Transforming Energy: The NREL Podcast

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. With an economic contribution of $1.9 billion nationwide, learn about how NREL is supporting the employment of more than 1,000 people nationwide both directly and indirectly.
• Key takeaways from Camp Cleantech, NREL’s opportunity for startups in the clean energy field to meet with industry leaders for three days of dynamic workshops, networking, and one-on-one coaching. The workshops covered topics from partnering with communities on clean energy projects, to leveraging artificial intelligence for marketing success.  

This episode was hosted by Kerrin Jeromin and Taylor Mankle, written and produced by Allison Montroy and Kaitlyn Stottler, and edited by 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 National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden, Colorado. We express our gratitude and acknowledge that the land we are on is the traditional and ancestral homelands of the Arapaho, Cheyenne, and Ute peoples. Email us at [email protected]. Follow NREL on X, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, Threads, and Facebook.

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 and Kaitlyn Stottler, and edited by 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 National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden, Colorado. We express our gratitude and acknowledge that the land we are on is the traditional and ancestral homelands of the Arapaho, Cheyenne, and Ute peoples. Email us at [email protected]. Follow NREL on X, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, Threads, and Facebook.

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 Charging Infrastructure – With electric vehicle sales surging, NREL researchers are focused on expanding the national charging network to ensure convenient, reliable access for all drivers. We’ll discuss the tools and models, like the EVI-X Modeling Suite and TEMPO, that are guiding the deployment of charging stations and the importance of equitable infrastructure. 

Plus, understand the need for a modernized grid to accommodate the growing use of renewable energy sources. We’re developing medium-voltage converters that could replace traditional transformers. These new devices aim to enhance grid flexibility, reduce costs, and support the integration of solar and wind energy into the power system. 

This episode was hosted by Kerrin Jeromin and Taylor Mankle, written and produced by Allison Montroy and Kaitlyn Stottler, and edited by 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 National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden, Colorado. We express our gratitude and acknowledge that the land we are on is the traditional and ancestral homelands of the Arapaho, Cheyenne, and Ute peoples. Email us at [email protected]. Follow NREL on X, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, Threads, and Facebook.

In this episode, our hosts discuss:

1. Revolutionizing Solar Energy with Perovskites
As we develop technology to produce renewable energy, it’s important that our materials don’t cause problems for future generations! Discover how NREL researchers are advancing perovskite solar technology, which promises a leap forward in solar energy efficiency. These emerging materials could lead to high-performance solar panels that are designed with recycling in mind, supporting a circular economy. 

2. Harnessing Offshore Wind for Clean Hydrogen Production
Learn about NREL’s innovative approach to producing clean hydrogen: using electricity from offshore wind turbines to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. This technique, primarily feasible along the US Atlantic Coast and Gulf of Mexico, could lead to more cost-effective hydrogen production. Listen in to explore the technological and economic aspects of this method, including case studies and future research directions.

3. Optimizing Hydrogen Infrastructure with SERA
Explore how the Scenario Evaluation and Regionalization Analysis (SERA) model is being used to strategize and optimize hydrogen infrastructure deployment. This flexible tool helps assess cost-effective pathways for building out hydrogen supply chains and can even model scenarios for other fuels and carbon capture.

Stay tuned for more insights into the latest advancements in clean energy research. Follow us for updates and join us in two weeks for the next episode!

This episode was hosted by Kerrin Jeromin and Taylor Mankle, written and produced by Allison Montroy and Kaitlyn Stottler, and edited by 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 National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden, Colorado. We express our gratitude and acknowledge that the land we are on is the traditional and ancestral homelands of the Arapaho, Cheyenne, and Ute peoples. Email us at [email protected]. Follow NREL on X, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, Threads, and Facebook.

