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News and Feature Stories
The following news stories take an in-depth, behind-the-scenes look at how NLR is leading energy systems innovation and integration.
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June 2024
How NREL Researchers Are Catalyzing Change for Our Ocean and Climate
Take a closer look at how NREL is meeting some of the biggest challenges set out for National Ocean Month.
Marine Energy and Hydropower Collegiate Competitions Name Winners—and Next Year's Hopefuls
The 2024 competitions came to a successful close while more than 30 teams gear up to participate in 2025.
May 2024
Ice Breaker: Q&A With Director of NREL's Alaska Campus
Originally a mechanical engineer, Bruno Grunau now spends his days testifying before Congress, meeting regularly with the Alaska governor's office, and learning from Alaska's utilities, communities, and Indigenous people whose ancestors have lived here for thousands of years.
April 2024
Alaska’s Wind, Wave, Tidal Resources Could Help State Meet Future Energy Needs, NREL Determines
Offshore wind makes sense for decarbonizing energy production and building energy security and independence when it comes to ocean renewable energy production in Alaska’s Outer Continental Shelf.
Do We Still Need Hydropower?
NREL experts weigh in on the benefits and downsides to our oldest form of renewable energy.
NREL Shows Live Grid Impacts From Total Solar Eclipse
On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will traverse North America bringing a period of midday complete darkness to 12 U.S. states and affecting solar power plants across all 50 U.S. states.
Competitions Provide Springboard for College Students To Make Waves in Water Power
Teams of postsecondary students are invited to join these challenging competitions that offer skills-building experience, a deep dive into clean energy technologies, and the chance to win cash prizes.
How Mountains Could Store Mountains of Clean Energy
Pumped storage hydropower might be one of the most promising ways to store energy for a future 100% clean energy grid. But it has been difficult for the public to know how much these facilities might cost to build—until now.
March 2024
Solution to Energy Storage May Be Beneath Your Feet
Superheated sand provides one answer to the problem of long-term energy storage. Researchers at NREL built a prototype that proved the technology works. A larger-scale version is the next step.
New Report Shows It Is Time To Tap Into Hydropower Investment Opportunities
A new report from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory explores investment opportunities in hydropower.
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Last Updated Dec. 4, 2025