Research, Development, and Deployment B-Roll Footage

The following video b-roll footage shows research, development, and deployment work in the fields of energy efficiency and renewable energy. This content is provided for use by news media and educational organizations.

Photo of a man wearing plastic goggles and examining a beaker containing a pale yellow liquid.

Algal Biofuel Laboratory

Algal biofuels have the potential to solve many of the sustainability challenges facing other biofuels today. Shown here is a laboratory where research works to drive down the cost of large-scale algal biofuel production.

Algal Biofuel Laboratory B-Roll	Format	Length	File Size
Preview reel	.WMV	5:18	19 MB
Full-length HD video	.WMV	5:18	189 MB
Full-length HD video	.MOV	5:18	528 MB

Photo of two large, cylindrical metal silos.

Cellulosic Biomass Biorefinery — South Dakota

Cellulosic biomass—like trees and grasses—is not generally used as a food source and can be used as feedstock for ethanol production. Here, a pilot cellulosic biomass biorefinery in South Dakota uses biochemical conversion technology to produce fuel-grade ethanol from cellulosic feedstocks.

Cellulosic Biomass Biorefinery — South Dakota B-Roll	Format	Length	File Size
Preview reel	.WMV	5:43	21 MB
Full-length HD video	.WMV	5:43	213 MB
Full-length HD video	.MOV	5:43	420 MB

Photo of a large metal container with dark liquid inside of it.

Cellulosic Biomass Biorefinery — Nebraska

Using cellulosic biomass feedstocks can not only alleviate the potential concern of diverting food crops to produce fuel, but also has a variety of environmental benefits. Shown here is a pilot cellulosic biomass biorefinery in Nebraska.

Cellulosic Biomass Biorefinery — Nebraska B-Roll	Format	Length	File Size
Preview reel	.WMV	5:33	20 MB
Full-length HD video	.WMV	5:33	200 MB
Full-length HD video	.MOV	5:33	534 MB

Photo of a plow on a field with tall grass.

Switchgrass Biomass Feedstock

Seen here, switchgrass is a tall-growing perennial grass that is native to much of the United States and can be used as a feedstock for cellulosic ethanol production.

Switchgrass Biomass Feedstock B-Roll	Format	Length	File Size
Preview reel	.WMV	4:04	19 MB
Full-length HD video	.WMV	4:04	149 MB
Full-length HD video	.MOV	4:04	483 MB

Photo of a fuel cell electric vehicle near an outdoor charging station.

Hydrogen Fuel Cell Laboratory

Fuel cells have the potential to provide power in stationary and portable power applications because they are energy-efficient, clean, and fuel-flexible. Shown here are the National Renewable Energy Laboratory's hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle and Fuel Cell Test Laboratory, where fuel cells are tested with a focus on improving performance and reducing cost.

Hydrogen Fuel Cell Laboratory B-Roll	Format	Length	File Size
Preview reel	.WMV	5:27	22.5 MB
Full-length HD video	.WMV	5:27	197 MB
Full-length HD video	.MOV	5:27	670 MB

Download the Hydrogen Fuel Cell Laboratory Scene-by-Scene Description.

Photo of several containers holding different biomass feedstock materials.

Thermochemical Biomass Conversion Laboratory

Thermochemical conversion technologies convert biomass and its residues to fuels and chemicals. Shown here is a facility at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory that tests a wide variety of biomass feedstocks and thermochemical conversion processes and technologies.

Thermochemical Biomass Conversion Laboratory B-Roll	Format	Length	File Size
Preview reel	.WMV	8:34	64 MB
Full-length HD video	.WMV	8:34	949 MB
Full-length HD video	.MOV	8:34	905 MB

Download the Thermochemical Biomass Conversion Laboratory Scene-by-Scene Description.

Image of a large pool of water containing algae.

Algae Fuel Research and Development Facility

Biofuels such as those made from microalgae will reduce our nation's dependence on foreign oil and improve our air quality. Footage of an algae research and development facility can be seen here.

