Best NREL Podcasts (2025)

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Islands, Airports, and Arctic Heat: Energy Solutions for Every Community 14:31

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8d ago14:31

14:31

In this episode, explore three ways NREL researchers are creating energy solutions for small, remote, and rural regions: How a microgrid project on Martha’s Vineyard is strengthening the island’s energy resilience and reliability during outages How NREL’s ARIES platform is being used to test new electrification scenarios for airports—before infrast…

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Gene Therapy: A New Era of Medicine Bringing Fresh Hope to Patients 27:55

17d ago27:55

27:55

Imagine a future where diseases like leukemia, sickle cell anemia and multiple sclerosis are no longer life sentences, but treatable and even curable. That is the promise of gene therapy. In this episode, Namritha Ravinder, director of cell biology at Thermo Fisher Scientific, explains the groundbreaking technologies that correct the genetic errors…

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Finding Solutions for Tastier Tomatoes, Recycled Carbon Fiber, and Better Battery Performance 10:06

22d ago10:06

10:06

In this episode, explore three ways NREL researchers are seeking out energy solutions: An experiment dubbed “No Photon Left Behind” examined if growing tomatoes under the filtered light spectrum of a semitransparent photovoltaic panels would make them grow faster, bigger, and tastier. The BOTTLE consortium at NREL released a paper recently that loo…

1
Managing Marine Energy and Monitoring Battery Health 10:19

1M ago10:19

10:19

In this episode, hosts Kerrin and Taylor dive into three stories with one goal: powering our world with curiosity, creativity, and just a dash of “What if it fails?” Listen in to explore: Updates to NREL’s risk management framework. Remember the HERO-WEC from last episode? Researchers are working with the team behind this device to help developers …

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

2M ago11:11

11:11

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 t…

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Improving Housing in Alaska, the Power of Quantum Computing, and Pairing Salt and Perovskites 7:58

2M ago7:58

7:58

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 …

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A Record-Breaking Year for Innovation and the Industry Growth Forum 11:19

3M ago11:19

11:19

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-power…

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A Researcher’s Career Journey, an Arizona High School’s Innovation, and a Scientist’s Mentorship Mentality 8:55

3M ago8:55

8:55

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 cu…

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Advancing Sustainability in Laboratories: A Conversation with My Green Lab’s James Connelly and Thermo Fisher Scientific’s Alyssa Caddle 34:13

4M ago34:13

34:13

Laboratories use up to ten times the energy of typical office spaces, making sustainability in science a pressing issue. In this episode of Science with a Twist, host Terri Somers speaks with James Connelly, CEO of My Green Lab, and Alyssa Caddle, Senior Director of Global Sustainability at Thermo Fisher Scientific, about steps laboratories can tak…

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The Ocean Energy Testing Barrier, Building a Fire-Resilient Home From Ashes, and a Surprise High School Science Bowl Victory  10:29

4M ago10:29

10:29

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 …

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Lab Notes: Let's Talk Transmission Planning 25:57

7M ago25:57

25:57

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 P…

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NREL's Top Stories of 2024 9:39

7M ago9:39

9:39

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 sustainabl…

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NREL People Picking Up Trash, Installing Rooftop Solar, and Giving Back to the Community 9:55

8M ago9:55

9:55

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 Coordina…

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Building Heating Solutions, Inspiring Students, and Transforming Energy for Alaska’s Tribal Communities 14:43

8M ago14:43

14:43

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 i…

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Lab Notes: Agrivoltaics—Where Agriculture and Solar Production Meet 41:03

8M ago41:03

41:03

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…

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US Forest Service Goes Green, the Cost of Owning Zero-Emission Vehicles, ARIES Depicts Real-World Energy Systems 12:45

9M ago12:45

12:45

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 mor…

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Geothermal Heat Pump Opportunities, Sun Nerds Convene at NREL, and Kestrel Flies Beyond the Lab 11:14

9M ago11:14

11:14

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…

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Lab Notes: A Journey Into the Future of Sustainable Aviation 17:56

