Explore our collection of new stories for this topic.
Search or filter for a specific story using the options below.
July 2021
Lower Battery Costs, High Value of Backup Power Drive Distributed Storage Deployment
There is economic potential for 490 gigawatts per hour of behind-the-meter battery storage in the United States by 2050, or 300 times today's installed capacity. But only a small fraction could be adopted by customers, according to the latest phase of NREL's Storage Futures Study.
Microstructure Analysis ToolBox Changes the Game for Heterogeneous Material Modeling
Microstructure-scale modeling carried out by NREL over the past five years has culminated in the newly released Microstructure Analysis ToolBox (MATBOX) dedicated to the meshing, numerical generation, segmentation, and characterization of three-dimensional heterogeneous materials, such as battery electrodes.
DOE Recognizes Multiple NREL Hydrogen Researchers at 2021 Annual Merit Review Awards
The U.S. Department of Energy Hydrogen Program recently honored nine National Renewable Energy Laboratory researchers for their outstanding achievements at the 2021 Annual Merit Review and Peer Evaluation Meeting.
June 2021
Researchers Identify Near-Term Opportunity for Heavy-Duty Electric Trucks
Researchers recently studied a promising opportunity for near-term electrification within this segment through depot charging.
Are Hybrid Systems Truly the Future of the Grid? NREL's Magic 8-Ball Says: "Concentrate and Ask Again."
Recent analyses suggest a need for coordinated dialogue and consistent modeling to understand the value of hybrid renewable energy systems.
May 2021
Researchers Take a Practical Look Beyond Short-Term Energy Storage
An article in Nature Energy by NREL research engineer Omar J. Guerra describes research needs for longer-duration and seasonal energy storage solutions and opportunities to develop a stronger understanding of how long-term and seasonal storage technologies can become cost-effective and grid-supportive energy solutions.
March 2021
NREL, NASA, European Researchers Reveal Path to Safer Lithium-Ion Batteries
When a lithium-ion battery fails, it can become engulfed in flames in a matter of seconds.
February 2021
Silicon Anode Research Offers Pathway to Increased Driving Range for Electric Vehicles
A new NREL-led multi-lab consortium addresses critical barriers to the development of smaller, cheaper, and better performing lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles by investigating the use of silicon as an alternative to graphitic carbon anode material.
Pathways To Achieve New Circular Vision for Lithium-Ion Batteries
Lithium-ion batteries are increasingly in demand for energy storage and use in electric vehicles—needs that are projected to grow further with expected technological innovations and declining costs.
News Release: NREL Heats Up Thermal Energy Storage with New Solution Meant To Ease Grid Stress, Ultimately Improving Energy Efficiency
Scientists from NREL have developed a simple way to better evaluate the potential of novel materials to store or release heat on demand in your home, office, or other building in a way that more efficiently manages the building's energy use.
Share
Last Updated May 5, 2025