Best NREL Podcasts (2024)

1
Cars, Concrete, and Changes to the Grid 13:51

2h ago13:51

13:51

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 thes…

1
146. NREL: “Our Renewable Energy Future” - Aug24 31:19

1h ago31:19

31:19

A special interview with one of the great minds of the Energy Transition. Dr. Doug Arent is the Executive Director of Strategic Public– Private Partnerships at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden, Colorado, U.S and Distinguished Fellow, World Economic Forum. He just published a book called “Our Renewable Energy Future: The Story of H…

1
145. Clash of Titans (Barnard vs Martin) – Industrial Heat Redefined 1:29:53

1d ago1:29:53

1:29:53

During Summer season, we bring you back the best of our sister show, Redefining Energy TECH, where host Michael Barnard invites Paul Martin for a very long and geekie conversation about innovative solutions for industrial heat. Two titans of our industry. Paul Martin, a seasoned chemical engineer, share his profound insights on the electrification …

1
Perovskites in a Circular Economy, Clean Hydrogen From Offshore Wind, and Hydrogen Transportation Infrastructure Modeling 11:20

6d ago11:20

11:20

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. T…

1
144. Bill Gates and Energy (2/2) – the Investments / Breakthrough Energy Ventures 18:55

18d ago18:55

18:55

In episode 143, Gerard, Laurent and Michael have discussed the philosophy of Bill Gates when it comes to the Energy Transition, and the root causes of his flawed thesis. Let see now if this transpires in his main investment vehicle, Breakthrough Energy Ventures (BEV). Michael Barnard is quite blunt: “To be clear, Gates is still highly resistant to …

101
143. Bill Gates and Energy (1/2) – the Thesis 19:34

24d ago19:34

19:34

Bill Gates is sucking a lot of oxygen in the Energy Transition. Is he a force for good, or a nuisance? What is his thesis and where does it come from? And is the thesis still valid in 2024 or obsolete? In this episode, we will not analyse Breakthrough Energy Ventures, his VC fund celebrating its 10th anniversary. That will be the topic of Episode 1…

1
Renewable Tech Projections and Opportunities To Power Research in the South Pole 13:36

1M ago13:36

13:36

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…

1
142. Batteries vs Hydrogen (Gerard is Live at EcoSummit 2024) 15:43

1M ago15:43

15:43

This week, it is a solo by Gerard Reid. This is the audio of its remarkable presentation at EcoSummit Berlin in June 2024. The topic is “Batteries vs Hydrogen” Link to the YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aAbr4byi414By Laurent Segalen and Gerard Reid

1
141. Texas, California: From Renewable Energy developer to IPP - Jul24 29:17

30d ago29:17

29:17

Texas and California have witnessed a crazy growth in Solar and Batteries in recent years. In 2024 California has 24GW of Solar and 9GW of batteries on its grid; Texas has grown even faster with 31GW of Solar and 10GW of batteries. When it comes to the Energy Transition, you can make the following analogy: public policies are the land and financial…

1
Enabling Healthier Communities: Thermo Fisher's Impact 32:29

1M ago32:29

32:29

Listen to the conversation as they discuss: How health equity is a key component of Thermo Fisher’s core business. How Thermo Fisher leverages its capabilities and customer relationships to further its impact. Initiatives that improve health equity through accessibility to drug-resistant HIV testing, next-generation sequencing to diagnose lung and …

1
Education Initiatives To Empower Future Innovators 11:01

1M ago11:01

11:01

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 and STEaM series, NREL not only inte…

1
140. Minutes - SolarPower Europe introduces the "Flexibility Revolution" 11:49

2M ago11:49

11:49

After a crazy Intersolar in Munich which welcomed more than 120,000 visitors, the pace of Solar deployment in Europe is going exponentially. Gerard and Laurent bring in Walburga Hemetsberger, CEO of Solar Power Europe, to discuss the development of Solar, and through the new report “Mission Solar 2040”, how we are on the cusp of a Flexibility Revol…

1
139. The ESG label is outdated. What now? - Jul24 31:25

2M ago31:25

31:25

Glencore’s CEO Gary Nagle has once described ESG as “some person in the basement in office number 27 engaged in a box-ticking exercise.” And a lot of fossil fuel companies – while being less explicit – share the same opinion on ESG… and have voiced their hostility indirectly through complicit media outlets. The ESG movement is facing a significant …

