Research on clean and renewable energy. Covers 3D-printed energy storage, fossil-fuel transition, affordable renewable power, and battery innovation.
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.
Vanessa Alejandro, a UH geology student and founder of Warriors of the Wild, has been awarded the first-ever Udall Scholarship from the University of Houston. The scholarship recognizes her leadership potential, academic achievement, and commitment to pursuing a career in environmental conservation.
Researchers have discovered that chlorine atoms replace tellurium atoms within grain boundaries, creating local electric fields that boost photovoltaic performance. This finding could guide engineering of higher-efficiency CdTe solar cells.
A new European project, MatHero, aims to develop high-efficiency and reliable organic solar cells using novel materials and eco-friendly processes. The goal is to make organic photovoltaics competitive with inorganic counterparts by enhancing efficiency, reducing production costs, and increasing lifespan.
Researchers developed a new material to capture problematic polysulfides in lithium-sulfur batteries, increasing their lifespan. The battery's power capacity was maintained at 89% after 100 charge-and-discharge cycles.
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 from Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft have developed a software platform to bring together small energy providers in a virtual power plant, ensuring reliable grid operation. The system optimizes energy use and storage, allowing for efficient management of distributed energy sources.
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.
Researchers are creating biodegradable electronics that can dissolve after use, eliminating the risk of infection. Meanwhile, another scientist is working on nanomaterials to capture more energy from renewable sources, with potential applications in powering homes and gadgets.
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 analyzed UK wind farms and found that turbines produce three-quarters of their original output after 19 years, compared to a third after ten years. The study suggests that wind farms are an effective long-term investment and can help the UK tackle future energy challenges.
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.
A new study reveals that subcritical hydrothermal treatment can convert paper sludge into fuel with a composition similar to coal. The process has the added benefit of diverting waste from landfills and reducing pollution.
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.
Dan Arvizu, NREL director, has been elected to the National Academy of Engineering for his leadership in the renewable and clean energy sectors. He was cited for promoting national balanced energy policies and making significant advancements in engineering education.
A NREL study reveals that wind power technology can assist the power grid by controlling active power output, improving system reliability. The research also shows that providing active power control services to wind turbines can be economically viable and is essential for better integrating variable generation into electric systems.
The NREL Equivalent Circuit Battery Model enhances RadTherm software for dynamic analysis of battery performance and optimization of multi-cell pack designs. This improved simulation capability accelerates the development of next-generation electric-drive vehicle batteries.
A new anode design for lithium-sulfur batteries quadruples their lifespan, bringing them closer to commercial use. The hybrid anode's development could enable longer electric car drives and cheaper storage of renewable wind energy.
A new type of battery that could transform grid-scale energy storage, making power from renewables more economical and reliable. The innovative technology relies on naturally abundant, inexpensive quinone molecules, which are similar to those found in plants and animals.
Researchers at NREL have discovered a new cellulose digestion mechanism using the fast-eating enzyme CelA, which outperforms commercial preparations by producing more sugars and creating cavities in cellulose for greater synergy. The discovery has important implications for industry and could lead to lower costs for biofuels production.
Dr. Ben Kroposki, NREL director of Energy Systems Integration, named an IEEE Fellow for his leadership in renewable energy systems integration. NREL analysts also received honors for their work on energy-efficient computing and data sharing.
Researchers have observed the rapid formation and separation of charges in organic nanostructures, governed by quantum mechanics. This discovery takes them closer to mimicking photosynthesis and developing efficient organic solar cells.
Two NREL reports show that soft costs, including financing and installation costs, now account for up to 64% of the total price of residential solar energy systems. Researchers found that supply chain costs, labor, customer acquisition, and corporate costs are among the largest contributors to these costs.
A study by PNNL researchers found that highly insulating windows reduce energy consumption by 12.2% in a home setting. However, the high upfront cost takes anywhere from 23 to 55 years to pay off, making comfort and other benefits more immediate.
The 2012 Renewable Energy Data Book reports a significant increase in US renewable electricity capacity, with installed capacity over 163 GW and renewables accounting for 56% of new electrical capacity installations. Wind and solar PV were among the fastest-growing electric generation technologies.
The NREL Building Agent application allows facility managers to diagnose and adjust for problems based on direct occupant comfort feedback. This integration enables a more active role for occupants in comfort and energy trade-offs, leading to improved building performance and cost savings.
Researchers found that harvesting invasive plants for biofuels is hindered by high costs, lack of specialized equipment, and variable cell wall composition. Despite this, alternative uses for invasive biomass, such as combustion for electricity, may offer a more practical solution.
The SAPC working group has developed three standard contract templates for residential and commercial solar power projects, with the goal of increasing consumer transparency and private-sector investment. The contracts cover residential leases and commercial power purchase agreements, allowing developers to increase business opportunit...
The Alternative Fueling Station Locator App allows iPhone users to select an alternative fuel and find the closest stations within a 30-mile radius. The app draws information from the Clean Cities' Alternative Fuels Data Center, containing over 15,000 alternative fueling stations nationwide.
NREL will develop a new low-cost flow battery using organic energy storage materials to overcome limitations of current flow batteries. The goal is to increase energy density and reduce cost, enabling widespread adoption of electric vehicles.
