May 2021
Researchers Take a Practical Look Beyond Short-Term Energy Storage
An article in Nature Energy by NREL research engineer Omar J. Guerra describes research needs for longer-duration and seasonal energy storage solutions and opportunities to develop a stronger understanding of how long-term and seasonal storage technologies can become cost-effective and grid-supportive energy solutions.
Flexible Loads and Renewable Energy Work Together in a Highly Electrified Future
The multiyear Electrification Futures Study concludes with first-of-its-kind national-scale modeling of power systems with widespread electrification, demand-side flexibility, and high renewable energy.
Wave Hello to the 2022 Marine Energy Collegiate Competition Teams
Seventeen teams were selected to participate in the 2022 MECC to offer a new wave of innovation in the third year of the competition.
What We Know—and Do Not Know—About Achieving a National-Scale 100% Renewable Electric Grid
Published in the journal Joule, "The Challenges of Achieving a 100% Renewable Electricity System in the United States" offers important insights into the technical and economic challenges that would need to be overcome to achieve 100% renewable electric power across the United States.
New Combustion Strategies Plus Biofuels Add Up to Cleaner, More Efficient Cars and Trucks
A report released this month highlights the most significant breakthroughs of the last year in the U.S. Department of Energy's Co-Optimization of Fuels & Engines (Co-Optima) initiative, with details on findings that could translate into significant greenhouse gas and tailpipe emissions reductions.
News Release: Environmental Concerns Propel Research Into Marine Biofuels
A global effort to reduce sulfur and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from ships has researchers from NREL and other Department of Energy facilities investigating the potential use of marine biofuels.
NREL's Partner Institution, the Joint Institute for Strategic Energy Analysis, Launches Catalyzers Initiative
The JISEA Catalyzers initiative will incubate research capabilities for 1–2 years before being launched into a new NREL-led program.
Expanded Data Sets and a Smooth-Sailing User Experience: Meet Marine Energy Atlas
Marine Energy Atlas features expanded data sets and offers a streamlined user experience.
News Release: NREL Announces Participants for 2021 Executive Energy Leadership Program
NREL selected 18 leaders to participate in its 2021 Executive Energy Leadership program, which provides nontechnical business, government, and community leaders an opportunity to learn about advanced energy technologies, analytical tools, and financing to guide their organizations and communities in energy-related planning.
News Release: NREL Announces Plans To Collaborate With UL Toward Commercialization of SolarAPP+ Automated Permitting Tool
NREL today announced a new initial memorandum of understanding with the global company UL to work toward further developing and commercializing the Solar Automated Permit Processing Plus (SolarAPP+) software that will automate the permitting process for residential solar systems.
April 2021
NREL Chemist Wins Award for Electron Bifurcation Research Article
Cara Lubner, a chemist at NREL, coauthored a research article on electron bifurcation that was awarded the Class I: Physical and Mathematical Sciences 2020 Cozzarelli Prize on April 25.
NREL Study Explores the Security Benefits of 5G for Distributed Energy Operations
New research from NREL explores the security features of 5G, highlighting network-slicing characteristics that can provide enhanced control, protection, and monitoring of distributed energy systems.
Three Winners Claim Top Honors at 2021 Marine Energy Collegiate Competition
Three winners of the 2021 MECC were announced by DOE’s Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy Office during a virtual ceremony this week.
NREL Joins Industry in Leading Cybersecurity Threat Evaluation for the U.S. Wind Fleet
NREL and six leading industry organizations have joined forces in developing a national Wind Cybersecurity Consortium. The consortium aims to improve the cybersecurity of the U.S. wind fleet through collaborative analysis, development, and information sharing.
The Curtailment Paradox in a High Solar Future
A new NREL study uncovers counterintuitive relationship between flexibility options and curtailment in power systems with high solar penetration.
News Release: Scientists at NREL Report New Synapse-Like Phototransistor
Researchers at NREL developed a breakthrough in energy-efficient phototransistors. Such devices could eventually help computers process visual information more like the human brain and be used as sensors in things like self-driving vehicles.
Pilot Program Sheds Light on E-Bike Use Patterns, Energy-Efficiency Benefits
NREL partnered with the Colorado Energy Office to assess the travel-behavior impacts of providing low-income essential workers with e-bikes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Analysis shows e-bikes are an effective, energy-saving alternative to other travel modes.
News Release: NREL Employees Pledge Record-Breaking Donations To Support Local Communities
In an annual giving campaign held virtually for the first time ever, employees of NREL along with its managing contractor, the Alliance for Sustainable Energy, pledged a record $616,000 to support local charities in Denver, Washington D.C., and Fairbanks, Alaska, all of which are home to NREL offices.
International Power System Leaders Signal Commitment to Decarbonization Solutions During Launch Event
System operator CEOs and energy leaders from around the world discussed paths to net-zero-emissions during the launch event for the Global Power System Transformation Consortium.
Rethinking Hydropower for Energy and Environmental Sustainability
NREL is working with Natel Energy to investigate the revenue and downstream flow trade-offs for a hypothetical series of small, cascading hydropower installations.
Last Updated May 28, 2025