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NREL Offers ‘Swiss Army Knife’ Tool for Wave Energy Development

NREL Offers ‘Swiss Army Knife’ Tool for Wave Energy Development

The open-source multi-tool platform can help designers build better wave energy converters.


Global Renewable Energy Surges While US Growth Slows

Global Renewable Energy Surges While US Growth Slows

The International Energy Agency predicts global renewable capacity will double by 2030, but renewable use in North America is slowing down.


Is Self-Propelled Ice the Next Renewable Energy Source?

Is Self-Propelled Ice the Next Renewable Energy Source?

Virginia Tech engineers have demonstrated a novel method to harvest energy from melting ice.


tech insights Aug 29, 2025 by Luke James
Data Center Surge Drives Short-Term Energy Demand

Data Center Surge Drives Short-Term Energy Demand

As data center expansion skyrockets, U.S. power needs will exceed previous forecasts.


NREL Sets Record With 294 Patents for Renewable Energy

NREL Sets Record With 294 Patents for Renewable Energy

Inventions in 2024 included flexible wave energy converters, a contactless characterization tool for solar materials, and a grid system that…


Are Solar Farms on Federal Waters Feasible?

Are Solar Farms on Federal Waters Feasible?

A National Renewable Energy Laboratory study suggests placing floating solar panels on federal waters could generate enough electricity for millions.


2024 Wrap-Up: Will Nuclear Fusion Be the Next Renewable Energy?

2024 Wrap-Up: Will Nuclear Fusion Be the Next Renewable Energy?

Nuclear fusion has progressed in 2024, but questions about future nuclear fusion remain.


NREL Rolls Out Python-Enhanced Ocean Energy Models

NREL Rolls Out Python-Enhanced Ocean Energy Models

The upgraded Marine and Hydrokinetic Toolkit helps developers assess and improve marine renewable energy technologies. 


Design Guidance for Critical Hydro Systems

Design Guidance for Critical Hydro Systems

Pumped storage hydropower systems can offset renewable energy fluctuations and protect grid stability. A Department of Energy study explores how to…


Channeling Hydropower: How Waterways Can Support the Grid

Channeling Hydropower: How Waterways Can Support the Grid

From repurposing waterways to advancing projects with higher-performing technologies, the U.S. can invest in hydropower for reliable electricity…


Harnessing Hydropower Inertia for Improved Grid Stability

Harnessing Hydropower Inertia for Improved Grid Stability

Oak Ridge National Laboratory has introduced an algorithm to assess the behavior of pumped storage hydropower systems. The method could make…


tech insights Feb 22, 2024 by Jake Hertz
Can a Tiny Electrostatic Generator Boost Renewable Energy?

Can a Tiny Electrostatic Generator Boost Renewable Energy?

An electrostatic generator the size of a centimeter can be woven into large fabrics to harness renewable energy. These hexagonal distributed…


Researchers Develop Integrated Pumped Hydro Reverse Osmosis System

Researchers Develop Integrated Pumped Hydro Reverse Osmosis System

A new reverse osmosis system could solve challenges surrounding energy consumption used for water desalination.


tech insights Dec 28, 2023 by Jake Hertz
‘REDi’ for Hydro: Virtually Visualizing Hydropower’s Potential

‘REDi’ for Hydro: Virtually Visualizing Hydropower’s Potential

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory has pioneered a virtual space with the help of engineers and design teams to showcase current research and…


How Does Closed-Loop Pumped Hydro Storage Measure Up?

How Does Closed-Loop Pumped Hydro Storage Measure Up?

How does the global warming potential of closed-loop pumped storage hydropower systems stack up against other types of energy storage? A new life…


How Are Renewables Faring in the US Generation Mix So Far in 2023?

How Are Renewables Faring in the US Generation Mix So Far in 2023?

While electrical generation from renewables remained relatively flat in the first half of 2023, utility-scale solar thermal and photovoltaic (PV)…


Microgrid in a Box Provides Renewable Backup Power for Rural Areas

Microgrid in a Box Provides Renewable Backup Power for Rural Areas

Engineers demonstrate a renewable energy-based mobile backup power system at a hydropower plant in rural Idaho. 


Probing the Deep Blue for Green Resources

Probing the Deep Blue for Green Resources

Could water be the newest source of raw materials for the renewable energy infrastructure?


NREL Visualization Offers 3D Peek Inside Water-Powered Island 

NREL Visualization Offers 3D Peek Inside Water-Powered Island 

A 3D visualization from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory showcases a virtual island with several renewable energy-powered systems,…


Looking Ahead at 2023 Clean Energy Tech

Looking Ahead at 2023 Clean Energy Tech

Many startups have taken up the challenge of designing new technology to make a global transition to net zero easier. Let’s look at four…