Algae Fuel Research and Development Facility B-Roll	Format	Length	File Size
Preview reel	.WMV	7:27	27 MB
Full-length HD video	.WMV	7:27	267 MB
Full-length HD video	.MOV	7:27	353 MB

Download the Algae Fuel R&D Facility Scene-by-Scene Description.

Photo of a blue vehicle with the words "100% electric, zero emissions" printed on its side.

Electric Vehicles

Shown here in action, electric vehicles represent a key pathway for reducing petroleum dependence, enhancing environmental stewardship, and promoting transportation sustainability—all while creating high quality jobs and economic growth.

Electric Vehicles B-Roll	Format	Length	File Size
Preview reel	.WMV	3:20	45 MB
Full-length HD video	.WMV	3:20	149 MB
Full-length HD video	.MOV	3:20	191 MB

Download the Electric Vehicles Scene-by-Scene Description.

Geothermal Power Plant

Geothermal power plants generate electricity by tapping into the earth's heat—a clean, abundant source of energy. Shown here are the components of a 10-MW modular plant in Utah.

Geothermal Power Plant B-Roll	Format	Length	File Size
Preview reel	.WMV	6:16	68 MB
Full-length HD video	.WMV	6:16	225 MB
Full-length HD video	.MOV	6:16	310 MB

Download the Geothermal Power Plant Scene-by-Scene Description.

Energy Efficient Data Centers

Data centers consume large amounts of energy to run and maintain their computer systems, servers, and associated high-performance components. Here, an energy efficient data center at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory is designed to reduce the amount of energy it consumes.

Energy Efficient Data Centers B-Roll	Format	Length	File Size
Preview reel	.WMV	6:16	68 MB
Full-length HD video	.WMV	6:16	225 MB
Full-length HD video	.MOV	6:16	310 MB

Download the Energy Efficient Data Centers Scene-by-Scene Description.

Photo of the front of a car attached to an emissions testing fan.

Ethanol Fuel Emissions Testing and Vehicle Certification

Vehicles using E15 fuel—gasoline blended with 15% ethanol—are tested in a Colorado facility.

Ethanol Emissions Testing and Vehicle Certification B-Roll	Format	Length	File Size
Preview reel	.WMV	2:47	16 MB
Full-length HD video	.WMV	2:47	100 MB
Full-length HD video	.MOV	2:47	133 MB

Download the Ethanol Emissions Testing and Vehicle Certification Scene-by-Scene Description.

Photo of a building with a light-colored vinyl roof.

Cool Roofs

A "cool roof" can lower a building's cooling costs as it reduces heat transfer to the building by reflecting solar energy. Shown here are cool roofs made of materials such as aluminum and vinyl.

Cool Roofs B-Roll	Format	Length	File Size
Preview reel	.WMV	2:29	7 MB
Full-length HD video	.WMV	2:29	19 MB
Full-length HD video	.MOV	2:29	1 GB

Download the Cool Roofs Scene-by-Scene Description.

Photo of a rooftop with plants and three photovoltaic panels on its surface.

Green Roofs

A "green roof" grows vegetation on top of a building to provide several benefits including reduced energy use, reduced air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, and enhanced water quality. Shown here is the green roof of a Wisconsin library in an early stage of growth.

Green Roofs B-Roll	Format	Length	File Size
Preview reel	.WMV	1:54	12 MB
Full-length HD video	.WMV	1:54	69 MB
Full-length HD video	.MOV	1:54	109 MB

Download the Green Roofs Scene-by-Scene Description.

Photo of seven people wearing safety vests and standing in between two sets of photovoltaic panels.

Solar Photovoltaic Training Facility

A solar photovoltaic (PV) module maintenance training class takes place at a working PV array in Wisconsin.

Solar PV Training B-Roll	Format	Length	File Size
Preview reel	.WMV	1:36	10 MB
Full-length HD video	.WMV	1:36	59 MB
Full-length HD video	.MOV	1:36	93 MB

Download the Solar PV Training Scene-by-Scene Description.

Photo of a photovoltaic array under a set of wires stemming from a tower.

Commercial Photovoltaic Application—Wisconsin TV Station

A television station uses a solar photovoltaic (PV) array to power its transmitter and tower with renewable energy.

