A new zinc-polyiodide redox flow battery boasts an energy density exceeding other flow batteries of its kind and size. This design enables efficient long-duration energy storage for urban grids, enhancing resiliency and flexibility.
Renewable electricity in the US grew to nearly 15% of total installed capacity and 13% of total electricity generation in 2013. Solar electricity was the fastest growing technology, with a 66% increase in cumulative installed capacity from the previous year.
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have discovered that adding carbon nanoballs to insulation plastic can increase the voltage by up to 26%, resulting in a 26% efficiency gain in electric power transmission. This could lead to more efficient power grids and sustainable energy systems.
A new framework by UW-Madison engineers helps plot the future of solar fuels by accounting for general variables and big-picture milestones. The tool is designed to remain relevant as researchers experiment with new technologies and ideas, and can be adapted for other energy-related processes.
A study by Michigan State University and international partners reveals that 20 renewable resources, such as corn and soy, have reached peak production rates between 1988 and 2008. The researchers warn that relying on substitution to solve shortages may not be effective when multiple resources are running out.
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory has demonstrated a four-junction solar cell with a conversion efficiency of 45.7%, surpassing previous records in photovoltaic research. The new design uses lattice-mismatched materials to achieve high efficiency and is suitable for concentrator photovoltaic systems.
Richard DeBlasio, Sarah Kurtz and Suhuai Wei have been named as new NREL Research Fellows to advise on the strategic direction of science and technology research at the laboratory. They bring extensive expertise in renewable energy, photovoltaics and computational materials science.
A combination of foundational policies and localized strategies can increase solar photovoltaic installations in any state. States with matching policy suites to their unique context have excelled, while economic factors must also be favorable for third-party ownership models.
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is providing critical support to two new microgrid projects, receiving over $8 million in funding. These projects aim to develop commercially-viable standardized microgrid controllers that can provide a reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity supply.
Leading conservation scientists argue that nuclear energy should be part of the energy mix to mitigate climate change. The researchers evaluated different energy scenarios and found that nuclear power performs well compared to renewables, considering factors like safety, cost, scalability, land transformation, and emissions.
Researchers at NREL and SolarCity collaborate with Hawaiian Electric Companies to study distributed solar energy systems, using advanced modeling and inverter testing. The project aims to address operational issues and enable safe, reliable, and cost-effective grid integration of solar power.
Researchers say that improved storage technologies and hybrid systems could address the variable nature of alternative energy, making them more cost-effective and efficient. Advanced energy storage and smart-grid connections are being explored to match different forms of renewable energy and provide a consistent power supply.
The new Lab-Corps program aims to accelerate the commercialization of clean energy technologies from national laboratories to the marketplace. The program will partner with five national labs and provide funding, equipment, and expertise to help innovators bring their ideas to market.
Antonio Luque will receive the Karl W. Börner Solar Energy Medal of Merit at a ceremony on March 13, 2015. Luque is being recognized for his work in developing high-efficiency solar cells and stimulating the adoption of renewable energy in Spain.
The US Army and NREL have validated energy savings for net zero energy installations, reducing energy consumption by 25% and annual costs by up to $300 million. Six pilot sites achieved net zero energy, with varying approaches to energy efficiency and renewable energy production.
The hybrid micro-grid will test and demonstrate the integration of multiple large-scale renewable energy sources, ensuring a stable and consistent power supply. The initiative is expected to attract $20 million worth of projects over the next five years, supporting the development of practical renewable solutions.
The US Navy has awarded a contract to the University of Washington to develop marine renewable energy technologies, aiming to generate power from tides and waves. The four-year project will focus on developing tools for predicting and tapping energy at naval facilities worldwide.
Researchers favor binding national renewables targets for EU and individual member states. Studies show additional renewables targets could provide economic benefits by reducing nuclear and fossil fuel use, while minimizing added costs.
Researchers at Arizona State University are developing a cost-effective carbon capture technology using an electrochemical technique. The goal is to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from power plants by more than half, with the potential to spur economic development in renewable energy and energy security.
A French scientist has developed an open source simulation method to calculate the actual cost of relying on a combination of electricity sources. The study found that an optimal mix contains a large amount of nuclear power and a small amount of fluctuating energies like wind and solar.
The Global Climate and Energy Project (GCEP) at Stanford University has awarded $10.5 million to seven research projects focused on advancing renewable energy technologies. These projects include the development of high-energy batteries, solar cells, and sustainable fuels.
