Peaks to Power

Latest Episodes:

Geothermal Center of Excellence, Better Traffic Lights, and Cascading Hydropower Sep 23, 2026

Show notes

In today’s episode, we’re taking you below ground, through busy intersections, and over cascading hydropower dams in stories about:

The launch of the lab’s Geothermal Center of Excellence to accelerate geothermal energy deployment in the U.S.
A new tool that aims to make traffic signals more efficient, reducing crashes and delays at intersections
A technical assistance project in Washington state that modeled the impacts of coordinated operations in a system of hydropower plants.

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. Peaks to Power is created by the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Laboratory of the Rockies in Golden, Colorado. Email us at podcast@nlr.gov. Follow NLR on X, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, Threads, and Facebook.

Underground Cooling Technology, Summer Internships, and Advancing Grid Reliability Sep 09, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of Peaks to Power, hosts Kerrin and Taylor get into the details on a partnership to advance grid reliability, some fantastic interns, and energy storage strategies.

- NLR researchers, in collaboration with Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, the University of Chicago, Princeton University, and industrial advisors, study opportunities to lower costs of computing facilities through cooling systems.

- Lab interns take a trip into the Edgar Experimental Mine near Golden, Colorado, and share their summer internship experiences.

- NLR and the North American Electric Reliability Corporation launch a partnership to advance the reliability of the North American bulk power system.

The Lab Is Going Chiral. Plus: 4 Wins at the Oscars of Innovation Aug 26, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of Peaks to Power, hosts Jackson and Taylor talk chirality-induced spin selectivity and the R&D 100 Awards:

Experimental results show that chirality-induced spin selectivity can control electrochemical reaction products to generate useful chemicals.
NLR took home four of this year’s R&D 100 Awards for innovative technologies, bringing the lab’s total award count to 80 since 1982.

12 Genesis Awards, One Membrane Center, and 5 Emerging Aviation Fuels Aug 12, 2026

Show notes

Peaks to Power is back with updates in advanced computing, materials science, and flight! In this episode, find out about:

12 project awards NLR received in the Department of Energy’s Genesis Mission
A new collaboration with Argonne and Oak Ridge national laboratories to establish a national center for membrane technologies
A recently published report evaluating the real-world potential of five emerging aviation fuels.

Improving Energy Planning, Water Desalination Device, and Ongoing Battery Research Jul 29, 2026

Show notes

This week on Peaks to Power, we break down battery research, gather updates on a water desalination device, and review a grid planning tool.

NLR researchers are equipping state energy offices and public utility commissions with the Sienna analysis tool and trainings to make the most of the energy planning.
The latest update to the HERO WEC device could provide a blueprint for future wave energy components.
Years of work and a catalogue of data results in a new, open-access Battery Safety Database and more from NLR’s extensive battery research.

Follow @NatLabRockies on Instagram to meet a few incredible interns and celebrate National Intern Day.

This week's episode was hosted by Kerrin Jeromin and Nataleah Small.

AI Research Digs Deep Into Mining Operations. Plus: NLR’s Oppenheimer Fellows Jul 01, 2026

Show notes

This week on Peaks to Power, dig into artificial intelligence, critical mineral mining, and national laboratory collaborations:

Minnesota-based NLR researcher Ryan King is using AI to bolster critical mineral supply chains , thanks in part to a partnership with the University of Minnesota’s Natural Resources Research Institute.
NLR’s Amanda Kolker and David Digon were named fellows in the U.S. Department of Energy’s Oppenheimer Science and Energy Leadership Program, enhancing collaboration across the national lab network.

Find the episode transcript here.

Smarter Grids, Brain-Like Materials, and an Award-Winning Pitch for Battery Recycling Jun 17, 2026

Show notes

This week, we’re highlighting NLR advancements in grid management, materials science, and critical materials recovery. You'll hear about:

A new open-source tool helping utilities use smart energy management to meet growing electricity demand while reducing the need for grid upgrades
Brain-inspired materials that can "remember" light, opening the door to more efficient machine vision and neuromorphic computing
An NLR postdoc’s award-winning pitch at the recent National Lab Research SLAM about using microbes to recover critical metals from spent batteries.

Find the transcript for this show here.

Lab Notes: Alaska Heat Pumps and Workforce Development Jun 10, 2026

Show notes

Joined by guest host Molly Rettig, Peaks to Power travels to Alaska and the National Laboratory of the Rockies' campus in Fairbanks to learn more about heat pumps and the researchers making it easier to install this new technology that could save consumers money on energy bills.

Learn more about our work with heat pumps and NLR's Alaska Campus.

Find the transcript for this show here.

NASA Invention of the Year, First-of-Its-Kind Test Bed, and Artificial Photosynthesis Jun 03, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of Peaks to Power, learn about:

The internal short-circuit device from NLR scientists that was awarded NASA’s Invention of the Year.
The Agora large-load test bed, a first-of-its-kind national capability designed to help data centers become active participants in grid reliability.
The semiconductor-catalyst combo that captures more energy to drive chemical reactions.

University Partnerships, Self-Driving Laboratories, and Helping Airports Meet Growing Energy Demands May 20, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of Peaks to Power, learn about:

Two Memorandums of Understanding the National Laboratory of the Rockies signed with the University of Utah and the Colorado School of Mines
Two researchers working to create self-driving laboratories using artificial intelligence and robotics
NLR’s Aeroportal web platform helping airports manage increase infrastructure and energy demands.

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