Transforming Energy: The NREL Podcast

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
  • 5.0 (24)
  • SCIENCE
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY
Transforming Energy: The NREL Podcast

A podcast highlighting the latest research and news from the U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) as we work to achieve the laboratory's vision of a clean energy future for the world. 

  1. 3 DAYS AGO

    US Forest Service Goes Green, the Cost of Owning Zero-Emission Vehicles, ARIES Depicts Real-World Energy Systems

    In this week’s episode, your hosts dive into a few real-world applications of NREL’s research, including:Boosting Energy Efficiency on the Front Lines of Wildfire Control: through a partnership with the U.S. Forest Service, NREL introduced solar power and battery storage solutions to wildfire basecamps, paving the way for quieter, cleaner, and more efficient firefighting support.Decoding Zero-Emission Vehicle Costs: Now available for public use, NREL's T3CO tool helps owners of commercial veh...

    13 min

  2. OCT 30

    Geothermal Heat Pump Opportunities, Sun Nerds Convene at NREL, and Kestrel Flies Beyond the Lab

    In this Halloween-inspired episode, our hosts explore recent highlights in NREL’s research, including: A look into the potential of geothermal heat pumps (GHPs). NREL’s 19 new case studies provide real-world GHP examples across various U.S. climate zones, with installations at the NREL Alaska Campus, Seattle Public Schools, and more. A gathering of “Sun Nerds” at the NREL Pyrheliometer Comparisons (NPC) event, during which scientists from around the world had the chance to calibrat...

    11 min
  3. Lab Notes: A Journey Into the Future of Sustainable Aviation

    OCT 28 · BONUS

    Lab Notes: A Journey Into the Future of Sustainable Aviation

    In this episode of Transforming Energy’s Lab Notes series, hosts Kerrin Jeromin and Taylor Mankle are flying high into NREL’s research on sustainable aviation. The federal government and the aviation industry have lofty goals for decarbonizing aviation by 2050, but how can we get there? NREL researcher Scott Cary shares how national labs, like NREL, are key to identifying pathways to a more sustainable aviation sector.Additionally, Dave Ulane, director of the Colorado Division of Aeronautics,...

    18 min

  4. OCT 16

    A Photosynthesis Friendship and the US Grid Evolution—Plus, Clean Energy Research and Science Fiction Collide!

    In this week’s episode, our hosts Kerrin and Taylor discuss: A 30-year friendship that brings together NREL and minority-serving institutions through DOE’s Visiting Faculty Program to focus on unraveling the mysteries of photosynthesis. NREL researcher Juanping Yu and Alabama State University professor Harvey Hou research collaboration has resulted in research papers, an Energy Earthshots award, and new friendships. Upgrading the nation’s power grid is a huge undertaking, but one ...

    14 min

  5. OCT 2

    The Unofficial Mascots of NREL’s Colorado and Alaska Campuses

    In this episode, our hosts explore the unofficial mascots of NREL’s campuses in Colorado and Alaska. This interactive episode covers: A fun guessing game (listeners are encouraged to join in) connecting clips of animal calls to their sources—the unofficial mascots of each campus. The game highlights how the local wildlife at each campus symbolizes the lab’s key research areas: solar, wind, or sustainable buildings. NREL's efforts to coexist with the wildlife at each campus, respect...

    13 min

  6. SEP 18

    Interns, Economy, and Startups: The NREL Impact

    In this week’s episode, our hosts dive into NREL’S impact, featuring: NREL’s research interns and how they’re not only gaining valuable experience but making tangible contributions to the clean energy transition. This year alone, NREL employed more than 500 interns both on-site and remote. Listen to what summer 2024 intern Amanda Behmer has to say about her experiences working on organic photovoltaic devices! The national and local economic impacts of NREL in the 2023 fiscal year. W...

    10 min

  7. SEP 4

    Recyclable Wind Turbine Blades, Cybersecurity Workplace Culture, and Saving Energy With the US Navy

    In this episode, our hosts discuss: Recyclable Wind Turbine Blades: Researchers at NREL are developing wind turbine blades using a new material known as PECAN (PolyEster Covalently Adaptable Network) resin. This bioderivable resin allows the blades to be chemically recycled and remanufactured multiple times, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional wind blades that often end up in landfills after their 20-year lifespan. Cybersecurity in Critical Infrastructure: As the world...

    11 min

  8. AUG 21

    Cars, Concrete, and Changes to the Grid

    In this episode, our hosts discuss: Carbon-Negative Concrete – Learn about the BUILD'EM project, which aims to replace traditional cement with a low-carbon alternative made from lignin and other innovative materials. This new concrete not only reduces emissions but also promises to be cost-competitive and environmentally friendly. Discover how these new pavers could significantly lower the carbon footprint of concrete and contribute to a more sustainable built environment. EV Chargi...

    14 min
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out of 5
24 Ratings

About

A podcast highlighting the latest research and news from the U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) as we work to achieve the laboratory's vision of a clean energy future for the world. 

Information

  • Creator
    The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2024
  • Episodes
    40
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2024 Transforming Energy: The NREL Podcast
  • Show Website
    Transforming Energy: The NREL Podcast

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