March 2021
Pioneering NREL Analysis Empowers Los Angeles in Its Pursuit of 100% Renewables
Results from the Los Angeles 100% Renewable Energy Study (LA100) show meeting LA's goal of reliable, 100% renewable electricity by 2045—or even 2035—is achievable and will entail rapid deployment of wind, solar, and storage technologies. The study paves the way for other jurisdictions to reach their own clean energy goals, equitably and economically.
Charting the Course: NREL Team To De-risk Desal Device Deployment
NREL researchers work to transform seawater into drinking water as we commemorate World Water Day 2021.
NREL, NASA, European Researchers Reveal Path to Safer Lithium-Ion Batteries
When a lithium-ion battery fails, it can become engulfed in flames in a matter of seconds.
NREL-Developed Renewable Polyurethane Concept Takes Step Forward
A startup founded by Philip Pienkos, a retired NREL researcher, has moved closer to commercializing technology he helped develop at the U.S. Department of Energy facility. The company, Polaris Renewables, is the first business to directly spin off from NREL since 1992.
MECC Competitors to Set Sail This Spring: 2022 Competition Opens for Applications April 5
Don’t be blue: the launch of the 2022 MECC is just around the corner. Learn more.
Conjuring Cutting-Edge Conductivity: DOE and NREL Launch the CABLE Conductor Manufacturing Prize
The $4.5-million CABLE Conductor Manufacturing Prize will boost U.S. industries and upgrade materials and applications to meet electrification needs and combat the climate crisis.
NREL Researchers Pinpoint Potential That Lies Within the Waves
A new NREL report provides a snapshot of U.S. marine energy potential at the national, state, and regional levels.
Samantha Reese: Connecting Science to Industry with Supply Chain Analysis
As a JISEA/NREL clean energy manufacturing analyst, Samantha Reese puts early-stage research problems in context of techno-economic tradeoffs and technology potential because "no matter how awesome a technology is, it won't be adopted if it's not cost competitive."
New Perovskite Design Shows Path to Higher Efficiency
The new architecture for the cells increases the area exposed to the sun by putting the metal contact layers side by side on the back of the cell.
From Wet Waste to Flight: Scientists Announce Fast-Track Solution for Net-Zero-Carbon Sustainable Aviation Fuel
A novel biorefining process using the untapped energy of food waste and other wet waste to produce a "drop-in" sustainable aviation fuel may lift net-zero flights off the runway sooner than you think.
News Release: New Perovskite LED Emits a Spin-Polarized Glow
The inclusion of a special new perovskite layer has enabled scientists to create a "spin-polarized LED" without needing a magnetic field or extremely low temperatures, potentially clearing the path to a raft of novel technologies.
Beyond Technical Potential: NREL Explores the Challenges of Siting Wind in a Low-Carbon Future
Achieving decarbonization goals—including the Biden administration's climate and energy plan—will require rapid and sustained deployment of wind and solar power.
CoMET Aids Researchers and Partners in Reaching the Stars—and the Market
Next-gen facilities produce next-gen technologies. Learn more about the collaborative CoMET workspace and innovations to come out of it.
Even in Frigid Temperatures, Air-Source Heat Pumps Keep Homes Warm From Alaska Coast to U.S. Mass Market
The air-source heat pump that Tom Marsik installed in his house eight years ago was rare for Alaska. Air-source heat pumps take heat from the outside air, run it through a refrigeration cycle to step up the temperature (just like your fridge, but in reverse), and deliver it to a building.
NREL's New Solar TRACE Tool Adds Transparency to Permitting, Inspection, and Interconnection Nationwide
In partnership with the solar industry, NREL recently developed Solar TRACE, an online tool to increase transparency into PII processes, requirements, and overall adoption cycle times nationwide.
Cyber-Energy Emulation Platform Offers Insights into EV Fast-Charging Station Cybersecurity, Mitigation Strategies
Leveraging the newly developed Cyber-Energy Emulation Platform, NREL researchers evaluated a 50-kW fast-charge station in the ESIF to identify risks and challenges that fast-charge stations could potentially introduce to charging infrastructure.
News Release: NREL Industry Growth Forum Announces 2021 Presenting Start-Ups from Around the World
Forty companies have been selected to participate in the NREL Industry Growth Forum, which will be held virtually again this year. More than 150 companies applied for the chance to present their cleantech innovations to potential investors and engaged industry experts at the 26th annual event.
Science Bowl Encourages Next Generation of Scientists Through Competition and Education
A Fossil Ridge High School team has become the winners of the 31st annual Colorado Regional High School Science Bowl, unseating last year's champions, Cherry Creek High School.
February 2021
Silicon Anode Research Offers Pathway to Increased Driving Range for Electric Vehicles
A new NREL-led multi-lab consortium addresses critical barriers to the development of smaller, cheaper, and better performing lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles by investigating the use of silicon as an alternative to graphitic carbon anode material.
Q&A with Kristin Munch: Advancing Computing Capabilities To Efficiently Simulate, Analyze Complex Energy Systems
As laboratory program manager for Advanced Computing, Kristin Munch helps develop the vision and strategy for NREL's computational infrastructure and ecosystem.
Last Updated Jan. 22, 2026