A global life cycle assessment of renewable energy future reveals significant reductions in air pollution and improvement in human health. The study finds that a shift to low-carbon technologies will increase demand for raw materials, but these demands are manageable and do not outweigh the benefits.
Researchers at Uppsala University have developed a new battery concept using renewable biomaterials from alfalfa and pine resin, which can be recycled with low energy input and non-hazardous chemicals. The battery proved capable of delivering up to 99% of the energy output from a spent battery.
Two massive buoys equipped with meteorological and oceanographic equipment will be deployed off the US coastline to evaluate the power-producing potential of offshore winds. The buoys will provide accurate wind speed and direction data, enabling better understanding of air-sea interactions and turbine performance.
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory has released an updated compendium of experimental cetane numbers, which provides vital information for the development of new, low-carbon fuels and compatible engines. The update includes additional measurements on a larger number of compounds, along with data quality assessments.
A study by the University of the Basque Country found that wind energy produced savings of between 25 and 45 euros per megawatt hour in the early stages of renewable energy integration. However, as the penetration of renewable energy grew exponentially from 2010 onwards, the regulatory costs rose excessively, imposing a positive net co...
Researchers have engineered E. coli bacteria to generate renewable propane, providing a potential alternative to fossil fuels. The production of propane is achieved through the use of specific enzymes that convert fatty acids into hydrocarbons.
A new study from NREL demonstrates a concept for converting lignin into various renewable fuels, chemicals, and materials. The process uses integrated biological funneling and chemical catalysis to overcome the heterogeneity of lignin.
NREL's commercialization strategy and partnering approach enable technology transfer to the market. The lab has more CRADAs than any other national laboratory, including a partnership with GeoSolarHeat to license its transpired solar collector technology for poultry farms.
NREL's breakthroughs in silicon solar cells and ultra-efficient supercomputers have been recognized by the R&D Magazine with two prestigious awards. The innovative growth system produces thin solar cells at half the cost and 100 times the speed of conventional epitaxial reactors.
A new material enables sodium-beta batteries to operate at significantly lower temperatures, lasting longer and reducing the risk of accidental fire. The improved design also reduces costs by using less expensive materials.
A new Stanford study outlines a plan to convert California's all-purpose energy infrastructure to renewable energy by 2050. The plan could create tens of thousands of jobs and save billions in pollution-related health costs while reducing air pollution mortality and global warming emissions.
EPFL researchers have developed a novel method to increase the accessible active sites of metal oxide catalysts in water splitting reactions, resulting in improved catalytic properties. The exfoliation method shows increased rates of up to 4.5-fold compared to conventional methods.
Australian researchers advise incorporating water use into climate change policies, as energy-efficient technologies can also reduce water consumption. The study analyzed 74 options and found that renewable options and energy efficiency measures can help save nearly 100 Mmᶾ of water in Australia annually.
Finland is developing a new energy system for storing solar and wind energy, targeting greenhouse gas reduction and energy self-sufficiency. The NEO-CARBON ENERGY project aims to create Finnish companies' international RÝ competitiveness and explore business opportunities in the global market.
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has developed office and laboratory spaces that demonstrate high-performance, sustainable building designs and constructions. The campus features facilities with best-in-class energy efficiency and sustainability practices.
The ESIF's Peregrine supercomputer can perform a quadrillion calculations per second, facilitating the development of modern energy systems integration. The facility enables on-site and remote viewing of experimental data, allowing researchers to ask 'what if' questions and optimize system design.
The Precourt Institute and KQED have developed a two-part e-book series on energy, exploring its basics and applications. The interactive Energy iBooks Textbooks aim to promote energy literacy among students aged 8-13.
Researchers developed a water-based organic battery that is long-lasting, cheap, and environmentally friendly. The battery uses no metals or toxic materials and can store large amounts of energy, making it a potential solution to the nation's renewable energy challenges.
Net energy analysis provides a quantitative way to compare energy production with energy required for technology development and maintenance. The technique can identify potential costs and barriers to technology development that conventional financial analysis might not reveal.
A new study suggests that concentrating solar power (CSP) can provide a substantial amount of current energy demand, particularly in the Mediterranean region. CSP systems can store energy as heat and convert it to electricity only when needed, making them more viable for large-scale energy production. The study also found that CSP coul...
