January 2019
Concentrating Solar Power's Role Could Grow if 2030 Cost Targets Realized
Concentrating solar power (CSP) could play an increasingly significant role in generating electricity in the contiguous United States by 2050 if the technology's levelized cost of electricity can be lowered to goals set by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) in 2016.
NREL Research Proves Switchable Solar Window Works, Now Focus Moves to Making it Work Better
A year after NREL Researcher Lance Wheeler attracted international attention for his research detailing a window that could both darken and generate electricity, he's starting over--almost from scratch.
Collaboration Works To Improve Variable Renewable Energy Modeling
A group of NREL researchers recently collaborated with expert modelers from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the Electric Power Research Institute to improve the treatment of variable renewable energy, such as wind and solar, in the flagship planning models used by these research organizations.
Five NREL Scientists Recognized as Highly Cited Researchers
NREL researchers Matthew Beard, Keith Emery, Giles Eperon, Joseph Luther, and Arthur Nozik were named among the most internationally influential scientists according to the 2018 list of Highly Cited Researchers.
Webinar January 9: Learn About HyMARC, a Multi-Lab Collaboration Addressing Key Challenges to Hydrogen Storage in Advanced Materials
In this DOE Fuel Cell Technologies Office webinar, researchers at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and Sandia National Laboratories will expand on the Hydrogen Materials-Advanced Research Consortium's (HyMARC's) mission to accelerate the development of innovative hydrogen storage materials.
NREL's New Supercomputer, Eagle, Takes Flight
Now in production use, the ultra-efficient Eagle high-performance computer will power scientific insights to accelerate our energy system transformation.
New Substation Will Double Generating Capacity at National Wind Technology Center
This upgrade will enable megawatt-scale research that generates nearly twice that amount of power to occur at the same time--increasing opportunities for more grid-connected technologies, including solar panels, batteries, and additional wind turbines.
Advancements in Catalytic Fast Pyrolysis Give Biofuels a Boost
Researchers from NREL and two other national labs have discovered an alternative catalytic fast pyrolysis approach--using fixed-bed reactors and bifunctional catalysts--that significantly improves bio-oil yields and the overall economics of the process to turn biomass into biofuels and bioproducts.
From Intern to Engineer, Nick Johnson Follows the Wind to NREL
Former tribal energy intern follows the wind to a career at NREL.
December 2018
News Release: NREL Details Great Potential for Floating PV Systems
While the United States was the first to demonstrate floating PV panels--with the first installation occurring 10 years ago on pontoons on an irrigation pond in Napa Valley, California--the idea has not received widespread national acceptance.
A Big Year for Wind: NREL's Top Five Industry Takeaways of 2018
The wind industry is booming now that wind generation has become the cheapest source of new power in multiple U.S. markets, even without incentives. And--spoiler alert--early-stage research shows promise for driving down wind power prices even further.
Better Explanation of Coalescence-Related Defects Garners Journal Spotlight
New paper aids researchers in understanding defects in coalescing materials, helping to develop low-cost substrates for solar cells.
Ian Baring-Gould is Engaging in the Power of Communities
Ian Baring-Gould has traveled the globe for NREL, helping communities. He is amazed at the progress of renewables, particularly wind, over the past few decades.
Q&A with Mike Callahan: Modernizing Energy Systems
Mike Callahan is the group manager for the Applied Engineering team, a new group at NREL that supports projects in the areas of resiliency, microgrids, building systems, and new technology testing and evaluation.
Inspiring the Next Generation of NREL Researchers
Senior NREL researcher Alicen Kandt frequently volunteers to speak with college students and young girls about careers in engineering and renewable energy.
Expert from NREL Testifies Before Canada House of Commons
ASHRAE President and NREL senior research advisor Sheila Hayter testified before the Canada House of Commons Standing Committee on Natural Resources in November.
Field Validation Campaign of German-Designed Rotor Blades Measures Adaptation to Strong Winds
The German Aerospace Center has partnered with NREL to investigate how well rotor blades designed with bending-torsion coupling handle strongly variable wind speeds.
NREL Garners Top Sustainability Honor at Data Center Dynamics Awards
International award cements NREL’s status as a world leader in energy-efficient and sustainable data centers.
Costs Continue to Decline for Residential and Commercial Photovoltaics in 2018
Two new reports from NREL track the evolving costs of PV and establish a new cost benchmark for PV-plus-storage.
NREL Powers Up GameChanger, Announces First Cohort of Start-Ups
The Shell GameChanger™ Accelerator Powered by NREL (GCxN) has announced its first round of start-up innovators – four companies focused on developing long-term energy storage and advancing the grid of the future.
Last Updated May 28, 2025