Peaks to Power

Latest Episodes:

Elevator Parts in Marine Energy Tech, Transportation Data Sharing, and a Biomanufacturing Collab Helping To Scale Up Tech—Fast Jun 11, 2025

Show notes

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 of The NREL Podcast, hosts Taylor Mankle and Kerrin Jeromin spotlight three stories where innovation meets real-world impact, including:

Marine energy tech getting a surprising upgrade. NREL researchers test an elevator pulley belt to improve their wave-powered desalination device, called the HERO WEC.
A major milestone for secure transportation data sharing. The Transportation Secure Data Center celebrates 15 years of enabling smarter transportation planning while protecting user privacy.
How a new collaboration with Crysalis Biosciences is transforming shuttered chemical plants into cutting-edge biofuel and biochemical production hubs.

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.

Improving Housing in Alaska, the Power of Quantum Computing, and Pairing Salt and Perovskites May 28, 2025

Show notes

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 of The NREL Podcast, hosts Kerrin Jeromin and Taylor Mankle take listeners across the United States to explore three very different—but equally impactful—stories from the lab, including:

A look at NREL’s work with the Chilkat Indian Village to improve housing in Klukwan, a remote Alaskan village facing a housing emergency. Discover how retrofits, health assessments, and workforce development are bringing warmth and opportunity to the community.
NREL’s partnership with regional quantum companies to develop benchmarks that could revolutionize energy systems, from the grid to storage.
How even solar cells are better with salt. This simple ingredient is helping scientists at NREL enhance the performance and durability of perovskite solar cells.

A Record-Breaking Year for Innovation and the Industry Growth Forum May 14, 2025

Show notes

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 dive into a banner year for innovation at NREL. Together, they explore the entrepreneurial side of energy technology, including:

NREL’s record-breaking 294 invention disclosures and 46 patents in Fiscal Year 2024—including the first patent from NREL’s Cybersecurity Research Center, an AI-powered system for grid security. Licensing Executive Eric Payne explains how patents reflect years of prior innovation, and the team highlights one invention that began its journey more than a decade prior. Plus,
The 30th anniversary of NREL’s Industry Growth Forum, which broke attendance records with more than 1,000 participants and introduced new features like reverse pitches and spotlight sessions. With $5 billion in investment capital represented and nearly 3,000 meetings between startups and investors, this year’s forum marked a significant step in accelerating the commercialization of advanced energy solutions.

Correction: More than 200 active investors attended the Industry Growth Forum together representing $5 billion in capital that they are looking to deploy over the next 12 months, not years.

A Researcher’s Career Journey, an Arizona High School’s Innovation, and a Scientist’s Mentorship Mentality Apr 30, 2025

Show notes

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 highlight the human side of energy innovation—from personal career journeys to community impact and mentorship. Highlights include:

A look into how Senior Scientist Susan Habas’ love for 90s pop culture inspired her to pursue a career in catalytic research, providing the foundations for her cutting-edge work at NREL.
How Ponderosa High School in Arizona is empowering students who faced difficulties in their education by giving them a glimpse into advanced energy careers through a unique partnership with NREL and the Wells Fargo Innovation Incubator (IN2).
Recognizing the work of solar photochemistry pioneer Garry Rumbles, who is retiring after 25 years at NREL and leaving behind not just a legacy of research, but a culture of support and mentorship.

The Ocean Energy Testing Barrier, Building a Fire-Resilient Home From Ashes, and a Surprise High School Science Bowl Victory  Apr 16, 2025

Show notes

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 Taylor Mankle and Kerrin Jeromin explore stories of innovation and determination at NREL, including:

How researchers are testing marine energy technologies in land-locked Colorado. With tools like a sophisticated wave tank and the Large Amplitude Motion Platform (LAMP), researchers can test marine energy devices in simulated ocean conditions—without ever dipping a toe in the sea. These facilities reduce time, cost, and risk, accelerating the development of reliable energy from ocean waves and currents.
The building strategies that one NREL employee used to rebuild his home after Colorado’s most destructive wildfire. With insights from NREL-validated designs and a focus on passive energy techniques, air sealing, and ember-resistant construction, Kevin Lombardo rebuilt a home that is both fire resilient and energy-efficient.
And one team’s surprise win at Colorado’s Regional High School Science Bowl. After a last-minute entry, Stargate Charter School defeated four-time champion Fossil Ridge, securing a spot at the national finals in Washington, D.C. Along the way, students answered challenging STEM questions.

