Topic: National Renewable Energy Laboratory

Earth Day technology: the spray-on solar panel?

New firms are challenging conventional rooftop solar by using thin-film technology on windows and even indoors. On this Earth Day, conventional Chinese companies are the cost leaders. But US firms have the technical edge.

China subsidized solar panels, US finds. Are tariffs the right response?

A Commerce Department investigation found that Chinese government-subsidized solar panels were dumped in the US market, harming US manufacturers. 

Cover Story Wind power: Clean energy, dirty business?

In the developing world, where land-intensive wind turbines are being rapidly constructed, wind power has often turned clean energy into dirty business.

US boosts 'game-changer' solar technology in bid for global market share

The Department of Energy, aiming to boost US competitiveness, gives a $150m. loan guarantee to a Massachusetts firm that has found a way to dramatically reduce the cost of solar voltaic cells.

Green energy first: New York firm seeks tidal power plant in East River

Verdant Power seeks license to build a plant with 30 underwater turbines in New York's East River. It would be the first of its kind in the US, expanding the nation's green energy resources.

Should the US lean more on natural gas in its energy mix?

Natural gas could serve as a carbon-light ‘bridge fuel’ while renewable energy sources are still gaining ground in the US energy mix, a new study from MIT says.

Cape Wind project will be big test for offshore wind energy

The newly approved Cape Wind project in Massachusetts will be closely watched, by both supporters and detractors, as it goes forward. Many see it as a barometer for the future of offshore wind energy in the US.

Cape Wind project approved

The Interior Department has approved the Cape Wind project, clearing the way for the first offshore wind power in the US.

Obama orders cut in federal government's greenhouse-gas emissions

President Obama Friday told federal agencies to cut energy use to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions by 28 percent by 2010. Agencies are taking measures ranging from using more solar energy to switching from gasoline vehicles to hybrid vehicles.

Sunrise for solar heat power

Four technologies aim to use heat from the sun to make electricity. But which one has the edge?

College blows off steam to help power campus

Rather than replace coal-fired boilers, one university opts for an ambitious geothermal system.

Why green-power premiums may fade

Pricier options may become obsolete if government requires utilities to bring more renewables on line.

The ‘holy grail’ of biofuels now in sight

Long-promised cellulosic ethanol is in modest production, but hurdles remain.

Worldwide race to make better batteries

The US is a late entry, but new domestic projects are revving to go.

Will solar power ever be as cheap as coal?

Some predict that within five years, it could rival fossil-fuel energy.

EPA proposes using contaminated land for renewable energy

The agency has developed a Google Earth mashup that pinpoints potential sites for solar, wind, and biomass projects.

New rays of hope for solar power’s future

High cost of fossil fuel and advanced technology improve this energy source’s prospects.

Denver’s second coming-out party

Local officials will showcase at the Democratic convention a city transformed – just as they did a hundred years ago.

Solar panels for your car

The race for nonfood biofuel

High gas prices and politics push companies toward the ‘holy grail’ of biofuel: cellulosic ethanol.

'Small wind' power plants are blowing strong

Climate concerns, rising utility costs, better technology, and new laws are making home units more attractive.

'Small wind' power plants are blowing strong

Climate concerns, rising utility costs, better technology, and new laws are making home units more attractive.