Solar PV Television Station B-Roll	Format	Length	File Size
Preview reel	.WMV	0:54	5 MB
Full-length HD video	.WMV	0:54	33 MB
Full-length HD video	.MOV	0:54	52 MB

Download the Solar PV Television Station Scene-by-Scene Description.

Photo of a man placing a photovoltaic panel in a large array on a rooftop.

Photovoltaic Panel Installation at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory

Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels are installed on the roof of the Research Support Facility at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.

Solar PV Roof Installation B-Roll	Format	Length	File Size
Preview reel	.WMV	1:19	3 MB
Full-length HD video	.WMV	1:19	48 MB
Full-length HD video	.MOV	1:19	63 MB

Download the Solar PV Roof Installation Scene-by-Scene Description.

Photo of a photovoltaic panel reflecting sunlight.

High Gain Solar Research and Deployment

Research, testing, and demonstration of a high gain solar photovoltaic (PV) system takes place in California. A working high gain solar model with ultra-reflective, ultra-efficient PV panel material undergoes testing and demonstrates electricity production at a regional bus transit center.

High Gain Solar Research B-Roll	Format	Length	File Size
Preview reel	.WMV	7:23	41 MB
Full-length HD video	.WMV	7:23	265 MB
Full-length HD video	.MOV	7:23	354 MB

Download the High Gain Solar Research Scene-by-Scene Description.

Photo of a long, highly reflective photovoltaic array with mountains and power lines in the background.

High Gain Solar Pilot Project

A high gain solar photovoltaic project is piloted in California, where it produces over 80% of the electricity for a small town.

High Gain Solar Panels B-Roll	Format	Length	File Size
Preview reel	.WMV	1:35	9 MB
Full-length HD video	.WMV	1:35	60 MB
Full-length HD video	.MOV	1:35	78 MB

Download the High Gain Solar Panels Scene-by-Scene Description.

Photo of conveyor belt machinery that produces conductive photovoltaic materials.

Thin-Film Solar Cell Manufacturing

Thin-film photovoltaic cells are manufactured and deployed in Arizona. Steps shown in the manufacturing process include the screen printing of conductive material onto laminated material and the robotic assembly of solar panels.

Solar Panel Manufacturing B-Roll	Format	Length	File Size
Preview reel	.WMV	6:00	33 MB
Full-length HD video	.WMV	6:00	215 MB
Full-length HD video	.MOV	6:00	282 MB

Download the Solar Panel Manufacturing Scene-by-Scene Description.

Photo of two trucks collecting feedstock from poplar trees. One truck transfers the biomass from the tree to the other truck.

Harvesting of Hybrid Poplar Trees for Cellulosic Ethanol

Biofuels can be used to produce transportation fuels, biobased products, and power. An alternative to using corn or other food-based crops is the harvesting of woody materials; here, poplar trees provide feedstock for the production of cellulosic ethanol.

Poplar Tree B-Roll	Format	Length	File Size
Preview reel	.WMV	3:46	25 MB
Full-length HD video	.WMV	3:46	138 MB
Full-length HD video	.MOV	3:46	217 MB

Download the Poplar Tree Scene-by-Scene Description.

Photo of water rushing through the turbine of a hydroelectric dam from a reservoir.

Hydroelectric Power Plant

A hydropower system uses a dam to store river water in a reservoir. Water released from the reservoir flows through a turbine, spinning it, which then activates a generator to produce renewable electricity.

Hydroelectric Power Plant B-Roll	Format	Length	File Size
Preview reel	.WMV	2:01	12 MB
Full-length HD video	.WMV	2:01	73 MB
Full-length HD video	.MOV	2:01	96 MB

Download the Hydroelectric Power Plant Scene-by-Scene Description.

Photo of a parabolic trough mirror in a desert, its reflective surfaced aimed at the sun.

Concentrating Solar Power Generation: Parabolic Troughs – Nevada

A large-scale solar farm in Nevada generates renewable solar energy using parabolic troughs, a form of concentrating solar power (CSP) technology.