Lab Notes: Let's Talk Transmission Planning Jan 15, 2025

Show notes

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).

Electricity demand is rapidly increasing in the United States—so much so that we may need to double or even triple our transmission system by 2050! But how does that work?

In this special Lab Notes episode, you’ll hear directly from experts at NREL—Jarrad Wright, Christina Simeone, and Faith Smith—about key findings from the National Transmission Planning Study. Providing concrete examples and data from the study, they dive into why exactly the U.S. grid needs an upgrade, where the barriers and opportunities are for improving it, and what these changes look like on a local level.

Find out how these experts envision the future of the U.S. grid and how collaboration is can achieve a reliable, affordable energy future.

NREL's Top Stories of 2024 Jan 08, 2025

Show notes

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).

To kick off the first episode of the new year, our hosts are celebrating a few of their favorite renewable energy innovations of 2024!

From advancements in sustainable aviation to innovative solutions for reducing plastic pollution, this episode highlights 10 of the lab's top stories of 2024, showcasing the future of renewable energy and sustainable technologies.

Learn more about how NREL is celebrating the incredible strides made over the past year in renewable energy research and innovation!

NREL People Picking Up Trash, Installing Rooftop Solar, and Giving Back to the Community Dec 11, 2024

Show notes

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, explore the volunteer efforts of NREL employees and how they’re making a tangible impact on their communities while advancing the lab’s mission of a renewable energy future.

Hear from Education, Stewardship, and Community Action for Promoting Environmental Sustainability (ESCAPES) Cofounder Hilary Sewell and NREL Volunteer Coordinator Ivilina Thornton about how NREL staff are partnering with organizations like GRID Alternatives to give directly to the community, whether it be through trail cleanups, fundraising campaigns, or even hands-on solar panel installations in low-income communities.

Building Heating Solutions, Inspiring Students, and Transforming Energy for Alaska’s Tribal Communities Nov 27, 2024

Show notes

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 Thanksgiving week episode, special correspondent Nataleah Small joins to dive into the latest innovations at NREL, including:

How NREL researchers are revolutionizing heating systems by using salt-hydrate thermochemical materials (TCMs) to create more efficient, cost-effective heating solutions. From hydration and dehydration processes to innovative reactor configurations, discover how TCMs could transform the way buildings stay warm in winter.
A few ways NREL’s STEM Education team is empowering students of all ages to see themselves as part of the renewable energy future. From hands-on learning activities to collegiate competitions, the team is opening doors for students in underserved and underrepresented communities.
Interviews with NREL researchers Robby Strunk and Chan Charoonsophonsak in which they share stories of growing up in Alaska, witnessing the effects of climate change, and their passion for renewable energy. To celebrate Native American Heritage Month, hear about their work to bring reliable, affordable clean energy to Alaska’s rural communities.

Music for the Native American Heritage Month segment courtesy of the IỊaku’s Dance Group of Alaska.

Lab Notes: Agrivoltaics—Where Agriculture and Solar Production Meet Nov 21, 2024

Show notes

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 Lab Notes episode, we explore the ins and outs of integrating solar energy with agriculture—also known as agrivoltaics!

Learn about why agrivoltaics is vital for sustainable growth, along with NREL’s work in pioneering the technique from lead Agrivoltaics researcher Jordan Macknick. Then, dive into how agrivoltaics is evolving in the United States and the challenges of scaling these projects with Ethan Winter from American Farmland Trust. Finally, understand the critical role of equity and environmental justice in agrivoltaics through expert advice from behavioral scientist and researcher Dana-Marie Thomas.

Uncover the benefits, challenges, and future of agrivoltaics in the United States in this episode as we shed light on its potential to support both energy and food security!

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