The report examines RPS costs and benefits in US states with most policies in effect for over five years. States have deployed approximately 46,000 MW of new renewable energy capacity through 2012, with estimated incremental RPS cost averaging less than 1% of retail electricity rates.
A new report by NREL found that Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) projects add a value of 5-6 cents per kilowatt hour in California, where renewables will reach 33% by 2020. CSP helps maintain firm capacity and reduces curtailment of variable generation technologies.
Renewable energy capacity surged globally, driven by supportive policies in emerging economies. Over 95 nations now have renewable energy growth policies in place, accounting for 56% of net additions to global power capacity. Renewables accounted for 22% of the world's power production and 19% of global final energy consumption.
Installing state-of-the-art solar panels on a quarter of a million roofs could meet one-sixth of Scotland's electricity demands, easing the plight of one in three households. The report reveals that harnessing energy from the sun on south-facing buildings could have significant economic, environmental and social impacts.
The NREL-Navy collaboration demonstrated eight energy-efficient technologies, yielding valuable results for the U.S. Navy. Advanced power strips and building retrofits achieved measurable savings, with plug load control technology reducing overall energy consumption by 8% in an office setting.
NREL honored Principal Engineer Bhushan Sopori with the Distinguished Innovator Award for his leadership in solar energy research. The lab also recognized Rising Stars, including Kirstin Alberi, Arrelaine Dameron, and Gregg Beckham, who have made significant contributions to technology transfer and commercialization.
The Hydrogen Fueling Infrastructure Research and Station Technology (H2FIRST) project aims to reduce the cost and time of fueling station construction, increase station availability, and improve reliability. NREL and Sandia will share their hydrogen research expertise to develop low-cost, high-performance materials and components.
The winning paper, 'Self-standing electrochemical double layer capacitors,' presents a promising energy source for wearable electronic devices. The design features self-supported electrodes made from multiwall carbon nanotubes and ionic liquids.
The Energy Systems Integration Facility (ESIF) has been recognized as the 2014 Laboratory of the Year by R&D Magazine. The facility showcases a unique combination of an ultra-energy efficient workplace, high-performance computing data center, and sophisticated laboratory spaces.
Researchers at the University of Exeter have developed new methods to accurately measure and predict wave conditions in test sites. This breakthrough could significantly enhance wave energy production, a key player in the quest for sustainable renewable energy.
The Technology Performance Exchange (TPEx) helps manufacturers and consumers exchange information on building-related products' energy performance. This enables apples-to-apples comparisons of products, supporting the deployment of high-impact technologies.
The report analyzes state demographics and policy characteristics to contextualize the impact of various solar policies on photovoltaic installations. Four peer groups reveal different policy effectiveness based on demographic factors such as median household income and community interest in renewable energy.
Researchers at JCAP have developed a new hybrid material that stores nearly 90% of the electrons generated by solar energy in hydrogen molecules. This breakthrough could address one of the major challenges in using artificial photosynthesis to produce renewable solar fuels. The material, which combines gallium phosphide and cobaloxime ...
New research suggests the UK can produce up to 44% of its energy needs from biomass sources like household waste and agricultural residues. The study highlights the potential for biomass resources to contribute significantly to the country's renewable energy targets.
David S. Ginley, a materials scientist at NREL, has been recognized for his distinguished contributions to renewable energy and sustainability. He is honored for his work on photovoltaics, batteries, and fuel cells, as well as his efforts in developing materials and forums for student interactions.
Researchers focus on nanoscale innovations to enhance solar energy systems, leading to improved energy conversion efficiency and reduced costs. Nanotechnology advances could lead to the development of more efficient photovoltaic devices.
A new roadmap for the US aims to transform its energy infrastructure from fossil fuels to 100% renewable resources by 2050. The 50-state plan provides detailed information on how many wind turbines and solar panels would be needed, land area required, cost and job creation, to power each state.
Researchers evaluated county-level energy and GHG intensity of grain corn, stover, and cob production in Ontario from 2006-2011. The study identified opportunities for efficiency improvements through field-drying corn hybrids, reduced tillage, and diminished nitrogen inputs to reduce GHG emissions.
A new NREL report finds that the value of delivered energy from dry-cooled tower and parabolic trough CSP plants, integrated with thermal energy storage, are quite similar. This technology allows for dispatching solar thermal energy like conventional thermal generation, enabling CSP to respond to changes in supply or demand.