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News and Feature Stories
The following news stories take an in-depth, behind-the-scenes look at how NLR is leading energy systems innovation and integration.
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May 2026
New ‘Atlas’ Will Catalog Proteins That Bind to Rare Earth Elements
NLR researchers are creating the first-ever Microbial Rare Earth Element Atlas to catalog naturally occurring proteins that can bind to rare earth elements.
NLR Partners With Colorado School of Mines and University of Utah To Scale Up US Critical Minerals Capacity
NLR signed memorandums of understanding with the Colorado School of Mines and the University of Utah that will help strengthen America’s energy and material supply chains through critical minerals innovation, commercialization, and workforce development.
April 2026
The Fast Lane: 3 Ways To Get More Critical Minerals, Now
Companies need critical minerals for electronics, medical equipment, crops, and more. These three techniques (and others) could make some easier to get.
March 2026
Turning Biomass Into Graphite Could Help Secure US Critical Mineral Supply
NLR researchers have developed two novel pathways using fast pyrolysis to create bio-based graphite. The process, which leverages waste materials, could bolster American graphite production and secure a critical supply chain for battery and steel manufacturing.
November 2025
A Phyto Finish: Could Seaweed Be Mined for Critical Minerals?
Some seaweeds accumulate critical minerals. NREL scientists are studying which ones do it best.
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Last Updated April 21, 2026