Solar Farm B-Roll	Format	Length	File Size
Preview reel	.WMV	2:15	13 MB
Full-length HD video	.WMV	2:15	81 MB
Full-length HD video	.MOV	2:15	108 MB

Download the Solar Farm Scene-by-Scene Description.

Photo of an urban parking garage with several photovoltaic panels installed on its roof.

Commercial Photovoltaic Application – California Convention Center

Several photovoltaic arrays turn a California convention center rooftop and parking structure into a source of clean energy.

Commercial Photovoltaic B-Roll	Format	Length	File Size
Preview reel	.WMV	1:46	10 MB
Full-length HD video	.WMV	1:46	63 MB
Full-length HD video	.MOV	1:46	82 MB

Download the Commercial Photovoltaic Scene-by-Scene Description.

Photo of a man driving an excavator up to a large ditch in the earth.

Residential Geothermal Heat Pump Drilling and Installation

A horizontal heat pump is installed in a Colorado residence; as this geothermal technology regulates space-heating and -cooling using the constant temperature of the earth, it uses 25% to 50% less electricity than traditional temperature regulation systems.

Residential Geothermal B-Roll	Format	Length	File Size
Preview reel	.WMV	4:03	25 MB
Full-length HD video	.WMV	4:03	148 MB
Full-length HD video	.MOV	4:03	235 MB

Download the Residential Geothermal Scene-by-Scene Description.

Photo of a house in a residential suburban neighborhood with several solar panels on the roof.

Residential Photovoltaic Solar Panels

Footage shows exteriors of two Colorado residences that use photovoltaic panels to collect renewable solar energy, thereby reducing their dependence on external electric power. Net metering reveals one home's grid-connected energy system "turning back" its electricity meter as excess energy generated by the solar panels is fed back into the grid.

Residential Photovoltaic B-Roll	Format	Length	File Size
Preview reel	.WMV	6:18	41 MB
Full-length HD video	.WMV	6:18	229 MB
Full-length HD video	.MOV	6:18	365 MB

Download the Residential Photovoltaic Scene-by-Scene Description.

Photo of the flat roof of an industrial building with solar panels on the roof.

Smart Grid Pilot Program — Colorado

An effort to modernize the electrical distribution system is piloted in Fort Collins, Colorado, where a smart grid connects industrial and commercial buildings employing renewable energy technologies such as solar panels and cogeneration systems. Footage shows the grid's electrical load as it is evaluated and monitored in a laboratory.

Smart Grid B-Roll	Format	Length	File Size
Preview reel	.WMV	5:51	35 MB
Full-length HD video	.WMV	5:51	215 MB
Full-length HD video	.MOV	5:51	342 MB

Download the Smart Grid Scene-by-Scene Description.

Photo of wind turbines on open land in Wyoming.

Wind Turbines: Converting the Energy of the Wind to Electricity

Wind turbines produce electricity for the power grid on a wind farm in southern Wyoming.

Wyoming Wind Farm B-Roll	Format	Length	File Size
Preview reel	.WMV	2:08	10 MB
Full-length HD video	.WMV	2:08	79 MB
Full-length HD video	.MOV	2:08	103 MB

Download the Wyoming Wind Farm Scene-by-Scene Description.

Photo of wind farm in Southern California.

Large Scale Application of Wind Energy

One of the largest and oldest wind farms in the U.S. is located in Southern California and consists of a variety of turbine designs and models.

Large Scale Wind B-Roll	Format	Length	File Size
Preview reel	.WMV	1:32	9 MB
Full-length HD video	.WMV	1:32	55 MB
Full-length HD video	.MOV	1:32	70 MB

Download the Large Scale Wind Scene-by-Scene Description.

Concentrating Solar Power Tower Technology

Solar power towers are systems that use an array of mirrors to focus the sun's energy on a tower-mounted heat exchanger to generate electricity.

Power Tower B-Roll	Format	Length	File Size
Preview reel	.WMV	4:50	28 MB
Full-length HD video	.WMV	4:50	174 MB
Full-length HD video	.MOV	4:50	230 MB

Download the Power Tower Scene-by-Scene Description.

