August 2021
Annual Technology Baseline Provides Updated Foundational Solar Model Input Data for Electric Grid Studies
One of the challenges of aggregating solar energy data from different sources into studies is knowing whether the data uses consistent assumptions. The Annual Technology Baseline (ATB) resolves this challenge by creating consistent assumptions for all electric generation technologies cost and performance data, including solar.
NREL Develops FLASH Hydropower Framework for a Greener Grid
With support from the U.S. DOE Water Power Technologies Office, NREL researchers are developing the Framework for Linked Analysis of Streamflow and Hydropower (FLASH), a systems-engineering-based approach that will improve hydropower's representation in grid operations modeling.
Modeling and Analysis Inform COVID-19 Mobility Impacts and Vaccination Planning
A data-informed mobility modeling and analysis effort led by a crosscutting team at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory has identified pandemic-related travel changes--on the road and in the air--and informed regional vaccine administration site planning.
Wave-Powered SeaRAY Preps for Hawaii Trial
C-Power is collaborating with NREL and the U.S. Department of Energy Water Power Technologies Office to prep their autonomous, wave-powered, renewable energy device—called the SeaRAY autonomous offshore power system—for its first open ocean trial.
Going the Way of T-Rex: Life Cycle Waste and Emissions in Construction Material Manufacturing
NREL researchers are developing strategies to prevent construction from gobbling up resources with BREX—shorthand for Building Materials' Reduce, Reuse, and Recycling.
Teams Ride Wave of Winnings To Succeed in Water Desalination Challenge
Seasoned Waves to Water Prize competitors are developing novel, wave-powered desalination devices that can provide clean drinking water to coastal and island communities as well as in disaster recovery scenarios.
NREL's Thermoplastic Blade Research Dives Deep With Verdant Power's Tidal Energy Turbines
NREL is measuring the performance of its potentially industry-changing thermoplastic blades on Verdant Power's tidal power turbine in New York City's East River.
NREL's International Programs Overcome Travel Restrictions To Provide Global Trainings
While COVID-19 Travel Restrictions Prevent NREL Researchers From Hosting In-Person Trainings, Virtual Solutions Are Creating Opportunities To Build Partnerships at a Distance
Big Emissions Cuts and Efficiency Gains for Big Rigs
A new report from the DOE Co-Optimization of Fuels & Engines (Co-Optima) initiative identifies potential big gains for big rigs and the environment by creating low-carbon renewable diesel fuel blends for use in truck engines.
Closing the Gap in Inventories for Emissions From U.S. Oil and Natural Gas Production
NREL's partner institution, the Joint Institute for Strategic Energy Analysis, and research partners developed a new approach to more accurately estimate emissions from oil and natural gas production.
RAPID Changes Are Coming for Hydropower
Launched in 2015, the Hydropower RAPID Toolkit collects and organizes the latest regulations that protect air and water quality, preserve wildlife habitats, prevent soil erosion, and shield valuable cultural and recreational resources.
Lightning No Match for Wind Turbine Blade Protection System
NREL develops lightning protection system for wind turbine blades made of thermoplastic resins and bonded together with NREL's patent-pending thermal welding process.
July 2021
Workshop Presents New Approaches to Cybersecurity for Critical Infrastructure Supply Chains
A workshop hosted by the DOE Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response (CESER) and NREL brought speakers from the counterintelligence community, national laboratories, and renewable energy industry to share their perspectives on securing power systems of renewables and distributed energy resources.
NREL Methods Assist Maui in Approaching 100% Renewable Operations
NREL is developing and validating multi-timescale tools that will bring Maui and other systems closer to 100% clean and stable energy futures.
Advancing NREL's Capabilities in Cybersecurity and Grid Communications
As group manager of NREL's Secure Cyber-Energy Systems group, Dane Christensen is seeking to mitigate the impact of cyberattacks and severe weather events on the grid.
Engaging Autopilot: NREL Explores Automation To Build Better Blades, Lower Costs, and Transform Wind Technology Manufacturing
NREL researchers are charting the course to better quality, lower-cost wind turbine blades through automation.
Celebrating NREL Women Advancing Energy Storage
This year, NREL joined the Department of Energy's Energy Storage Grand Challenge (ESGC) in celebrating just a few of the women making significant contributions within energy storage programs.
Liz Weber, Rising Star in Clean Energy Project Management, Leads High-Impact Projects
JISEA program manager Liz Weber knew in 2010 she was ready to become an environmental leader. She did not know she would become a leading project manager within the U.S. Department of Energy complex.
New Financial Analysis Tool for Long-Duration Energy Storage In Deeply Decarbonized Grids
Researchers at NREL have developed a rigorous new Storage Financial Analysis Scenario Tool (StoreFAST) model to evaluate the levelized cost of energy (LCOE), also known as the levelized cost of storage (LCOS).
Competitors From Industry Tapped for Drinking Water Challenge
Waves to Water Prize competitors are using their industry expertise to help advance marine energy technologies that could harness the power of ocean waves to produce clean drinking water.
Last Updated May 28, 2025