Powering the Next Wave of Energy Converter Devices

A multiyear system design and validation project funded by the U.S. Department of Energy Water Power Technologies Office reached completion in 2019 and resulted in increased knowledge about development and validation of wave energy converter devices and their associated materials.

Updated Standard Scenarios Outlook Models Possible Futures for U.S. Electricity Sector

A flagship NREL analysis project, the fifth annual Standard Scenarios Outlook models 36 possible projections for power sector evolution through the year 2050.

2019 Year in Review - NREL's Top 20 Stories

Researchers at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) achieved many goals across the spectrum of energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies in 2019, and the news coming from the laboratory shows it.

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.

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.

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.