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.
December 2018
Dec. 21, 2018
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.
November 2018
Nov. 14, 2018
NREL Shifts Carbon Fiber Research into Second Gear
Ongoing research at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory could lead to a cleaner method of transforming acrylonitrile into carbon fiber, replacing petrochemicals with biomass as the starting point.
Nov. 7, 2018
How Will Wind Industry Find the Answer? With WISDEM
WISDEM--an acronym for Wind Plant Integrated Systems Design and Engineering Model--is open-source software that answers the "what if" questions.
October 2018
Oct. 22, 2018
NREL, SDG&E Collaboration Expands Resiliency in Borrego Springs, Yields Nationally Scalable Results
NREL is working with SDG&E to better understand is how a microgrid controller with advanced technology would perform, specifically with the Borrego Springs microgrid.
August 2018
Aug. 23, 2018
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.
Aug. 15, 2018
Energy Secretary Perry Digs into Research at NREL, Emphasizes Importance of Partnerships
In addition to the cool science he saw, public-private partnerships played a recurring role in Perry's remarks.
Aug. 10, 2018
Software Saves Energy, Costs, and More
NREL's foresee is a home energy management system that relies on user preferences to automate connected appliances and electronics in unprecedented ways.
July 2018
July 16, 2018
Improved Way to Make III-V Solar Cells Could Hold Key to Lower Costs
Scientists at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory are refining an old technique called hydride vapor phase epitaxy (HVPE), which holds the potential to produce cheaper, more efficient solar cells.
July 2, 2018
Chunmei Ban is Getting Charge Out of Battery Research by Finding Right Chemistry
Growing up in remote northwest China, researcher Chunmei Ban seemed destined to be a doctor--but decided to be a scientist, although she didn't know what scientists do.
May 2018
May 31, 2018
NREL Connects with the Community--Next Door and Across the Country
Although NREL's recent community open house is a highly visible outreach effort, it is only one of many connecting the laboratory with communities in Colorado and across the country.
May 22, 2018
Breakdown Breakthrough: NREL Finds Easier Ways to Deconstruct Biomass
Technical challenges have stymied efforts to produce bioethanol on a commercial scale, but research underway at NREL may hold the key to overcoming those barriers.
April 2018
April 20, 2018
NREL and Hawaiian Electric Navigate Uncharted Waters of Energy Transformation (Part 2)
NREL and the Hawaiian Electric Companies are evaluating energy trends and simulating future grid scenarios to ensure stability--and their findings could help other islands, and even mainland states, apply similar solutions.
April 20, 2018
NREL and Hawaiian Electric Navigate Uncharted Waters of Energy Transformation (Part 1)
NREL helped the Hawaiian Electric Companies respond to new stability challenges associated with the rapid addition of solar power and other renewables to Hawaii's six isolated island grids.
April 12, 2018
NREL Research Pushes Perovskites Closer to Market
NREL has played a significant role in the increased efficiency of perovskite solar cells.
April 4, 2018
From Preble's Mouse to Rattlers, NREL Biologist Likes Critters
Looking out over the "living laboratory" of NREL's campus, Senior Wildlife Biologist Tom Ryon sees a tapestry that others may not. Everywhere he goes, he can't avoid interactions with nature. Nor does he want to.
March 2018
March 13, 2018
Return of the Lambkins: Practice Makes Perfect at Colorado Science Bowl
An experienced hand at the buzzer proved to be the formula for success at this year's Colorado High School Science Bowl--hosted by NREL - where 41 teams from across the state competed for a shot to represent Colorado at the DOE National Science Bowl® in April. The teams worked tirelessly through the morning's round-robin competition, 16 of them advancing to the afternoon double-elimination.
January 2018
Jan. 30, 2018
Dave Moore: Taking Roundabout Path to Perovskite Fast Track
Perovskites become a passion for a scientist who had an "experience edge" over other students.
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