Peaks to Power

In this week’s episode, hosts Jackson and Nataleah dive into water power research at NLR:   Using NLR’s ARIES platform to de-risk and ready LAMP in a dry simulator for ocean deployment. ( Check out more here. ) Testing OSWECs inside NLR’s SWEL tank at the Flatirons Campus near Boulder, Colorado.   Deploying a SURF WEC for ocean testing at Makai Research Pier in Oahu, Hawaii.  This episode was host...

In this Lab Notes episode, hosts Kerrin and Taylor explore NLR's Advanced Research on Integrated Energy Systems , or ARIES platform. ARIES is a first-of-its-kind research platform that uses innovative capabilities to help us find solutions for the grid of the future.  Learn about its history, what it actually does, and how this work can contribute to a more affordable, reliable, and secure en...

In today’s episode, we’re taking you below ground, through busy intersections, and over cascading hydropower dams in stories about: The launch of the lab’s Geothermal Center of Excellence to accelerate geothermal energy deployment in the U.S.  A new tool that aims to make traffic signals more efficient, reducing crashes and delays at intersections   A technical assistance project in Washington sta...

In this episode of Peaks to Power, hosts Kerrin and Taylor get into the details on a partnership to advance grid reliability, some fantastic interns, and energy storage strategies.  - NLR researchers, in collaboration with Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, the University of Chicago, Princeton University, and industrial advisors, study opportunities to lower costs of computing facilities throu...

In this episode of Peaks to Power , hosts Jackson and Taylor talk chirality-induced spin selectivity and the R&D 100 Awards:   Experimental results show that chirality-induced spin selectivity can control electrochemical reaction products to generate useful chemicals.  NLR took home four of this year’s R&D 100 Awards for innovative technologies, bringing the lab’s total award count to 80 s...

Peaks to Power is back with updates in advanced computing, materials science, and flight! In this episode, find out about:  12 project awards NLR received in the Department of Energy’s Genesis Mission  A new collaboration with Argonne and Oak Ridge national laboratories to establish a national center for membrane technologies   A recently published report evaluating the real-world potential of fiv...

This week on Peaks to Power, we break down battery research, gather updates on a water desalination device, and review a grid planning tool.   NLR researchers are equipping state energy offices and public utility commissions with the Sienna analysis tool and trainings to make the most of the energy planning.   The latest update to the HERO WEC device could provide a blueprint for future wave energ...

This week on Peaks to Power, dig into artificial intelligence, critical mineral mining, and national laboratory collaborations: Minnesota-based NLR researcher Ryan King is using AI to bolster critical mineral supply chains , thanks in part to a partnership with the University of Minnesota’s Natural Resources Research Institute. NLR’s Amanda Kolker and David Digon were named fellows in the U.S. Dep...

This week, we’re highlighting NLR advancements in grid management, materials science, and critical materials recovery. You'll hear about:  A new open-source tool helping utilities use smart energy management to meet growing electricity demand while reducing the need for grid upgrades  Brain-inspired materials that can "remember" light, opening the door to more efficient machine visi...

Joined by guest host Molly Rettig, Peaks to Power travels to Alaska and the National Laboratory of the Rockies' campus in Fairbanks to learn more about heat pumps and the researchers making it easier to install this new technology that could save consumers money on energy bills.  Learn more about our work with heat pumps and NLR's Alaska Campus .  Find the transcript for this show here ....

In this episode of Peaks to Power, learn about:    The internal short-circuit device from NLR scientists that was awarded NASA’s Invention of the Year .   The Agora large-load test bed , a first-of-its-kind national capability designed to help data centers become active participants in grid reliability.   The semiconductor-catalyst combo that captures more energy to drive chemical reactions. This...

In this episode of Peaks to Power, learn about:   Two Memorandums of Understanding the National Laboratory of the Rockies signed with the University of Utah and the Colorado School of Mines  Two researchers working to create self-driving laboratories using artificial intelligence and robotics   NLR’s Aeroportal web platform helping airports manage increase infrastructure and energy demands.   This...