Concentrating Solar Power Dish Systems

Each solar dish in a CSP plant focuses the sun's heat toward a Stirling engine that converts the energy to electricity.

Solar Dish Systems B-Roll	Format	Length	File Size
Preview reel	.WMV	3:26	19 MB
Full-length HD video	.WMV	3:26	123 MB
Full-length HD video	.MOV	3:26	162 MB

Download the Solar Dish Systems Scene-by-Scene Description.

Concentrating Solar Power Parabolic Trough Systems

The parabolic solar trough is just one of the several types of concentrating solar power technologies that focus the sun's heat using reflective surfaces to generate electricity.

Parabolic Trough B-Roll	Format	Length	File Size
Preview reel	.WMV	5:20	30 MB
Full-length HD video	.WMV	5:20	192 MB
Full-length HD video	.MOV	5:20	268 MB

Download the Parabolic Trough Scene-by-Scene Description.

Photo of a large green corn harvester driving through a field of dry, unharvested corn.

Cellulosic Biofuels Produced from Corn Cobs

Major farm equipment manufacturers have developed new harvesters that collect corn cobs to convert them into renewable biofuels. The United States could produce billions of gallons of cellulosic ethanol over the next decade.

Cellulosic Biofuels B-Roll	Format	Length	File Size
Preview reel	.WMV	4:01	17 MB
Full-length HD video	.WMV	4:01	110 MB
Full-length HD video	.MOV	4:01	259 MB

Download the Cellulosic Biofuels Scene-by-Scene Description.

Researcher holding up a beaker containing green liquid and visually inspecting it.

Microalgae-to-Biofuel Technology

Microalgae strains grown in flasks, bottles, and transitional "raceways" are being monitored, tested, and cryogenically preserved in laboratory facilities at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.

Microalgae B-Roll	Format	Length	File Size
Preview reel	.WMV	4:42	18 MB
Full-length HD video	.WMV	4:42	179 MB
Full-length HD video	.MOV	4:42	211 MB

Download the Microalgae Scene-by-Scene Description.

Drilling rig with its tower raised, members of the drilling crew, and a pickup truck, with snow-covered foothills in the background.

Geothermal Heat Pump Test Drilling

A 300-foot hole is being drilled and PVC pipe is being inserted as part of initial testing for a geothermal heat pump demonstration project at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.

Geothermal Test Drilling B-Roll	Format	Length	File Size
Preview reel	.WMV	4:07	16 MB
Full-length HD video	.WMV	4:07	157 MB
Full-length HD video	.MOV	4:07	192 MB

Download the Geothermal Test Drilling Scene-by-Scene Description.

Photo of rooftop geothermal heat pump system.

Geothermal Heat Pump Systems Installed in Commercial Buildings

Geothermal heat pumps provide energy-efficient heating and cooling to a firehouse and a church.

Geothermal Heat Pump B-Roll	Format	Length	File Size
Preview reel	.WMV	5:14	30 MB
Full-length HD video	.WMV	5:14	188 MB
Full-length HD video	.MOV	5:14	253 MB

Download the Geothermal Heat Pump Scene-by-Scene Description.

Thin-Film Lithium Rechargeable Microbattery next to a ruler showing the full width of the battery terminals to be 1 inch.

Thin-Film Lithium Rechargeable Microbattery Technology

Senior researchers fabricate and test thin film microbattery components and surface analysis equipment and facilities at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.

Microbattery B-Roll	Format	Length	File Size
Preview reel	.WMV	2:19	9 MB
Full-length HD video	.WMV	2:19	91 MB
Full-length HD video	.MOV	2:19	140 MB

Download the Microbattery Scene-by-Scene Description.

Exterior view of a silver-gray laboratory building with a sloping roof.

National Renewable Energy Laboratory Building Exteriors

Footage shows exteriors and signage of laboratories and facilities at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.

NREL B-Roll	Format	Length	File Size
Preview reel	.WMV	1:40	5 MB
Full-length HD video	.WMV	1:40	62 MB
Full-length HD video	.MOV	1:40	78 MB

Download the NREL Scene-by-Scene Description.