1
The Power of the Elements: Growing Residential Solar Installations and Weather’s Impact on Renewable Grid Operations 10:32

2M ago10:32

10:32

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. This advancement not only saved over 15…

1
Access to Clinical Trials: Eliminating Barriers to Enrollment for Women 19:32

2M ago19:32

19:32

Dr. Blackburne shares insights into: The challenges of recruiting women and minority groups for clinical trials, noting the logistical and societal barriers they face. Innovative solutions, such as telemedicine and flexible scheduling, to make trial participation more accessible. Recent advances in clinical research, including a groundbreaking pree…

1
138. Minutes: The Energy Institute’s Statistical Review of World Energy 15:28

2M ago15:28

15:28

We bring in Nick Wayth, CEO of Energy Institute (EI), for the release of the 73rd Edition of the Statistical Review of World Energy. The Energy Institute Statistical Review of World Energy™ analyses data on world energy markets from the prior year. Previously produced by bp, the Review has been providing timely, comprehensive and objective data to …

1
137. Subsea interconnectors: new horizons - Jun24 27:43

2M ago27:43

27:43

UK is at the nexus of the subsea interconnector’s new economy. Great Britain is connected to Continental Europe by 8 interconnectors representing up to 15% of its power consumption. Subsea cables are now a growing industry because of the benefits they bring to the grids, such as resiliency, capacity, lower prices, and renewable energy balancing. Al…

1
Building Reliability in Transmission, Solar Panels, and Islanded Communities 10:43

2M ago10:43

10:43

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 efficiency, reliability, and cost-effectivene…

1
136. Special Eurelectric with PPC’s CEO Georgios Stassis 17:58

2M ago17:58

17:58

Laurent interviews Georgios Stassis, PPC’S CEO, during Eurelectric Power Summit 24. PPC, the Greek Utility, is a remarkable turnaround story: from a soviet-style dinosaur a few years ago, PPC has become a thriving forward-looking profitable modern Utility. With Georgios, we discuss the investment in renewables, the phase out of lignite, digitisatio…

1
135. 2024: A pivotal year for the Energy Transition in China - Jun24 30:17

3M ago30:17

30:17

In April, we did Ep129 Minutes about China and announced the interview with a real expert. Here it is. With David Fishman, an American based in Shanghai, we dig deep into China’s Energy Transition. We try to reconcile the rise of renewables and the rise of coal use. We try to decipher what is decided locally and nationally. We investigate what is t…

1
Wind Turbine-Building Robots, 3D Printing Underwater Turbine Tech, and Turning Corn Stover Into Fuel for Planes 11:34

3M ago11:34

11:34

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 study not only improves workplace safe…

1
134. Minutes: EcoSummit Preview 8:05

3M ago8:05

8:05

Last week, Laurent was in Athens for the spectacular Eurelectric Summit (we will talk more about it in 2 weeks’ time, with a special Episode) meanwhile, we bring in our friend Jan-Michael Hess, organiser of the Berlin EcoSummit 4-5 June to discuss Clean Tech and his annual gathering of more than 100 Start-Ups and hundreds of investors. If you don’t…

1
133. AI, Datacenters and Energy - May24 29:49

3M ago29:49

29:49

"McKinsey, BCG and S&P Global Commodity Insights project electricity demand tied to data centers to increase at a CAGR of 15% through 2030." “Booming AI demand threatens global electricity supply (FT)”. Media and consultants have recently raised the alarm about the unquenchable energy thirst of AI and datacentres. Can we believe those predictions o…

1
Possible Pathways to 100% Renewable Energy in Puerto Rico, the Wind Workforce Gap, and an NREL Leader Honored—Plus, How Research Gets Published 13:41

3M ago13:41

13:41

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% renewable energy system by 2050, which …

1
132. Minutes: Ember’s Global Electricity Review 2024 11:20

3M ago11:20

11:20

We bring in the star of the week, Ember’s Dave Jones, to discuss the Global Electricity Review 2024, published last week. Main take aways (thank you Nat Bullard): Renewable sources (hydro, wind, solar, geothermal, biomass) are now 30% of global electricity supply. Solar generation increased 23% yoy; wind 10%. Fossil fuel generation increased 0.8%. …

