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Peaks to Power

National Laboratory of the Rockiesnlr.gov

A podcast highlighting the latest research and news from the U.S. Department of Energy's National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR). 

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Episodes

Education Initiatives To Empower Future Innovators

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). 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...

Jul 10, 202411 minSeason 1Ep. 27

The Power of the Elements: Growing Residential Solar Installations and Weather’s Impact on Renewable Grid Operations

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). 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. Th...

Jun 26, 202411 minSeason 1Ep. 26

Building Reliability in Transmission, Solar Panels, and Islanded Communities

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). This episode discusses three recent stories from NREL: 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 efficie...

Jun 12, 202411 minSeason 1Ep. 25

Wind Turbine-Building Robots, 3D Printing Underwater Turbine Tech, and Turning Corn Stover Into Fuel for Planes

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). This episode discusses three recent stories from NREL: 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 s...

May 29, 202412 minSeason 1Ep. 24

Possible Pathways to 100% Renewable Energy in Puerto Rico, the Wind Workforce Gap, and an NREL Leader Honored—Plus, How Research Gets Published

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). This episode discusses three recent stories from NREL: 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% re...

May 15, 202414 minSeason 1Ep. 23

Lab Notes: How NREL Is Tackling the Plastics Problem—an Earth Day Special

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 the latest episode of Transforming Energy’s Lab Notes series, hosts Taylor Mankle and Kerrin Jeromin delve into an Earth Day special focusing on NREL’s pioneering efforts in addressing the plastics problem. Through insightful conversations with NREL researchers Nic Rorrer and Julia Curley, listeners will gain...

Apr 22, 202423 min

San Diego’s Clean Energy Communities, Sand’s Energy Storage Solution, Ukraine and Tanzania’s New Solar Possibilities

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). This episode discusses three recent stories from NREL: The Clean Energy to Communities (C2C) program facilitates peer learning cohorts where local and regional stakeholders gather to enhance clean energy initiatives. Recently, the San Diego Association of Governments participated in a cohort, leveraging insights...

Apr 17, 202415 minSeason 1Ep. 21

Renewable Energy Discovery Island App Encourages Young Scientists, and Electric Aviation Takes Flight

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). This episode discusses two recent stories from NREL: The Renewable Energy Discovery (REDi) Island app, an innovative educational tool developed by researchers, immerses users in a virtual world powered entirely by renewable energy, showcasing technologies like hydropower and other marine energy. With interactive...

Apr 03, 202410 minSeason 1Ep. 20

Lab Notes: NREL Researchers in Alaska Create Efficient Housing at the World’s Extremes

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 the second episode in Transforming Energy’s Lab Notes series, guest host Molly Rettig takes listeners on a journey to Mountain Village, a Yup’ik community working with NREL researchers to design and build super energy-efficient homes amid the challenges of extreme weather and permafrost. Through local collabo...

Mar 27, 202419 min

Energy Transitions in Alaska and Hawaii, Tackling Microplastics With The North Face, and Renewable Tech Life-Cycle Assessments

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: Sitka, Alaska, and Molokai, Hawaii, both selected for the Energy Transitions Initiative Partnership Project (ETIPP), are leveraging shared challenges of remote living and energy constraints to pioneer community-driven renewable energy solutions. With Molokai's successful community engagement mod...

Mar 20, 202411 minSeason 1Ep. 19

A Better Battery Manufacturing Process, a Map for Improved Public Health, a Pathway to Clean Energy

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). This episode discusses three recent stories from NREL: Gotham City's Dark Knight is known for his impressive gadgets, but now, NREL unveils its own cutting-edge project, known as "BatMan." This initiative harnesses laser technology to revolutionize battery manufacturing, potentially doubling electric vehicle cha...

Mar 06, 202411 minSeason 1Ep. 18

The Future of Sustainable Aviation Fuel and Geothermal Heat Pump Adoption—Plus, Honoring Black Researchers

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). This episode discusses two recent stories from NREL: The transformative shift toward sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), highlighting the crucial role of advanced simulations powered by supercomputers. Despite the long-standing reliance on petroleum jet fuel since the 1950s, growing concerns about carbon emissions ...

