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October 2021
News Release: NREL, Mines Insight Could Lead to Better Silicon Solar Panels
Researchers at NREL and Colorado School of Mines are applying a new technique to identify defects in silicon solar cells that cause a drop in efficiency. The lessons learned at the atomic level could lead to improvements in the way manufacturers strengthen their products against what is known as light-induced degradation.
Researchers Engineer Microorganisms To Tackle PET Plastic Pollution
To help combat the plastic waste problem, NREL and its collaborators have developed a method to upcycle polyethylene terephthalate (PET) into performance-advantaged nylon, a precursor to other valuable products such as waterproof clothing, stick-free cookware coatings, and heat-resistant machine parts.
Country Roads, Take Me Home—in an Electric Car
Rural areas are working to connect in new ways, through improved digital and cell phone networks, as well as alternative forms of transportation. Researchers from NREL are joining small towns across America to expand affordable, convenient, and energy-efficient transportation choices.
New Software Puts Rail Freight on Express Track to Net-Zero Emissions
Researchers at NREL are collaborating with leading industry and research partners on a new modeling framework that can be used to analyze and plan net-zero-emission and hybrid freight train systems: Advanced Locomotive Technology and Rail Infrastructure Optimization System (ALTRIOS) software.
NREL Process for Renewable Butyric Acid Good for Environment, Cheaper Biofuels
Scientists at NREL developed a fully integrated process to produce a promising precursor for diesel and jet fuel from lignocellulosic biomass, and for less expense than the selling price of the same material from petroleum.
CABLE Conductor Manufacturing Prize Announces Stage 1 Winners
Ten teams competing in the CABLE Conductor Manufacturing Prize were selected as Stage 1 winners. Competitors are helping re-wire the future of electricity—developing concepts for affordable and manufacturable conductivity-enhanced, next-generation materials.
Nano-Sized Materials Point to Big Breakthroughs
A poppy seed from your morning bagel is about 1,000 times larger than a bacterial cell. That small cell is about 1,000 times larger than the chemical structures NREL researchers are creating and studying to transform how we use energy.
Electric Hydrogen Partnership Hopes To Repeat Success With Renewable Hydrogen Technology
An upcoming partnership with company Electric Hydrogen will draw on deep experience in developing breakthrough renewable technologies; this time, they are targeting robust and cost-effective electrolyzers for clean hydrogen.
Celebrating Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day 2021: Highlights From NREL's Research
October 8—10/08—is Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day! This year NREL is celebrating this symbolic date, chosen to represent the atomic weight of hydrogen (1.008), by highlighting innovative hydrogen and fuel cell research across the laboratory.
Industry Proves To Be a Promising Prospect for Future Grid Flexibility
New study by the Joint Institute for Strategic Energy Analysis finds industrial manufacturing could profitably help stabilize the grid with large-scale batteries.
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Last Updated May 5, 2025