1
131. The future of distribution grids - May24 31:45

3M ago31:45

31:45

Distribution grids are facing new challenges. On the one hand, they experience a growth of local demand, with EV charging, heat pumps and datacenters. On the other, they must accommodate with the fast deployment of decentralised energy such as rooftop solar and batteries. How to reconcile those challenges while maintaining grid stability? And how c…

1
NREL's Mission, Vision, and DEIA—Creating a Clean Energy Future That Works for Everyone 6:57

4M ago6:57

6:57

In this episode of Transforming Energy: The NREL Podcast, Kerrin and Taylor delve into the core motivations driving the National Renewable Energy Laboratory as they discuss NREL’s mission, vision, and commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA). From tackling climate change and pollution to fostering an inclusive work envir…

1
130. Minutes: EVS. Has Tesla lost its Mojo? 11:33

4M ago11:33

11:33

We hear conflicting messages regarding the status of the EV market. On the bright side, IEA predicts 17mEV to be sold this year, EV and Hybrids reach 50% market share in China for Q1, more than 500 EV models are currently on the market. On the dark side, Tesla and BYD deliveries were down in Q1_24, Tesla revenues were down 9% compared to Q1_23 and …

1
Lab Notes: How NREL Is Tackling the Plastics Problem—an Earth Day Special   22:30

4M ago22:30

22:30

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 a deeper understanding of the enviro…

1
From Waste to Worth: Rethinking Plastics with NREL's Insights 29:00

4M ago29:00

29:00

The Critical Role of Plastics in Modern Society Despite the challenges associated with plastic in the environment, Kat Knauer, Ph.D., emphasizes the indispensable role of plastics in healthcare, research, and daily life. She points out that while plastics have significantly improved quality of life and medical care, their improper disposal poses a …

1
129. Minutes: Should the West fear or emulate China? 9:30

4M ago9:30

9:30

Laurent and Gerard have a rapid overview of what’s going on regarding the Energy Transition in China and its political implication in the West. Record production of this, record production of that, overcapacity everywhere… We babble a lot, rant a bit, and conclude that we need to invite a real expert on the show.…

1
San Diego’s Clean Energy Communities, Sand’s Energy Storage Solution, Ukraine and Tanzania’s New Solar Possibilities 14:56

4M ago14:56

14:56

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 to refine community engagement for t…

1
128. Tracking and Trading Green Electrons 24/7 - Apr24 31:30

4M ago31:30

31:30

What is the value of green electrons? Hard to say. Depends where, depends when. What is sure is that, in view of recent regulations and corporate commitments, they must be tracked. From an annual basis, we are now moving to an hourly basis, under the thrust of corporate initiatives like the GhGProtocol, RE-100 and EnergyTag. Behind this movement, B…

1
127. Minutes: Live from Berlin – “Are Renewables still an Infrastructure Play” with Markus Wandt, CIO Aquila Capital 21:54

5M ago21:54

21:54

This week, Gerard and Laurent have been invited to a private event organized by Aquila Capital in March 2024, during the Global Infrastructure Conference, where they debate with Markus Wandt, CIO Aquila if “Renewables are still an Infrastructure play?”By Laurent Segalen and Gerard Reid

1
Renewable Energy Discovery Island App Encourages Young Scientists, and Electric Aviation Takes Flight 10:06

5M ago10:06

10:06

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 features allowing exploration …

1
126. Grid-Enhancing Technologies - Apr24 30:54

5M ago30:54

30:54

The main hindrance to the development of renewables is the connection queue. Basically, grid operators tell developers “Sorry guys, we’re full”. A recent study by RMI has proven that this is simply not true. Grid operators are either too conservative or not incentivized to take more load. Old solutions. Old thinking. Grid Enhancing Technologies (GE…

1
Lab Notes: NREL Researchers in Alaska Create Efficient Housing at the World’s Extremes 18:53

5M ago18:53

18:53

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 collaboration and innovative research and te…