Feb 21, 202416 minSeason 1Ep. 17

Biomass Puzzle Unlocked, Startups Getting a Head Start, New Lab Space Coming Soon

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). Researchers at NREL have utilized a multidisciplinary approach to quantitatively define the arrangement of polymers in Populus wood , offering insights crucial for biomass conversion to fuels, chemicals, and materials. The study presents a novel computer model detailing the intricate structural configuration of ...

Feb 07, 202410 minSeason 1Ep. 16

America’s Cardboard and Paper Waste Problem, the Link Between Electric Vehicles and Solar, and the Future of the US Electricity Sector

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). A new analysis by NREL that reveals that the $4 billion economic value represented by cardboard and paper is lost due to landfilling . The study, focused on 2019 data, emphasizes the potential for substantial energy, environmental, and economic benefits through improved waste management strategies for paper and ...

Jan 24, 202411 minSeason 1Ep. 15

Lab Notes: Meet NREL Laboratory Director Martin Keller

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 the introductory episode of the Lab Notes series, Laboratory Director Martin Keller sits down with NREL writer Ernie Tucker, author of Clean Energy Innovators: NREL People Working To Change the World . The pair discuss Keller’s childhood in Germany, foray into a science-focused career, vision for the laborato...

Jan 10, 202450 minSeason 1Ep. 14

10 Ways NREL Contributed to a Clean Energy Future in 2023

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). Hosts Kerrin Jeromin and Taylor Mankle discuss the top 10 most-impactful stories highlighting how NREL contributed to a clean energy future in 2023. Highlights include NREL's visionary 2030 National Charging Network study, groundbreaking research on geothermal energy with the "Heat Beneath Our Feet" initiative, ...

Dec 27, 20239 minSeason 1Ep. 13

An Equitable Clean Energy Transition in Los Angeles, a Plastics Problem in US Rivers

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). Hosts Kerrin Jeromin and Taylor Mankle discuss recent stories from NREL: The LA100 Equity Strategies project , developed by the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power in collaboration with NREL and the University of California, Los Angeles , envisions a future where Los Angeles achieves 100% clean electricity...

Dec 13, 202311 minSeason 1Ep. 12

From SERI to NREL: A National Laboratory Origin Story

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 take us on a journey through time exploring the origins of NREL . Beginning with the establishment in 1973 of the Solar Energy Research Institute (SERI) after the oil embargo, SERI soon expanded into wind and other renewable technologies. The hosts discuss ...

Nov 29, 20237 minSeason 1Ep. 11

Zero-Emission Vehicles Aid in Decarbonization, Solar Cells Efficiency Improvements, AI Innovations in Wind Energy

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). Hosts Kerrin Jeromin and Taylor Mankle discuss recent stories from NREL: The rapid adoption of zero-emission electric vehicles , alongside a transition to a clean electric grid and measures to manage travel demand growth, could lead to an 80% or more drop in transportation greenhouse gas emissions in the United ...

Nov 15, 202310 minSeason 1Ep. 10

Unleashing the Grid Edge, Cost-Effective Mooring Systems, Revolutionizing Battery Recycling, and Moving Beyond 4-Hour Energy Storage

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). Hosts Kerrin Jeromin and Taylor Mankle discuss recent stories from NREL: NREL’s Advanced Distribution Management System (ADMS) Test Bed is a cutting-edge facility that can enable utilities to model and evaluate distribution systems, from simulating electric vehicle impacts to integrating renewable energy sources...

Nov 01, 202316 minSeason 1Ep. 9

Building Healthy Homes in Alaska, Addressing Our Plastics Emergency, and Using Science To Optimize Wedding Guest Seating

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). Hosts Kerrin Jeromin and Taylor Mankle discuss recent stories from NREL: Alaska Native communities face enormous challenges when it comes to energy, housing, and health, in part due to government-provided prefabricated housing from the late 20th century that was not designed for Alaska’s extreme weather. Seven h...

