News Release: NREL, Co-Optima Research Yields Potential Bioblendstock for Diesel Fuel

A novel oxygenate molecule that can be produced from biomass shows promise for use as a blend for diesel fuel, according to researchers at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).

NREL Welcomes Colorado's First-Ever American Society of Mechanical Engineers Energy Sustainability Conference

In Breakthrough Method of Creating Solar Cell Material, NREL Scientists Prove the Impossible Really Isn't

Scientists at NREL achieved a technological breakthrough for solar cells previously thought impossible.

Setbacks Are No Setback for Marine Energy Development: A U.S. Submarine Cable Analysis

The ocean may very well be the next frontier, and two major industries—telecommunications and marine renewable energy—are already employing and exploring this vital asset. Vital to both telecom and marine renewable energy development is careful planning to accommodate their respective operations, as well as those of other users of the ocean.

PVWatts at 20: Measuring Success in Megawatts and by the Millions

Expanding solar energy’s reach, one estimate at a time. Meet PVWatts.

On with the Wind

Wind turbines with social skills. Potato guns that help researchers better understand wind-wildlife impacts. A fast-growing and long-lasting demand for skilled wind workers. Whatever the story, 2019 saw gale-force developments in wind energy research at NREL, and these currents show no signs of slowing down.

Sunny with a Chance of Curtailment: NREL Simulates Possible Impacts of a Very-High-Solar Future

Analysts modeled how the future U.S. power system could operate with up to 55% solar energy penetration.

Small Colorado Utility Sets National Renewable Electricity Example Using NREL Algorithms

Holy Cross Energy brings NREL algorithms out of the lab and into homes, setting a national example for grid control.

FAST Grand Prize Winners Make Progress on Pumped Storage Research

Team Wittmeyer-Dasgupta of the Southwest Research Institute won a Furthering Advancements to Shorten Time (FAST) Commissioning for Pumped-Storage Hydropower Prize for a modular steel concept for dams that reduces costs by one-third and cuts construction schedules in half.

NREL Partners With SolSmart to Bring Solar to More Than 300 U.S. Cities and Counties

NREL has partnered with the SolSmart program, which recognizes cities, counties, and regional organizations across the United States that have successfully adopted solar energy into their communities.