Peaks to Power

Latest Episodes:

US Forest Service Goes Green, the Cost of Owning Zero-Emission Vehicles, ARIES Depicts Real-World Energy Systems Nov 13, 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 week’s episode, your hosts dive into a few real-world applications of NREL’s research, including:

Boosting Energy Efficiency on the Front Lines of Wildfire Control: through a partnership with the U.S. Forest Service, NREL introduced solar power and battery storage solutions to wildfire basecamps, paving the way for quieter, cleaner, and more efficient firefighting support.
Decoding Zero-Emission Vehicle Costs: Now available for public use, NREL's T3CO tool helps owners of commercial vehicle fleets evaluate and transition to zero-emission vehicles with greater confidence, simplifying complex cost calculations to boost sustainable commercial transportation.
Simulating Real-World Energy Solutions with ARIES: From tackling grid challenges to conducting live cyberattack simulations, NREL's ARIES platform allows researchers to simulate complex real-world grid conditions, transforming the way researchers analyze renewable energy solutions.

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.

Geothermal Heat Pump Opportunities, Sun Nerds Convene at NREL, and Kestrel Flies Beyond the Lab Oct 30, 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 Halloween-inspired episode, our hosts explore recent highlights in NREL’s research, including:

A look into the potential of geothermal heat pumps (GHPs). NREL’s 19 new case studies provide real-world GHP examples across various U.S. climate zones, with installations at the NREL Alaska Campus, Seattle Public Schools, and more.
A gathering of “Sun Nerds” at the NREL Pyrheliometer Comparisons (NPC) event, during which scientists from around the world had the chance to calibrate solar measurement tools, ensuring accuracy for solar energy and climate research.
How researchers throughout the U.S. can utilize NREL’s Kestrel Supercomputer for their projects. Students from across the country used Kestrel's computing power to advance clean energy projects, including modeling solar wind effects on energy grids, developing hydrogen-based engines, and optimizing vehicle designs.

Learn more about these cutting-edge clean energy innovations shaping the future!

Lab Notes: A Journey Into the Future of Sustainable Aviation Oct 28, 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 of Transforming Energy’s Lab Notes series, hosts Kerrin Jeromin and Taylor Mankle are flying high into NREL’s research on sustainable aviation. The federal government and the aviation industry have lofty goals for decarbonizing aviation by 2050, but how can we get there? NREL researcher Scott Cary shares how national labs, like NREL, are key to identifying pathways to a more sustainable aviation sector.

Additionally, Dave Ulane, director of the Colorado Division of Aeronautics, and Erin Cooke, sustainability and resilience director at San Francisco International Airport, provide industry expertise on how partnerships, new perspectives, and new technology are helping realize bold renewable energy goals.

A Photosynthesis Friendship and the US Grid Evolution—Plus, Clean Energy Research and Science Fiction Collide! Oct 16, 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 week’s episode, our hosts Kerrin and Taylor discuss:

A 30-year friendship that brings together NREL and minority-serving institutions through DOE’s Visiting Faculty Program to focus on unraveling the mysteries of photosynthesis. NREL researcher Juanping Yu and Alabama State University professor Harvey Hou research collaboration has resulted in research papers, an Energy Earthshots award, and new friendships.
Upgrading the nation’s power grid is a huge undertaking, but one that must be done to ensure an affordable, sustainable, and reliable energy future. The recently released National Transmission Planning Study identifies solutions that can help planners and developers revamp the grid to support the next generation of transmission needs and provide broadscale benefits to electric customers.

Plus, special correspondent Jason Youngstrom shares an update on an event that brings science fiction writers and NREL researchers together to hypothesize about the future of our energy needs.

The Unofficial Mascots of NREL’s Colorado and Alaska Campuses Oct 02, 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, our hosts explore the unofficial mascots of NREL’s campuses in Colorado and Alaska. This interactive episode covers:

A fun guessing game (listeners are encouraged to join in) connecting clips of animal calls to their sources—the unofficial mascots of each campus. The game highlights how the local wildlife at each campus symbolizes the lab’s key research areas: solar, wind, or sustainable buildings.
NREL's efforts to coexist with the wildlife at each campus, respecting them while sharing the land. It’s common for the wildlife to cross paths with both people and research on campus, and part of NREL’s research is finding ways to ensure animals and their ecosystems are unharmed.

Interns, Economy, and Startups: The NREL Impact Sep 18, 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 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.

Recyclable Wind Turbine Blades, Cybersecurity Workplace Culture, and Saving Energy With the US Navy Sep 04, 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, 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.

Cars, Concrete, and Changes to the Grid Aug 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 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.

Perovskites in a Circular Economy, Clean Hydrogen From Offshore Wind, and Hydrogen Transportation Infrastructure Modeling Aug 07, 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, 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!

Renewable Tech Projections and Opportunities To Power Research in the South Pole Jul 24, 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, our hosts discuss two recent stories from NREL:

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.
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.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected