Research on clean and renewable energy. Covers 3D-printed energy storage, fossil-fuel transition, affordable renewable power, and battery innovation.
The Energy Systems Integration Facility (ESIF) is a new research center that aims to boost clean energy technologies on a smarter grid. The facility will house experimental laboratories and outdoor test beds, including a petascale supercomputer, to support large-scale modeling and simulation. Advanced Energy Industries has already sign...
Researchers discovered novel cellulose-degrading enzymes in marine wood borer gribbles, which can thrive in industrial settings. The enzymes hold promise of efficiently breaking down biomass into sugars for biofuel production.
Researchers at the Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory have developed a single advanced building control that can customize fan speed to actual need, resulting in an 18% slash in energy demand. The technology has the potential to save tens of thousands of dollars annually for large office buildings.
The project aims to demonstrate the feasibility of converting switchgrass into jet fuel economically and in large quantities. The process is expected to result in a 95% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to current production methods.
A new EBI study concludes that biofuels from plant biomass and purpose-grown crops can substantially reduce greenhouse gas emissions in California. The report highlights the importance of judicious use of feedstocks and implementation of low-carbon technologies to meet the state's ambitious energy goals.
The U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) hosted a car competition for 97 Colorado schools, with teams racing solar and lithium ion powered vehicles designed and built by students. The 'Sweet and Sassy' team from Woodlands Academy took top honors in the solar design category.
Saudi Arabia is working with the US Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) to set up networks for measuring solar radiation in varying meteorological conditions. The partnership aims to train Saudi engineers and install over 50 monitoring stations to gauge the best spots for solar power plants.
The grant aims to improve solar energy system efficiency and reduce costs in West Michigan. Researchers will collect data on residential and commercial solar installations to better understand the region's unique conditions.
The article discusses the need for sustainable bioenergy crops by setting a standard. The first precondition is good governance, including environmental groups, to achieve public acceptance. The second precondition is to fortify the producer's sustainability toolbox, including effective tools and baselines. The third precondition is in...
Researchers from NREL evaluated CSP systems with thermal energy storage within the CAISO system to estimate operational factors such as fuel cost, emissions, and reliability. The analysis found significant value in dispatchable CSP, particularly when providing reserve power, which can be turned on or off during high or low demand periods.
Research Fellows Mike Himmel and David Ginley honored for innovation impacts in energy systems integration and commercialization of NREL technologies. NREL has added 29 new CRADAs, attracting $8 in private investment for every dollar invested.
Researchers found that two enzyme paradigms - free and complexed enzymes - use different mechanisms to degrade biomass at the nanometer scale. Combining these systems enhances catalytic performance, suggesting an optimal strategy may already exist.
Thin film solar cells can be removed from a silicon substrate by dipping them in water at room temperature. The cells can then attach to almost any surface after exposure to heat of about 90°C for a few seconds.
Scientists have demonstrated a process where quantum dots can self-assemble at optimal locations in nanowires, improving the efficiency of solar cells, quantum computing, and lighting devices. The breakthrough enables precise positioning of quantum dots relative to the nanowire's center, leading to high optical properties.
A recent NREL survey found that 95% of 100% biodiesel (B100) samples met ASTM International fuel quality specifications, representing a dramatic improvement from previous years. The increase is attributed to stricter quality requirements and the voluntary BQ-9000 quality management program.
A team of researchers from the University of Bristol and the University of Bern studied the investment strategies of dominant pairs in a species of cichlid fish. They found that removing large helpers for 30 days allowed dominants to reduce their territorial duties, with new helpers taking over after seven days.
NREL employees Debbie Lew, Greg Brinkman, Maureen Hand, Trieu Mai, and Brian Parsons were awarded for their contributions to wind and solar integration studies. The Utility Variable-Generation Integration Group recognized their work on grid operations with high renewable power shares.
The US Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has launched an initiative to build an open-source database of real-world performance from solar facilities. The Open Solar Performance and Reliability Clearinghouse (O-SPaRC) aims to provide critical data on the long-term performance of residential and commercia...
Researchers at Berkeley Lab released a guide on planning and financing comprehensive energy upgrades for K-12 schools. The guide covers different financing approaches and contains case studies of successful projects, highlighting the benefits of energy efficiency upgrades in reducing costs and improving student learning environments.
Researchers at the University of Calgary have developed a new, affordable catalyst for converting electricity into chemical energy, enabling the efficient storage and reuse of solar and wind power. The breakthrough technology has the potential to support a large-scale clean energy economy.
The Solar Access to Public Capital (SAPC) working group aims to standardize power purchase agreements and develop robust datasets to assess performance and credit-default risk. This effort is expected to attract additional investors to the solar asset class, potentially lowering the cost of solar energy.
A collaborative study between NREL and ANL identifies strategies to reduce petroleum use and greenhouse gas emissions in the transportation sector by 80% by 2050. The study reveals opportunities for energy efficiency improvements, increased use of electricity and hydrogen, and expanded biofuels.
The new HPC data center at NREL's Energy Systems Integration Facility (ESIF) is the first of its kind, boasting an annualized average power usage effectiveness (PUE) rating of 1.06 or better. It achieves this by using warm-water liquid cooling and capturing and reusing waste heat to reduce energy consumption.
A new study proposes converting New York's all-purpose energy infrastructure to renewable energy sources like wind, water, and sunlight. The plan aims to reduce pollution-related costs, create local jobs, and save the state billions of dollars annually.
Researchers at Northwestern University have identified conditions for a self-healing power grid, which can synchronize spontaneously and recover from failures in real-time. By applying these guidelines, power companies can reduce the frequency of blackouts and improve the reliability of renewable energy sources.
Scientists have underestimated the impact of large numbers of wind turbines on energy production within large farms, suggesting a more limited capacity than previously thought. The new modeling results indicate that wind power production may be as low as 1 watt per square meter at wind farms larger than 100 square kilometers.
NREL Engineer Ian Metzger named ASHRAE's New Face of Engineering, recognized for increasing energy efficiency and renewable energy deployment. The Research Support Facility in Golden, Colorado, also won an ASHRAE Technology Award for its net-zero design, using 50% less energy than traditional commercial buildings.
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) had a significant impact on Colorado's economy in FY 2012, with a total economic benefit of $814.8 million. The laboratory supported approximately 2,300 jobs and invested heavily in construction, including a new parking garage and energy-efficient building.
A new study suggests that achieving the UN's Sustainable Energy for All (SE4All) objectives by 2030 could significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help limit global temperature rise to 2°C. The initiative includes providing universal access to modern energy, doubling renewable energy globally, and improving energy efficiency.
Researchers recommend doubling US energy productivity by 2030 through investments in efficiency concepts, modernizing infrastructure, and educating consumers. This can create a million new jobs, save households $1,000/year, and reduce carbon-dioxide emissions by one-third.
Lakewood High School won the competition for the first time, defeating Cheyenne Mountain High School in the final round. The team will represent Colorado at nationals on April 25. Over 15,000 students competed, with 10 schools participating for the first time.
Scientists from NREL and partners successfully demonstrated self-assembling quantum dots in a nanowire system for quantum photonics. The breakthrough could improve solar cell efficiency, quantum computing, and lighting devices due to the precise positioning of quantum dots within the nanowire.
The PEV Scorecard helps communities evaluate their readiness for plug-in electric vehicle deployment, providing feedback and guidance for improvement. The tool offers a comprehensive assessment of charging infrastructure, planning, regulations, and support services.
A new open-source model, InVEST, provides spatially explicit information on offshore wind energy, helping decision makers quantify tradeoffs between energy, transportation, and fishing. The tool is significant for integrated marine spatial planning, enabling informed decisions on wind turbine placement.
A low-carbon hybrid energy system is proposed to integrate coal with nuclear, wind, solar, biomass, and hydro power to reduce CO2 emission and recycle carbon. The system utilizes carbon recycling to produce useful materials while increasing energy efficiency.
Researchers at NREL are developing advanced electric vehicle technology, renewable energy resources for charging, and grid integration to accelerate adoption. Smart charging capabilities enable efficient use of the grid, while bi-directional charging turns vehicles into grid storage devices.
NREL has received four fuel cell hybrid vehicles on loan from Toyota to enhance its research on hydrogen fueling infrastructure, renewable hydrogen production, and vehicle performance. The vehicles will be used to observe extended durability and reliability, critical for commercial success.
Lakewood High School Team 1 won the Colorado High School Science Bowl, defeating Cheyenne Mountain High School Team 1 with a score of 38-16. The team will compete against over 400 students from 70 high schools in Washington D.C. for the national title.
Assistant professor Hamed Mohsenian-Rad is designing plug-and-play energy consumption scheduling devices to control energy usage in electric cars and industrial machinery. His research aims to encourage consumer cooperation, support renewable energy integration, minimize generation cost, and maintain electrical power quality.
The Advanced Management and Protection of Energy Storage Devices (AMPED) program will focus on optimizing lithium-ion batteries for electric-drive vehicles through improved management and controls. The project aims to increase utilization, life, and cost-effectiveness of Li-ion batteries.