In this episode, our hosts discuss two recent stories from NREL:  

1. The recent release of this year’s  Electricity Annual Technology Baseline (ATB): a valuable resource for utility planners and grid operators to understand and tackle new challenges in the ever-changing power landscape. For the last 10 years, researchers, led by NREL, have released this product that organizes current and projected data in an easy-to-use format that provides detailed information tailored to different electricity-generation technologies. The Electricity ATB takes complex data and translates it into publicly usable information to help federal agencies, state energy offices, utilities, and academia learn about and plan for the future.  
2. How to power the South Pole with renewable technologies: NREL and Argonne National Laboratory researchers looked at how a combination of solar modules, wind turbines, and battery storage could provide a cost-effective way to expand research capabilities at the South Pole while significantly reducing costs. The idea to shift away from diesel fuel specially formulated to withstand the extreme cold comes as scientists look toward future experiments. 

Plus, Special Correspondent Nataleah Small highlights some of the ways NREL employees take a hands-on approach to expanding solar deployment in their communities and ensuring energy equity.  

This episode was hosted by Kerrin Jeromin and Taylor Mankle, written and produced by Allison Montroy and Kaitlyn Stottler, and edited by 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 National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden, Colorado. We express our gratitude and acknowledge that the land we are on is the traditional and ancestral homelands of the Arapaho, Cheyenne, and Ute peoples. Email us at [email protected]. Follow NREL on X, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, Threads, and Facebook.

Hosts Kerrin Jeromin and Taylor Mankle discuss NREL’s impactful and comprehensive approach to education initiatives aimed at cultivating the next generation of clean energy leaders, emphasizing the importance of cultivating STEM identity and fostering diversity and inclusion. Through initiatives like the Stories and STEaM series, NREL not only integrates arts into STEM education to enhance creativity but also ensures that students of all backgrounds feel represented and encouraged to pursue careers in clean energy, embodying NREL's commitment to a sustainable and equitable future.

This episode was hosted by Kerrin Jeromin and Taylor Mankle, written and produced by Allison Montroy and Kaitlyn Stottler, and edited by 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 National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden, Colorado. We express our gratitude and acknowledge that the land we are on is the traditional and ancestral homelands of the Arapaho, Cheyenne, and Ute peoples. Email us at [email protected]. Follow NREL on X, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, Threads, and Facebook.

Hosts Kerrin Jeromin and Taylor Mankle discuss two recent stories from NREL:   

• In 2023, the SolarAPP+ automated online permitting platform streamlined the approval process for residential rooftop solar installations, reducing project timelines by approximately 14.5 business days compared to traditional methods. This advancement not only saved over 15,400 hours of permitting department staff time but also eliminated more than 150,000 business days in delays, accelerating the adoption of clean solar energy across 97 local governments in the United States.
• In a groundbreaking study, NREL analyzed the evolving impact of extreme weather events on the U.S. power grid as renewable energy integration increases. The study found that despite growing renewable energy sources like wind and solar, the grid's resilience to extreme weather remains robust, challenging traditional definitions of "extreme" weather and emphasizing the importance of planning for periods of low renewable output.

This episode was hosted by Kerrin Jeromin and Taylor Mankle, written and produced by Allison Montroy and Kaitlyn Stottler, and edited by 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 National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden, Colorado. We express our gratitude and acknowledge that the land we are on is the traditional and ancestral homelands of the Arapaho, Cheyenne, and Ute peoples. Email us at [email protected]. Follow NREL on X, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, Threads, and Facebook.

This episode discusses three recent stories from NREL:  

1. Dynamic Line Ratings, a crucial upgrade for our transmission system's future, are like adjusting a road's speed limit based on weather conditions. By utilizing real-time weather monitoring, we can increase power transmission when it's safe, ensuring efficiency, reliability, and cost-effectiveness, which offers a bright forecast for our clean energy journey.
2. The DuraMAT Consortium, spearheaded by NREL, addresses rapid changes in the solar industry, providing vital guidance for building reliable, durable solar panels amidst major growth in 2023. Their recent annual report unveils groundbreaking strategies and recommendations, promising long-term benefits for both manufacturers and consumers in the evolving solar energy landscape.
3. Eastport, Maine, faces energy challenges exacerbated by storms and high costs, prompting its involvement in the Energy Transitions Initiative Partnership Project (ETIPP), where it focuses on resilient power systems and energy-efficient homes. By harnessing tidal power and analyzing energy-saving measures, ETIPP offers Eastport pathways to create a reliable, cost-effective, and resilient grid.

