Research on clean and renewable energy. Covers 3D-printed energy storage, fossil-fuel transition, affordable renewable power, and battery innovation.
The NREL tool uses Battery Lifetime Analysis and Simulation Tool (BLAST) to evaluate unique scenarios and identify the most cost-effective energy storage system configurations. Small battery systems reducing peak demand by 2.5 percent offer the most attractive return on investment.
Testing at NREL aids solar power in Hawaii by quantifying transient LRO conditions, allowing HECO to increase its penetration limits for rooftop solar from 120% to 250% of minimum daytime load.
Two NREL reports analyze the economic options for financing commercial and residential solar energy systems. Analyzing banking opportunities in the US distributed photovoltaic market and examining commercial retailers' decisions on PV-financing strategies, the reports found that businesses can save up to 30% by using low-cost financing...
The 2013 Renewable Energy Data Book reports a significant increase in installed renewable capacity in the US. Key findings include solar electricity's rapid growth and renewable sources accounting for 23% of global electricity generation worldwide.
Researchers at NREL have developed a new process to convert lignin-derived compounds into adipic acid, an industrial dicarboxylic acid used in the production of nylon. This breakthrough has significant implications for the economic viability and environmental sustainability of biorefineries.
A recent NREL report examines the PV interconnection process in the US, revealing that delays can range from several days to months. The study found that streamlining application review and final authorization processes can benefit utilities and solar consumers by reducing time and cost associated with going solar.
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.
Aalto University researchers have successfully created a cost-effective and efficient electrocatalyst made of iron and carbon, replacing traditional platinum-based systems. The new material reduces losses and makes the process economically viable, addressing challenges in energy storage.
Researchers from the Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization have developed a new concept that focuses on fully decentral matching of electricity supply and demand. This approach enables smart meters to regulate consumption directly and decentrally, reducing the risk of hacker attacks and data protection issues.
The reports analyze consumer and commercial loan products available for financing solar in the US, showing that solar loans can be more affordable than third-party financing. Businesses can benefit from owning a PV system by saving on energy bills, but also assume risks associated with ownership.
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.
Brian Gregg, a scientist at NREL, has been recognized by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) for his work on organic solar photoconversion and excitonic solar cells. His research has led to new technologies such as photoelectrochromic windows that can automatically adjust to light levels.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A new study finds that driving electric vehicles powered by renewable energy can reduce air pollution-related deaths by up to 70%. The research also shows that switching to natural gas-powered electricity or vehicles yields significant health benefits. In contrast, vehicles running on corn ethanol or coal-based electricity would increa...
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.
Scientists have developed a thermomagnetic processing method that controls the orientation of molecules in liquid crystalline epoxy resins. This leads to highly aligned structures with near-zero coefficient of thermal expansion, potentially enabling new structural designs and functional composites.
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.
The 'SWITCH' tool enables policymakers to assess the economic and environmental implications of different energy scenarios, revealing significant variations in air pollutant emissions and land use. Researchers call for a move beyond sole focus on carbon reduction targets to consider local energy and environmental contexts.
The study shows solar energy prices dropping by 12-19% nationwide in 2013, with a projected further decline of 3-12% in 2014. This trend is expected to continue over the next couple of years, helping the nation meet its 2020 targets.
Researchers at WSU are building a comprehensive 'smart city' laboratory to test smart grid technologies. The lab will simulate various systems and components, including windmills, solar panels, fuel cells, and power substations.
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have demonstrated a novel additive manufacturing method that controls the microstructure of metal components with unprecedented precision. This innovation holds significant potential for engineering, design, and energy-efficient transportation applications.
A recent study found that expanding global natural gas production will not significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions worldwide. Instead, it could displace lower-emitting energy sources and accelerate economic growth.
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.
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.
A CU-led study found that emission caps and encouraging renewable energy are effective strategies for reducing power plant emissions. The study's findings have significant implications for the EPA's Clean Power Plan and suggest a bottom-up approach to climate mitigation.
A comprehensive look at lithium ion battery electrodes reveals that rapid-charging and high-power discharging may not damage the electrode as much as previously thought. The research suggests modifying electrodes or changing charging processes could promote uniform charging and discharging, extending battery life.
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 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.
The University of Tennessee Professor Barry Bruce has received funding to harness the power of photosynthesis for cheap and efficient energy. The new photobioreactors will increase algae yields 50-fold, allowing for scalable testing and characterization.
NREL researchers Art Nozik and Keith Emery have been included in the Thomson Reuters' Highly Cited Researcher list, citing over 22,000 and 10,000 times respectively. Their work has greatly increased solar cell efficiency and established NREL as a leader in photovoltaics measurements.
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.
Researchers at NREL created high-performance, binder-free electrodes using carbon-nanotube-based materials to improve battery life and performance. The technology has attracted interest from industry and is being licensed for volume production.
The partnership aims to advance fuel cell materials and manufacturing technologies, reducing costs while improving performance and durability. The collaboration will focus on critical next-generation challenges, including platinum loading reduction and hydrogen system development.
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.
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.
The Photosynthetic Antenna Research Center (PARC) has been awarded $14.4 million in renewed funding from the Department of Energy to continue its research on natural and bio-inspired systems for harvesting the sun's energy. The center will focus on developing more efficient biohybrid systems to capture and convert solar photons into us...
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.
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.
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.
A team from UT Dallas' REVT Laboratory has developed a double-stator switched reluctance machine (DSSRM) that eliminates the need for rare earth metals in electric motors. This technology produces significantly greater power and torque while reducing weight and manufacturing costs, with potential applications in various industries.
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed a method to create air-stable water droplet networks that can simulate cell membranes. The technique, which uses a superhydrophobic surface infused with oil, enables the formation of interconnected water droplets without coalescing.
The Banking on Solar working group aims to standardize contracts and underwriting processes, educating banks about the risks and rewards of solar assets. This effort has already begun developing standardized loan documents and underwriting criteria in residential and commercial markets.
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.