News and Feature Stories
The following news stories take an in-depth, behind-the-scenes look at how NREL is advancing energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies.
January 2020
Jan. 14, 2020
NREL Secures 21 Awards to Further CSP and PV Research
On November 6, 2019, the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Energy Technologies Office awarded $128 million to 75 new projects that will advance solar technologies in five major areas. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) earned a major portion of this funding—nearly $20 million.
Jan. 13, 2020
Artificial Intelligence, Analysis, and Achievements: Buildings Researchers in the Spotlight
The U.S. Department of Energy has also taken notice of researcher achievements, providing interviews, career highlights, and advice from several NREL buildings experts on their website.
Jan. 13, 2020
When Wind Sweeps into Communities
Wind farm development in the United States often takes place in rural areas with land that is largely the property of farmers and ranchers who lease their land to developers. With wind power capacity additions projected to continue growing, rural residents often wonder if wind energy will be a good neighbor.
Jan. 10, 2020
Students Focus on Sunny Futures During Mini-Semester
In three days at NREL, undergraduates from across the country learn about energy research opportunities through lab tours and hands-on activities led by scientists.
Jan. 9, 2020
New Open-Source Model Works to Improve Wind Power Plant Cost Estimation and Design
The contiguous United States has the technical resource potential to generate up to 32,700 terawatt-hours of electricity per year--more than eight times the amount of electricity consumed in the United States in 2018. However, significant cost and performance improvements in wind power technology are needed for the wind industry to reach this potential.
Jan. 7, 2020
News Release: Three Key Positions Filled on NREL Leadership Team
New deputy director and chief operating officer, chief human resources officer, and chief counsel to join team guiding the strategic direction of the laboratory.
Jan. 7, 2020
Reports Identify Regulatory Coordination Key to Optimizing Cross-Border Electricity Trade in South Asia
A series of reports identify how Bangladesh, India, and Nepal might develop a coordinated regulatory framework to effectively implement cross-border electricity trade.
Jan. 2, 2020
Declining Renewable Costs Drive Focus on Energy Storage
An oft-repeated refrain—the sun doesn't always shine, is sometimes seen as an impediment to renewable energy. But it's also an impetus toward discovering the best ways to store that energy until it's needed.