This episode was hosted by Kerrin Jeromin and Taylor Mankle, written and produced by Allison Montroy and Kaitlyn Stottler, and edited by 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 National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden, Colorado. We express our gratitude and acknowledge that the land we are on is the traditional and ancestral homelands of the Arapaho, Cheyenne, and Ute peoples. Email us at [email protected]. Follow NREL on X, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, Threads, and Facebook.

This episode discusses three recent stories from NREL:  

1. Researchers have successfully utilized robotic assistance in the manufacture of wind turbine blades, aiming to eliminate challenging working conditions for humans and enhance product consistency. By automating trimming, grinding, and sanding processes, the study not only improves workplace safety but also supports the economic viability of domestic blade manufacturing, potentially leading to increased job opportunities within the United States.
2. Research has uncovered a groundbreaking synergy between marine energy and additive manufacturing, commonly known as 3D printing, unveiling a potential solution to enhance tidal turbine technologies. By harnessing stainless steel material and laser metal deposition, they aim to fortify tidal turbine spars, the backbone of underwater turbines, against the relentless forces of the ocean, potentially revolutionizing maintenance practices and bolstering energy resilience for coastal communities. This innovation promises rapid deployment and accessibility, empowering localities to swiftly address energy needs and foster sustainability in marine environments.
3.  SAFFiRE Renewables plans to utilize NREL’s DMR technology to convert agricultural residue into scalable biofuel, significantly reducing carbon footprints in aviation. With a pilot plant set to handle 10 tons of corn stover daily and produce 300,000 gallons of cellulosic ethanol annually, this collaboration marks a pivotal step towards commercializing sustainable aviation fuel and fostering energy resilience.

This episode was hosted by Kerrin Jeromin and Taylor Mankle, written and produced by Allison Montroy and Kaitlyn Stottler, and edited by 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 National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden, Colorado. We express our gratitude and acknowledge that the land we are on is the traditional and ancestral homelands of the Arapaho, Cheyenne, and Ute peoples. Email us at [email protected]. Follow NREL on X, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, Threads, and Facebook.

This episode discusses three recent stories from NREL:  

1.  In 2017, Puerto Rico faced a devastating double blow as consecutive hurricanes decimated 80% of its electrical grid, resulting in the longest blackout in U.S. history. Determined to rebuild resiliently, Puerto Rico passed Act 17 in 2019, aiming for a 100% renewable energy system by 2050, which sparked the groundbreaking PR100 study—a collaborative effort between the Department of Energy and six national laboratories—to chart the territory's energy future through extensive community engagement and innovative scenarios.
2. With the U.S. wind energy sector projected to grow substantially, a new NREL report highlights a potential shortage of over 124,000 workers by 2030, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts to raise awareness, increase training opportunities, create connections, and emphasize inclusivity in the wind energy workforce. We delve into the report's findings and discuss actionable steps to bridge the wind workforce gap, essential for realizing America's clean energy future.
3. Nancy Haegel, Director of the National Center for Photovoltaics at NREL, has been elected as a fellow of the AAAS, recognized for her distinguished contributions to materials science, particularly in semiconductor transport, infrared detectors, and renewable energy. She is the 12th person from NREL to receive this prestigious honor.

Plus: NREL librarian Jason Youngstrom joins to discuss the essential role of NREL librarians, who play a crucial part in advancing renewable energy research by ensuring NREL researchers have access to the latest information and publications needed to drive innovation and maintain NREL's position as a leader in the field. 

This episode was hosted by Kerrin Jeromin and Taylor Mankle, written and produced by Allison Montroy and Kaitlyn Stottler, and edited by 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 National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden, Colorado. We express our gratitude and acknowledge that the land we are on is the traditional and ancestral homelands of the Arapaho, Cheyenne, and Ute peoples. Email us at [email protected]. Follow NREL on X, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, Threads, and Facebook.