1
125. Minutes: From Houston to Berlin (via Bilbao), Better Days! 11:01

5M ago11:01

11:01

This week, Gerard and Laurent talk about the 3 big energy gatherings that happened this week. Houston (CERAweek), Bilbao (WindEurope) and Berlin (Global Infrastructure Summit). Laurent and Gerard were in Berlin and report what they saw and heard. In a simple sentence à la John Wick “Yes, I think I’m back”…

1
Energy Transitions in Alaska and Hawaii, Tackling Microplastics With The North Face, and Renewable Tech Life-Cycle Assessments 10:51

5M ago10:51

10:51

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 model inspiring Sitka's approach, both r…

1
124. The challenging Energy Transition of Japan - Mar24 29:45

5M ago29:45

29:45

“It’s hard to play a good game when you have been served weak cards”. This is the perennial challenge of Japan when it comes to the Energy Transition. And the game is getting harder when your two main choices, nuclear and hydrogen, are proving extremely costly in a world of cheap renewables. How robust is a business model based on a protected inter…

1
123. Minutes: Conferences and Exhibitions 9:27

6M ago9:27

9:27

This week, Gerard and Laurent talk about Conferences / Exhibition that they recently attended and what they have learned there. Gerard was in Germany’s E-World while Laurent was in London’s Energy Storage Summit. And they act as mirror opposites: "back in business" in Germany while the storage in London realises that the Champagne year of 2022 cann…

1
It’s In Our Genes: The Potential of Gene Therapy with Dr. Peter Marks 24:58

6M ago24:58

24:58

Gene Therapy's Potential to Transform Rare Disease Treatment Dr. Peter Marks highlights the groundbreaking advancements in gene therapy, especially for rare diseases with high unmet medical needs. He discusses the FDA's role in fostering these innovations, underscoring the importance of understanding gene therapy's application and ensuring its safe…

1
A Better Battery Manufacturing Process, a Map for Improved Public Health, a Pathway to Clean Energy 11:09

6M ago11:09

11:09

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 charging rates and advancing energy sust…

1
122. The EV fast-charging revolution - Mar24 30:20

6M ago30:20

30:20

The two limiting factors for a faster deployment of EVs are the price of vehicles and “range anxiety”. While the former is being addressed by an ever-growing number of cheaper models available on the market, the latter is also experiencing a revolution. You would believe that such an opportunity would be grasped by Utilities. Surprise! They didn’t …

1
121.Minutes: Data, data and data 9:36

6M ago9:36

9:36

This week, Gerard and Laurent talk about three great reports that have recently been published and deliver some world-class data about past achievements, current status and the direction of travel. As a sign of things to come, European Carbon has lost 36% since the beginning of the year. We are here saluting Ember and their power/emission statistic…

1
The Future of Sustainable Aviation Fuel and Geothermal Heat Pump Adoption—Plus, Honoring Black Researchers 16:08

6M ago16:08

16:08

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 are driving the urgent need for chang…

1
120. The new value of green power and PPAs - Feb24 31:15

6M ago31:15

31:15

To discuss everything that’s going on in the PPA market (and a lot of things are happening), Gerard and Laurent bring back the excellent Luca Pedretti, CEO and co-founder Pexapark. Pexapark is the leading swiss-based intelligence platform on PPA in Europe. With Luca, we have an extensive conversation about the recent evolutions in the PPA market. T…

1
119. Minutes: The decarbonization of the shipping industry 10:28

6M ago10:28

10:28

This week, Gerard is out, so Laurent does the Minutes with Michael Barnard, host of our sister show Redefining Energy – Tech. On the menu this week, an overview of the decarbonisation of shipping. What will be electrified? What role for Hydrogen, Green Ammonia, Methanol and Biodiesel? And the answers are hybrid and multi-fuels. Links to Michael’s a…

1
Biomass Puzzle Unlocked, Startups Getting a Head Start, New Lab Space Coming Soon 9:35

7M ago9:35

9:35

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 the wood's secondary cell wall, advanc…

1
118. Doubling Energy Efficiency - Feb24 27:33

7M ago27:33

27:33

At COP28 was endorsed the concept of “tripling renewables” – all good, but a lot of people forgot to mention the rest of the sentence which is “and doubling of Energy Efficiency”. In the latest IEA report, there is a 400bnUSD Energy Efficiency pie, almost at the level of Oil Upstream, and more than into Grids. Nobody talks about it. Buildings, Indu…

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