Santiago Grijalva, NREL's new director of the Power Systems Engineering Center, will establish and direct the NREL's grid research portfolio at ESIF. He champions an Internet of the Grid, envisioning millions of decision-makers managing the electric grid.
Scientists at PNNL found that new rooftop units reduce energy costs by 41% compared to current units. If widely adopted, these devices could idle eight average-size coal-fired power plants in a year.
Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory discovered two key genes required for oil production and accumulation in plant leaves. Overexpressing these genes resulted in a significant increase in leaf oil production, with the potential to boost energy content of biofuels and plant-based foods.
A new study from the University of Illinois researchers suggests that the Renewable Fuel Standard should be modified, not repealed. The RFS mandates ought to be adjusted to reflect current and predicted biofuel commercialization realities.
The report identifies strategies to overcome market barriers and decrease soft-costs in four key areas: customer acquisition, permitting, inspection, and interconnection, installation labor, and financing. NREL aims to reduce residential solar costs by $0.65/W and commercial solar costs by $0.44/W by 2020.
The US Department of Energy has launched guidelines for home energy professionals, including standard work specifications and professional certifications. The new standards aim to improve the quality of weatherization services and provide better career paths for workers.
The study finds that high levels of wind and solar power reduce fossil fuel costs by $7 billion per year, while incurring cycling costs of $35 million to $157 million. Cycling increases operations and maintenance costs by $0.47 to $1.28 per megawatt-hour of generation.
The Hydrogen Tools app offers a range of resources and web-based content to help users design, approve, or use hydrogen fuel cell systems and facilities. Key findings include guidance on ventilation, storage, and safety procedures for hydrogen, as well as best practices for handling the gas.
A new report from NREL and MIT reveals that China's dominance in solar manufacturing is largely due to its production scale advantages, including access to capital and supply chain benefits. The study suggests that these advantages can be replicated in the US with innovative technology and scale-up.
The food industry is embracing sustainable packaging, but challenges remain in developing materials that are recyclable, compostable, renewable energy-produced or edible. Despite progress, structural integrity and water/oxygen barriers pose significant hurdles for edible packaging.
Researchers have developed a measurement tool to assess market power in deregulated electricity markets, taking into account emerging smart grid phenomena. The tool, called transmission constrained network flow, unifies existing measures and provides a unified view of market power potential under varying operating conditions.
A study by Stanford University researchers found that grid-scale batteries make sense for storing surplus solar energy, but not for wind. This is because the energetic cost of storing wind-generated electricity is lower than curtailment, making it more energetically efficient to shut down wind turbines.
The report identifies substantial opportunities for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and conserving scarce water resources by generating renewable energy. It highlights the potential for water sector innovation to increase renewable energy capacity, particularly in states like California.
Researchers developed yeast strains that efficiently produce bio-ethanol from waste, overcoming previous limitations. The new strains have unprecedented efficiency and robustness, making them suitable for industrial fermentation processes.
A new NREL study indicates that wind and solar power electricity generation could become cost-competitive with natural gas by 2025 in certain regions of the West. The report identifies areas where renewable energy development is likely to occur, including Wyoming, New Mexico, Montana, and Idaho.
A new analysis suggests that Greece's renewable energy programs, particularly solar, could lower domestic energy costs and provide an export commodity to aid in the country's economic recovery. However, addressing public concerns about foreign involvement is crucial for realizing solar's potential.
Researchers found that topological insulators behave asymmetrically at the sub-atomic level, which could lead to significant improvements in energy efficiency for quantum computers. The discovery was made using first-principles calculations and observations taken at the Advanced Light Source.
A new strategy known as "low-temperature combustion" (LTC) might lead to broader use of cleaner diesel engines in the US. LTC reduces NOx and smoke emissions by recirculating exhaust gases and spraying fuel earlier in the engine cycle.
The collaboration aims to convert sugar cane bagasse into fuel ethanol, enabling year-round operations and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. NREL's expertise in biomass conversion technology will help optimize the process and make it economically viable.
A new NREL report provides detailed land-use data for solar power plants, showing that a large fixed tilt photovoltaic plant requires an average of 2.8 acres for solar panels to generate 1 gigawatt-hour per year. The study found that small single-axis PV systems require on average 2.9 acres per annual gigawatt-hour, while concentrating...
The new device achieves a conversion rate of 7.3%, nearly double the original 4% rate, due to its two-layer design and novel materials. Researchers envision solar-powered windows and smartphone displays that can generate energy while maintaining transparency.
Ellen Anderson, a champion of sustainability and environmental policy, will receive the ESA Regional Policy Award. She has promoted renewable energy, clean water, and parks, and works on clean energy and public outreach for the Governor's office.
NREL's innovations in solar, vehicles and energy efficiency have earned three prestigious R&D 100 Awards. The Image Processing Occupancy Sensor (IPOS) detects heat loss in electric-vehicle batteries with greater accuracy, while high-efficiency silicon solar cells offer improved conversion rates.
The US Department of Energy has commissioned the Scaled Wind Farm Technology (SWiFT) facility to investigate and develop technology for wind plants. The facility will host research on improving wind plant performance, with a focus on reducing energy losses due to complex wind interactions.
Researchers at NREL developed a tandem cell with a gallium indium phosphide cell atop a gallium arsenide cell, achieving the new record efficiency of 31.1%. This improvement enhances photon recycling and luminescent coupling in the lower bandgap junction.