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, 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 becomes increasingly dependent on digital technologies, cyberattacks against utilities are on the rise. NREL is addressing the cybersecurity workforce gap by integrating cybersecurity as a core engineering skill instead of just an add-on. This approach, known as cyber-informed engineering, is being promoted through the development of educational tools and direct training. 
• U.S. Navy Improves Energy Efficiency: The U.S. Navy's infrastructure includes over 500,000 buildings. The use of NREL’s Standard Energy Efficiency Data (SEED) platform and the Navy Smart Grid system is providing better insights into building performance and prioritizing energy-saving upgrades. 

This episode was hosted by Kerrin Jeromin and Taylor Mankle, written and produced by Allison Montroy, Hannah Halusker, and Kaitlyn Stottler, and edited by Taylor Mankle, Joe DelNero, and Brittany Falch. Graphics are by Brittnee Gayet. Our title music is written and performed by Ted Vaca and episode music by Chuck Kurnik, Jim Riley, and Mark Sanseverino of Drift BC. Transforming Energy: The NREL Podcast is created by the U.S. Department of Energy’s NREL in Golden, Colorado. Email us at [email protected]. Follow NREL on X, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, Threads, and Facebook.