The Helmholtz Energy Alliance aims to ensure a reliable electric power supply through the development of grid management and storage systems. Key findings include the need for new technologies to manage hybrid transmission grids and innovative methods to ensure grid stability.
The U.S. Department of Energy's NREL has created the Buildings, Industry, Transportation, Electricity, and Transportation Scenarios (BITES) tool to help users understand the complex issues surrounding cleaner energy. Users can adjust inputs to explore 'what-if' scenarios and compare outcomes to baseline cases.
A team led by Ames Laboratory will develop solutions to domestic shortages of rare earth metals and other critical materials for U.S. energy security. The Critical Materials Institute will bring together top researchers from academia, national labs, and the private sector to find innovative technology solutions.
A new Department of Energy research facility will test new technologies for offshore wind and ocean power development. The Reference Facility for Offshore Renewable Energy will help verify the accuracy of data from new measurement technologies, providing confidence for potential investors.
The project aims to develop microbes that can convert methane in natural gas into liquid diesel fuel. If successful, this could reduce greenhouse gas emissions and lower dependence on foreign oil. The research, funded by ARPA-E, involves genetic modification of microorganisms to produce lipids from methane.
A new study by NREL found that CSP with thermal energy storage can lower peak net loads, displacing natural gas-fired generators and reducing the need for coal, adding significant value to utility companies. The report suggests that CSP with six-hour storage capacity can increase operational value by up to $35.80 per megawatt hour.
PNNL has been honored with three 2013 Excellence in Technology Transfer awards for developing innovative technologies such as redox flow batteries for renewable energy storage, radiogel products for targeted radiation therapy to fight cancer, and Ion Mobility Spectrometers for explosives detection. These technologies are expected to be...
The collaboration aims to improve vapor phase upgrading during the biomass pyrolysis process, enabling the production of lignocellulose-based fuels at a competitive cost. The partnership seeks to develop catalytic materials that can convert biomass vapors into liquid fuels suitable for transportation.
The University of Washington has been awarded a $4 million grant to develop bacteria that can turn methane in natural gas into diesel fuel. The team aims to capture wasted natural gas and use bacteria to convert it into energy-rich molecules, which will then be converted into diesel.
The US Department of Energy's NREL and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory released reports examining solar photovoltaic (PV) pricing in the US. The reports indicate that PV system prices have been falling rapidly over the past decade, with soft costs accounting for 40-50% of residential and commercial PV prices in 2010.
A new study by the University of Delaware and Delaware Technical Community College suggests that a well-designed combination of wind power, solar power, and storage can fully power a large electric grid 99.9 percent of the time by 2030. The study's findings break conventional wisdom on renewable energy being too unreliable and expensive.
Researchers highlight the need for fundamental research in geothermal and shale gas development to overcome challenges and maximize energy recovery. Enhanced geothermal systems and shale gas extraction face roadblocks, including induced seismicity and environmental impact.
Geoscientists highlight the importance of fundamental research in unlocking the full potential of emerging energy sources, including geothermal and shale gas. The development of these resources is hindered by geological and environmental challenges that must be addressed through basic scientific inquiry.
A team of Harvard engineers and chemists are working on a one-year, $600,000 grant from ARPA-E to develop a new type of storage battery that uses eco-friendly small organic molecules. The technology aims to make stationary energy storage cost-effective, enabling wind and solar power to displace fossil fuels more widely.
A team of researchers has discovered a bacterium that can efficiently degrade hemicellulose, a key component in biofuels. By unlocking this microbe's enzymes, scientists may be able to engineer microbes that can convert more plant material into fuel.
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory has released a 20-year updated version of the US National Solar Radiation Database, providing critical information for solar system designers. The updated database features improved cloud algorithms and an enhanced State University of New York model for gridded data based on satellite observations.
The installed price of US solar photovoltaic systems decreased by 11-14% in 2011 and 3-7% in California's first half of 2012. Module prices fell precipitously since 2008, while non-module costs like installation labor and marketing declined by 30% from 1998 to 2011.
Researchers unveil creative technologies to capture kinetic energy in Florida's oceans, convert waste thermal energy to electricity, and develop nanophosphor-based grow lights. These innovations could change our sources of energy and improve indoor agriculture.
A new study finds that efficient end-use technologies have the potential to contribute large emission reductions and provide higher social returns on investment. However, current innovation efforts are skewed towards energy supply technologies, which may be less effective in mitigating climate change.
Researchers from ASU will identify suitable locations across the US for perennial biomass energy crops to reduce reliance on food crops and combat greenhouse gas-induced climate change. The five-year project aims to explore sustainability, hydroclimate, crop yield, and economic profitability of large-scale deployment.