9M ago17:56

17:56

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…

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A Photosynthesis Friendship and the US Grid Evolution—Plus, Clean Energy Research and Science Fiction Collide! 13:33

10M ago13:33

13:33

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…

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The Unofficial Mascots of NREL’s Colorado and Alaska Campuses 13:05

10M ago13:05

13:05

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 …

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Interns, Economy, and Startups: The NREL Impact 9:32

11M ago9:32

9:32

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 …

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Recyclable Wind Turbine Blades, Cybersecurity Workplace Culture, and Saving Energy With the US Navy 10:33

11M ago10:33

10:33

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 tr…

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

11M 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…

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

12M 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…

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

1y 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…

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

1y 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 …

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Education Initiatives To Empower Future Innovators 11:01

1y 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…

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

1y 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…

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

1y 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…

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

1y 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…

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

1y 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…

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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

1y 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 …

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

1+ y 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…

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

1+ y 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…

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

1+ y 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 …

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

1+ y 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…

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

1+ y 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 …

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

1+ y 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…

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

1+ y 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…

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

1+ y 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…

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

1+ y 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…

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

1+ y 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…

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

1+ y 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…

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America’s Cardboard and Paper Waste Problem, the Link Between Electric Vehicles and Solar, and the Future of the US Electricity Sector 10:42

1+ y ago10:42

10:42

A new analysis by NREL that reveals that the $4 billion economic value represented by cardboard and paper is lost due to landfilling. The study, focused on 2019 data, emphasizes the potential for substantial energy, environmental, and economic benefits through improved waste management strategies for paper and cardboard waste, which constitutes a q…

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Lab Notes: Meet NREL Laboratory Director Martin Keller 50:21

1+ y ago50:21

50:21

In the introductory episode of the Lab Notes series, Laboratory Director Martin Keller sits down with NREL writer Ernie Tucker, author of Clean Energy Innovators: NREL People Working To Change the World. The pair discuss Keller’s childhood in Germany, foray into a science-focused career, vision for the laboratory, and dream job (hint: he’s doing it…

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10 Ways NREL Contributed to a Clean Energy Future in 2023 9:22

1+ y ago9:22

9:22

Hosts Kerrin Jeromin and Taylor Mankle discuss the top 10 most-impactful stories highlighting how NREL contributed to a clean energy future in 2023. Highlights include NREL's visionary 2030 National Charging Network study, groundbreaking research on geothermal energy with the "Heat Beneath Our Feet" initiative, and the creation of a one-of-a-kind "…

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Decoding Cellular Secrets: Advances in Mass Spectrometry Technology 19:31

1+ y ago19:31

19:31

Revolutionizing Biomedical Research with Mass Spectrometry Joshua J. Coon discusses the transformative role of mass spectrometry in biomedical research. This technology, as he explains, allows for the precise weighing of molecules, providing critical insights into their identity and quantity. Coon's lab utilizes mass spectrometry to analyze complex…

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An Equitable Clean Energy Transition in Los Angeles, a Plastics Problem in US Rivers 10:46

1+ y ago10:46

10:46

Hosts Kerrin Jeromin and Taylor Mankle discuss recent stories from NREL:      The LA100 Equity Strategies project, developed by the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power in collaboration with NREL and the University of California, Los Angeles , envisions a future where Los Angeles achieves 100% clean electricity by 2035 through community-driven…

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Tackling HIV Drug Resistance: Brazil's Approach and Global Implications 35:52

1+ y ago35:52

35:52

Brazil's Proactive Measures Against HIV Brazil has been at the forefront of combating HIV, implementing proactive measures that have made a significant difference. The country began providing no-cost access to CD4 and viral load testing and antiretroviral drugs as early as 1996. This early intervention and consistent approach led to a remarkable ou…

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From SERI to NREL: A National Laboratory Origin Story 7:09

1+ y ago7:09

7:09

In this episode, hosts Kerrin Jeromin and Taylor Mankle take us on a journey through time exploring the origins of NREL. Beginning with the establishment in 1973 of the Solar Energy Research Institute (SERI) after the oil embargo, SERI soon expanded into wind and other renewable technologies. The hosts discuss a dynamic journey marked by political …