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April 2019
Catalyst Cost Estimating Tool Significantly Improves Research Efficiency
More than 85% of chemical processes rely on catalysts, but limited information on their cost can lead to roadblocks during early-stage research and development and along the path to commercialization. To address this challenge, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory developed a catalyst cost estimation tool that incorporates industry-standard estimation methods into an intuitive, user-friendly suite of tools.
February 2019
News Release: NREL Pioneers Cleaner Route to Upcycle Plastics into Superior Products
The NREL team chemically combined reclaimed polyethylene terephthalate plastic, in the form of single-use beverage bottles, with bio-based compounds to produce higher-value fiber-reinforced plastics that can be used in products from snowboards to vehicle parts to wind turbines.
News Release: NREL Industry Growth Forum Announces 2019 Presenting Start-Ups
The 30 companies were selected after a competitive application and review process from more than 150 applicants.
News Release: NREL Emerging Markets Day Announces 2019 Presenting Start-up Companies
On May 8, investors, start-up companies, and industry leaders from around the world will convene in Denver, Colo., for the third Emerging Markets Day, a forum to discuss the most promising cleantech solutions to the pressing energy challenges faced by emerging economies.
DISCOVR Algae Consortium Launches Call for Collaboration to Lower Cost of Algae Biofuels and Bioproducts
Driving down costs for algae-based biofuels and bioproducts involves enhancing algae productivity through selection of the most promising algae strains and implementation of effective cultivation strategies. To support this effort, NREL and its national laboratory partners formed a consortium project called Development of Integrated Screening, Cultivar Optimization, and Verification (DISCOVR).
Scientific Collaboration Investigates Creative and Sustainable Bioenergy Solutions for Mining Industry
When industry, government laboratories, and universities work together, creative solutions can arise to environmental challenges. The latest example of this originated when NREL partnered with BHP--a global mining, metals, and petroleum company--to research sustainable ways to clean up legacy mining impacts and develop feedstocks for biofuels.
January 2019
Advancements in Catalytic Fast Pyrolysis Give Biofuels a Boost
Researchers from NREL and two other national labs have discovered an alternative catalytic fast pyrolysis approach--using fixed-bed reactors and bifunctional catalysts--that significantly improves bio-oil yields and the overall economics of the process to turn biomass into biofuels and bioproducts.
December 2018
Bioenergy Scientists Collaborate with Industry to Convey Feedstock Value, Improve Biomass Conversion Processes
A team of NREL scientists partnered with Forest Concepts to perform detailed thermochemical conversion simulations for biomass feedstocks. The simulations relate feedstock attributes to expected product yields and necessary pyrolysis conversion process conditions.
November 2018
News Release: Algae Testbed Experiment Yields Data Useful for Future Projects
Researchers established identical raceway-style ponds in five outdoor locations to cultivate and harvest three strains of algae during the four seasons.
News Release: R&D Magazine Honors Duo of NREL Innovations
Given annually by R&D Magazine, the awards honor the 100 most innovative technologies of the past year and were chosen by an independent panel of judges.
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Last Updated May 5, 2025