent Winds To Boost Concentrating Solar Efficiency
As part of a two-year project, three NREL postdocs are working hard to understand the impact of turbulent wind conditions on a type of concentrating solar power technology that uses a tube positioned along a curved, mirrored structure to collect sunlight.
Exploring Offshore Wind Energy Opportunities in the Great Lakes
The five Great Lakes contain 20% of the planet's freshwater resources. And, according to NREL research, they hold a wealth of wind energy potential that could enable states in the region to achieve their clean-energy goals, boost their economies with high-paying jobs, and provide a cleaner environment for residents.
Hydrogen to the Rescue: Delivering Power to Disaster Recovery Sites with Zero Emissions
Imagine an emergency vehicle that can provide reliable power to disaster recovery sites, operating in near silence and emitting only water vapor. H2Rescue is just that.
Researchers Can Now Build Huge Hydropower Plants In the Lab
Today's hydropower plants could be even better—and more flexible—if researchers can find a better way to study these big, complex facilities. Learn how NREL researchers have designed a way to do exactly that.
News Release: NREL Awards $2 Million in Contracts To Support Development of Cheaper, More Efficient Cadmium Telluride Solar Cells
NREL has awarded $2 million to fund six projects to support the Cadmium Telluride Accelerator Consortium (CTAC).
Substitute for Gold Layer in Perovskite Clears Way for Cheaper Commercialization
A thin layer of gold or silver helps improve the efficiency of perovskite solar cells, but researchers have found a less expensive material that will enable commercialization of the technology without exorbitant cost.
Clearing the Path for Renewable Geothermal Project Development
What is stopping clean geothermal energy from rapid expansion?
Colorado Shows Eagerness for Sustainable Aviation
Amid the buzz of alternative aircraft and fuels, the Colorado Division of Aeronautics has been swayed: New aviation technologies are a major opportunity for Coloradans, and it is time to start planning their future.
NREL Researchers Traveled the Southwest To See the Future of Transportation in Action
To see the future of on-demand transit, researchers from NREL spent three days touring innovative mobility systems across the Southwest. Here's what they learned.
NREL’s New High-Performance Computer Has a Tremendous Supporting Cast
Kestrel—the DOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy's newest and fastest supercomputer—is being built at NREL by a coordinated team.
NREL Windows Research Clearly Making a Difference
Builders began erecting edifices with massive walls of windows after World War II. The trend continues to this day, but the 1970s saw the adoption of double-pane windows to reduce energy consumption. Researchers at NREL have been working to improve windows since 1983.
Beneath the Surface: The 'Spark Squad' Behind the Spark Squad
Learn about the "spark squad" behind the Spark Squad comics, a series created to inspire today's kids to become tomorrow's clean energy champions.
News Release: NREL Announces Participants for the 2023 Executive Energy Leadership Program
Eighteen leaders from around the country have been selected by the U.S. Department of Energy's NREL to participate in the 2023 Executive Energy Leadership program.
Take a Trip to Renewable Energy Discovery Island
Get a sneak peek into a virtual world where water power has huge potential.
Digital-Twin Project Green-Lights Traffic Congestion Improvements
The Chattanooga Digital Twin Project, a collaboration between NREL and Oak Ridge National Laboratory, aimed to reduce transportation-based energy emissions and commuting delays in the city using advanced computing.
How Deep Is Your Ocean Love?
To celebrate National Ocean Month, we spoke to three water power researchers whose lives and work revolve around the 70% of our planet that is covered in ocean.
Collegiate Competitions Supercharge the Future Clean Energy Workforce
College students showcased their work in water power and wind energy at the final events for three DOE collegiate competitions: the inaugural Hydropower Collegiate Competition, fourth annual Marine Energy Collegiate Competition, and 10th annual Collegiate Wind Competition.
Last Updated May 1, 2025