The National Laboratory of the Rockies’ podcast is back with a new name and brand! In our first episode as Peaks to Power, you’ll hear about:  A rooftop “sunscreen” that’s keeping buildings cool in summer while protecting roofs from ultraviolet sunrays   A bioplastic made from hemp seed oil that might one day be found in aerospace, automotive, battery, and construction materials   A new approach,...

Disclaimer: This episode was produced when the laboratory operated as the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). The laboratory is now the National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR). New week, new discoveries! In today’s episode, you can:  Explore the evolving world of battery safety research —from new energy storage technologies to a strategic approach for evaluating safety at the electrode,...

Disclaimer: This episode was produced when the laboratory operated as the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). The laboratory is now the National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR). Are you curious about new technologies that maximize performance while minimizing energy use and costs? If yes, this episode is for you. Learn about:  A tool package that is helping trucking companies reduce fuel...

Disclaimer: This episode was produced when the laboratory operated as the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). The laboratory is now the National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR). In this episode, you’ll learn about three real-world research applications for a more reliable and cost-effective future:  Experts convened at NREL to focus on deploying next-generation concrete and cement technol...

Disclaimer: This episode was produced when the laboratory operated as the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). The laboratory is now the National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR). It’s the 50th episode of The NREL Podcast! Today, you’ll hear about:  A new tool that lets researchers and partners cut prototyping costs, wait times, and design barriers for ocean energy technologies.  A recent g...

Disclaimer: This episode was produced when the laboratory operated as the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). The laboratory is now the National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR). It’s been a busy summer at NREL. In this episode, you’ll learn about:   The appointment of NREL’s incoming laboratory director Dr. Jud Virden , who brings 34 years of national lab experience at Pacific Northwest N...

Disclaimer: This episode was produced when the laboratory operated as the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). The laboratory is now the National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR). Ever wondered what it's like to intern at NREL? It might include supercomputers, hydrogen breakthroughs, and … a podcast mic. NREL intern Madelyn Weirich joins this episode of The NREL Podcast to take you beh...

Disclaimer: This episode was produced when the laboratory operated as the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). The laboratory is now the National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR). In this episode, explore three ways NREL researchers are creating energy solutions for small, remote, and rural regions: How a microgrid project on Martha’s Vineyard is strengthening the island’s energy resilience...

Disclaimer: This episode was produced when the laboratory operated as the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). The laboratory is now the National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR). In this episode, explore three ways NREL researchers are seeking out energy solutions:   An experiment dubbed “ No Photon Left Behind ” examined if growing tomatoes under the filtered light spectrum of a semitrans...

Disclaimer: This episode was produced when the laboratory operated as the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). The laboratory is now the National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR). In this episode, hosts Kerrin and Taylor dive into three stories with one goal: powering our world with curiosity, creativity, and just a dash of “What if it fails?” Listen in to explore: Updates to NREL’s risk ma...

Disclaimer: This episode was produced when the laboratory operated as the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). The laboratory is now the National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR). In this episode of The NREL Podcast , hosts Taylor Mankle and Kerrin Jeromin spotlight three stories where innovation meets real-world impact, including:  Marine energy tech getting a surprising upgrade. NREL rese...

Disclaimer: This episode was produced when the laboratory operated as the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). The laboratory is now the National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR). In this episode of The NREL Podcast , hosts Kerrin Jeromin and Taylor Mankle take listeners across the United States to explore three very different—but equally impactful—stories from the lab, including:  A look a...

Disclaimer: This episode was produced when the laboratory operated as the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). The laboratory is now the National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR). In this episode, hosts Kerrin Jeromin and Taylor Mankle dive into a banner year for innovation at NREL. Together, they explore the entrepreneurial side of energy technology, including:  NREL’s record-breaking 294...