September 2018
Q&A with Barry Mather: Bridging the Gap from Power Electronic Devices to Systems
As the group manager for Integrated Devices and Systems (IDS) within NREL's Power Systems Engineering Center and chair of the Institute for Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Power Electronics Society Denver chapter, Barry Mather considers himself an honest broker--balancing the needs for a reliable grid while also increasing the amount of distributed energy resources (DER) integrated into the grid. Mather sat down with us to answer some questions about his career at the lab and research in his group. The following has been edited for length.
Crosscutting Grid Research Facilities Provide Industry Launch Pad for Utility-Scale Evaluation
New grid integration technologies at the National Wind Technology Center (NWTC) have introduced a vast range in grid research capabilities--from multimegawatt-scale wind and solar technologies to advanced energy storage devices, transformers, and protection equipment.
Views of the ESIF: Five Years Back, Five Years Forward
In celebration of five years since the ESIF's dedication, the facility's leadership reflect on its use now, and looking ahead.
PV Cities Training Program Powers Solar Adoption Across America's Cities and Counties
To aid cites in solar adoption, NREL launched the City and County Solar PV Training Program, or PV Cities, in January 2018. The five-month program was designed specifically for cities and counties and aimed to increase the deployment of midscale solar PV systems by engaging stakeholders to develop deployment solutions and empowering city and county staff.
NREL and Shell Launch Accelerator Program for Emerging Technologies
The Shell GameChanger Accelerator Powered by NREL will leverage an established national laboratory-industry collaborative model to help startups de-risk and accelerate emerging clean energy technologies on their path to market.
For PhD Students, HOPE Workshop Highlights Real-World Applications of Solar Technology
The Hands-On PV Workshop brings graduate students from across the United States to NREL each year to increase their knowledge about photovoltaics and see practical applications of PV technologies.
NREL R&D Funding Will Fuel New CSP Research
With seven new projects, NREL will elevate research in concentrating solar power (CSP). The projects are funded by the U.S. Department of Energy's Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO) through a National Laboratory call for proposals.
Beyond the Grid: How Micro-grids Can Help Sub-Saharan Africa Achieve Universal Energy Access
NREL supports the Power Africa Beyond the Grid Program by helping to build an environment that could enable bankable, microgrid investments. NREL recently published two reports in support of this effort.
Editorial Positions with Journals Strengthen NREL Connections
Two NREL researchers from NREL's Transportation and Hydrogen Systems Center, Robert McCormick and Sreekant Narumanchi, have recently received editorial appointments from leading journals in their fields.
Geothermal Technologies Could Push Energy Storage Beyond Batteries
Three new projects at will tap geothermal energy to advance new energy storage applications as part of the U.S. Department of Energy's Grid Modernization Initiative.
How the Philippine Grid Could Achieve 30%--or Even 50%--Renewable Energy by 2030
Through a project sponsored by USAID and the Philippine Department of Energy (PDOE), the U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) recently released a report titled, "Greening the Grid: Solar and Wind Integration Study for the Luzon-Visayas System of the Philippines."
NREL Analysts Take a First Look at the Florida Duck Curve, and How Flexibility Could Help
New analysis examines how solar deployment may impact grid operations in Florida, an understudied but important market.
NREL Interns Energize the Laboratory
NREL Summer Interns unbox their potential to explore their passions in renewable energy.
August 2018
Q&A with Kristen Ardani: From Research to Rooftops
As the Program Lead for Solar Data, Analysis, and Tools in the Integrated Applications Center, Kristen Ardani is making widespread solar deployment a reality.
Competition in Colombia Sparks Renewable Energy Expansion
Colombia will host its first renewable energy auction in 2019, hoping to boost its renewable portfolio and buffer its hydro-dominated energy sector against debilitating drought seasons. Learn how NREL expertise is helping the Colombian government transform its energy sector.
A Hidden GEM of NREL
NREL is preparing the next generation of innovative researchers through an invaluable partnership with The National GEM Consortium.
NREL's Eric Payne Wins Technology Transfer Professional of the Year Award
From 2012 to 2018, NREL witnessed a 68% increase in invention submissions, an 89% increase in the total number of intellectual property agreements, and a 24% increase in overall license revenue. These achievements would not be possible without an exceptional licensing team in the Technology Transfer Office, and notably, an outstanding team lead. The Federal Laboratory Consortium (FLC) Mid-Continent Region has chosen Senior Licensing Executive Eric Payne to receive the 2018 Technology Transfer Professional of the Year Award.
Data Center Water-Savings Win Wins
NREL and partners honored with Federal Energy and Water Management Award for resourceful data center cooling.
Industry Leaders Tackle Urban Design and Mobility Challenges at NREL’s Second Partner Forum
NREL transforms energy through partnerships. That's why the laboratory recently opened its doors for a two-day forum, designed to strengthen existing partnerships and create new ones.
U.S. Offshore Wind Technology Market Accelerates in 2017
New state-level commitments, advances in permitting and energy offtake processes, and strategic research investments buoyed the U.S. offshore wind market in 2017. The offshore wind project development pipeline in the United States includes 25,464 megawatts (MW) of planned generating capacity as of June 2018, with projects representing 2,000 MW expected to commence commercial operation by 2023.
Last Updated May 1, 2025