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News and Feature Stories
The following news stories take an in-depth, behind-the-scenes look at how NREL is leading energy systems innovation and integration.
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August 2021
Space Mission Tests NREL Perovskite Solar Cells
The latest collaboration between NREL and NASA will evaluate the potential use of perovskite solar cells in space and assess the durability of materials used in those cells.
Annual Technology Baseline Provides Updated Foundational Solar Model Input Data for Electric Grid Studies
One of the challenges of aggregating solar energy data from different sources into studies is knowing whether the data uses consistent assumptions. The Annual Technology Baseline (ATB) resolves this challenge by creating consistent assumptions for all electric generation technologies cost and performance data, including solar.
NREL Develops FLASH Hydropower Framework for a Greener Grid
With support from the U.S. DOE Water Power Technologies Office, NREL researchers are developing the Framework for Linked Analysis of Streamflow and Hydropower (FLASH), a systems-engineering-based approach that will improve hydropower's representation in grid operations modeling.
Modeling and Analysis Inform COVID-19 Mobility Impacts and Vaccination Planning
A data-informed mobility modeling and analysis effort led by a crosscutting team at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory has identified pandemic-related travel changes--on the road and in the air--and informed regional vaccine administration site planning.
Wave-Powered SeaRAY Preps for Hawaii Trial
C-Power is collaborating with NREL and the U.S. Department of Energy Water Power Technologies Office to prep their autonomous, wave-powered, renewable energy device—called the SeaRAY autonomous offshore power system—for its first open ocean trial.
Going the Way of T-Rex: Life Cycle Waste and Emissions in Construction Material Manufacturing
NREL researchers are developing strategies to prevent construction from gobbling up resources with BREX—shorthand for Building Materials' Reduce, Reuse, and Recycling.
Teams Ride Wave of Winnings To Succeed in Water Desalination Challenge
Seasoned Waves to Water Prize competitors are developing novel, wave-powered desalination devices that can provide clean drinking water to coastal and island communities as well as in disaster recovery scenarios.
NREL's Thermoplastic Blade Research Dives Deep With Verdant Power's Tidal Energy Turbines
NREL is measuring the performance of its potentially industry-changing thermoplastic blades on Verdant Power's tidal power turbine in New York City's East River.
NREL's International Programs Overcome Travel Restrictions To Provide Global Trainings
While COVID-19 Travel Restrictions Prevent NREL Researchers From Hosting In-Person Trainings, Virtual Solutions Are Creating Opportunities To Build Partnerships at a Distance
Big Emissions Cuts and Efficiency Gains for Big Rigs
A new report from the DOE Co-Optimization of Fuels & Engines (Co-Optima) initiative identifies potential big gains for big rigs and the environment by creating low-carbon renewable diesel fuel blends for use in truck engines.
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Last Updated July 8, 2025