Feature News
The following feature stories take an in-depth, behind-the-scenes look at how NREL is advancing energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies. You may subscribe to receive weekly news features by e-mail or via RSS feed.
2006
November 2006
![More Than Pretty Maps—NREL Uses GIS to Find Workable Energy Solutions](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130217133338im_/http://www.nrel.gov/news/features/images/20061101_gis_thumb.jpg)
More Than Pretty Maps—NREL Uses GIS to Find Workable Energy Solutions ![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130217133338im_/http://www.nrel.gov/images/spacer.gif)
NREL's geographic information systems (GIS) team produces maps of renewable energy resources that demonstrate which technologies, whether solar, wind, hydrogen or biomass, are the best, most workable energy solutions.
August 2006
![Crosscutting NREL Research Advances Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130217133338im_/http://www.nrel.gov/news/features/images/20060801_plugin_hybrids_thumb.jpg)
Crosscutting NREL Research Advances Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles ![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130217133338im_/http://www.nrel.gov/images/spacer.gif)
In the 1990s, NREL worked to advance hybrid electric vehicles, particularly propulsion systems, building the technology's viability in the marketplace. Today, NREL is working with industry and other national labs to take this concept one step further with plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.
July 2006
![NREL's New Science and Technology Facility Will Help to Advance New Energy Alternatives](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130217133338im_/http://www.nrel.gov/news/features/images/20060701_facility_thumb.jpg)
NREL's New Science and Technology Facility Will Help to Advance New Energy Alternatives ![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130217133338im_/http://www.nrel.gov/images/spacer.gif)
The Science and Technology Facility is the latest addition to the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) state-of-the-art research buildings on the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) campus. The showcase facility is essential to the development and commercialization of promising new renewable energy technologies.
June 2006
![NREL Research Helps Deliver Clean, Solar Electricity to Thousands of Homes in the Southwest](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130217133338im_/http://www.nrel.gov/news/features/images/20060601_deliver_clean_thumb.jpg)
NREL Research Helps Deliver Clean, Solar Electricity to Thousands of Homes in the Southwest ![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130217133338im_/http://www.nrel.gov/images/spacer.gif)
Researchers at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) have contributed to the rebirth of a solar energy technology in the Southwest. The first concentrating solar power (CSP) plant built in the United States in 16 years began operation in Arizona in December 2005.
February 2006
![President Bush Leads Energy Panel Discussion at NREL](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130217133338im_/http://www.nrel.gov/news/features/images/20060201_bush_thumb.jpg)
President Bush Leads Energy Panel Discussion at NREL ![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130217133338im_/http://www.nrel.gov/images/spacer.gif)
On February 21, 2006, during the second-ever visit to NREL by a United States President, President George W. Bush told employees their work is appreciated and that he is committed to clearing up any discrepancies in funding.