Feature Stories
The following feature stories take an in-depth, behind-the-scenes look at how NREL is advancing energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies.
September 2017
Wind and Wave Energy Pioneer Finds Freedom in Research
Research Fellow Bob Thresher likes to venture into the unknown, a quality that spurred his pioneering career at NREL.
August 2017
NREL-Developed CUBE Helps Solve Army's Refueling Challenge
Device takes in power from PV panels, diesel generators, battery and puts all to use
NREL Summer Interns Climb to New Heights
Enjoying the Colorado outdoors is an added bonus for NREL interns--but the main draw is the opportunity to expand scientific horizons.
Decades After Developing Technology, NREL Sets New Solar-to-Hydrogen Record
Path to producing hydrogen from sunlight becomes even clearer
July 2017
NREL Scientists Upend Century-Old Ammonia Production Method
Paul King and Katherine Brown wanted answers. To produce ammonia from nitrogen, could they use a biomolecular reaction similar to one that boosts the production of hydrogen from water?
NREL at 40: It All Started With a Desire to Harness the Sun
Groundbreaking work in advanced energy research sprang from lab's 1977 start as SERI.
STEM Knowledge Puts Middle Schoolers in Driver's Seat
Student teams from across Colorado enjoy a day racing model electric cars at NREL
May 2017
NREL Research Takes Off for International Space Station
Students at Chatfield High School are hoping their algal research yields energy in microgravity.
Industry Growth Forum Goes Swimmingly for Cleantech Innovators
NREL's Industry Growth Forum convenes venture capitalists, government representatives, and cleantech experts.
March 2017
Computer-Aided Design Speeds Development of Safe, Affordable, and Efficient Batteries
Cutting-edge battery simulation tools developed by NREL and its partners in the Computer-Aided Engineering for Electric Drive Vehicle Batteries (CAEBAT) project are improving battery safety and performance, while driving down cost and development time.
Sensor Company Acquires Innovation Incubator Awardee, Launches Next-Generation "Connected" Building Technology
A sensor company has acquired the first beta-ready technology from the Wells Fargo Innovation Incubator, which is co-administered by NREL.
NREL at 40: Research Efforts Drive Advanced Energy
Decades of world-class research has expanded the American energy landscape
February 2017
Lambkins Roar as the Top High School in the 27th Colorado Science Bowl
Lammie had a hard time deciding which team to back in the 27th Colorado High School Science Bowl on Feb. 11 at Littleton's Dakota Ridge High School.
January 2017
Race for a Better Fuel Begins with NREL Researchers
Catalyst converts sustainable carbon sources into fuel for high-performance engines.