Oct 18, 202316 minSeason 1Ep. 8

Spark Squad Comics’ Hydropower Heroes, Wind Energy’s Increased Potential, and a Tale of Two Cities Powered by Clean Energy—Plus, Clean Cities Coalitions

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). Hosts Kerrin Jeromin and Taylor Mankle discuss new stories from NREL: Beneath the Surface: The 'Spark Squad' Behind the Spark Squad: Inspired by the 1990s television show “Captain Planet,” three NREL researchers developed a super squad for a new generation. The Spark Squad Comic Book series features three heroes...

Oct 04, 202313 minSeason 1Ep. 7

The NREL Community, Partner Forum, Walmart Partnership, and Building International Connections

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). Special Correspondent Nataleah Small joins the podcast to discuss Hispanic Heritage Month at NREL. Hosts Kerrin Jeromin and Taylor Mankle discuss three recent stories from NREL: NREL’s Annual Partner Forum Eyes Pathways to Future Energy Systems : The laboratory hosted its 7th annual Partner Forum last month, bri...

Sep 20, 202314 minSeason 1Ep. 6

A Decade of ESIF Innovation, the R&D 100 Awards, and the Benefits of Closed-Loop Pumped Storage Hydropower

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). Hosts Kerrin Jeromin and Taylor Mankle discuss three recent stories from NREL: 10 Years of Leading Energy Systems Integration : As more renewables add to our energy mix, the grid is changing—and sectors that once were siloed are now interconnecting with one another. The Energy Systems Integration Facility (ESIF)...

Sep 06, 202313 minSeason 1Ep. 5

A Clean Locomotive Revolution, Renewable Deployment Setback Ordinances, and Using Water to Cool Supercomputers

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). Hosts Kerrin Jeromin and Taylor Mankle discuss three recent stories from NREL: All Aboard! NREL Releases First Comprehensive, Open-Source Software for Freight Rail Decarbonization : The rail industry has an opportunity to revolutionize transportation. In the coming years, railroads could lay the tracks for indus...

Aug 23, 202311 minSeason 1Ep. 4

Energy Resilience in Ukraine, Agrivoltaics in Florida, and Barriers to Solar on Tribal Land

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). Hosts Taylor Mankle and Kerrin Jeromin discuss four recent stories from NREL: Ukraine Fights To Build More Resilient, Renewable Energy System in Midst of War : In partnership with USAID, NREL is supporting deployment of renewable-generation-based microgrids that will enable Ukraine to increase its energy indepen...

Aug 09, 202315 minSeason 1Ep. 3

Floating Solar, Electricity ATB, the Next Generation of Building Scientists, and Electrochemical Fellows

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). Hosts Taylor Mankle and Kerrin Jeromin explore four recent stories from NREL: Floating Photovoltaics in Southeast Asia : In a first-of-its-kind assessment, NREL researchers completed an analysis of FPV potential for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Enabling Floating Solar Photovoltaic (FPV) De...

Jul 26, 202313 minSeason 1Ep. 2

Electric-Powered Cars, Hydrogen-Powered Trucks, and Hydro-Powered Cities—Plus Geothermal!

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). Hosts Kerrin Jeromin and Taylor Mankle cover four recent new stories from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) – 2030 National Charging Network Study : NREL, in collaboration with the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation and the Department of Energy’s Vehicle Technologies Office, developed the 20...

Jul 12, 202313 minSeason 1Ep. 1

Welcome to Transforming Energy: The NREL Podcast

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). The U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) brings you a brand-new biweekly podcast highlighting the clean energy research happening at our Colorado-based laboratory. Tune in Wednesday, July 12, for the first episode. This episode was hosted by Kerrin Jeromin and Taylor Mankle, wr...

Jul 05, 202337 sec0
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