Three technologies developed by the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) are among this year’s 100 most significant innovations, as judged byResearch & Development (R&D) Magazine.

The laboratory’s three R&D 100 Awards for 2002 are for a new material that protects and extends the life of key components in geothermal power plants; a solar power system that produces electricity while still allowing sunlight to pass through it; and a thin ceramic fiber that effectively filters out bacteria and viruses and can enhance the performance of composite materials.

— Greg Mazurkiewicz

Publication date: 07/29/2002