Created in 1974 and funded by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is the only federal laboratory dedicated to the research, development, commercialization, and deployment of renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies.
Headquartered in Golden, Colorado, NREL has a staff of more than 2,200 full-time employees—including scientists, engineers, technicians, business professionals, and support staff—and an annual budget of more than $400 million. The laboratory’s work focuses on advancing sustainable transportation; improving grid resilience and security; boosting industrial competitiveness; increasing renewable electricity generation; modernizing buildings; enabling greater use of clean fuels and vehicles; developing data analytics tools for decision making; accelerating market adoption of efficient lighting solutions; and solving other critical issues related to our nation’s energy future.
As the United States transitions to a low-carbon economy powered by clean energy sources such as wind and solar power, NREL is playing a pivotal role in ensuring this transition is as efficient and seamless as possible. The laboratory’s cutting-edge research is helping to make renewable energy technologies more cost-effective and reliable so that they can be deployed at scale across the country.
In addition to its world-class research capabilities, NREL also offers unique testing facilities that are not available anywhere else in the world. These state-of-the art laboratories allow companies and manufacturers to test their products under a variety of real-world conditions before they are brought to market. This helps to ensure that new technologies are ready for commercial deployment when they reach consumers’ homes and businesses.
NREL is also working with utilities, cities, states, tribes, businesses, nonprofits organizations ,and individuals across the country to help them achieve their clean energy goals . Through its technical assistance programs , NREL provides expert advice on topics such as project financing , policy analysis , technology deployment , workforce development ,and much more .
As one of DOE’s 17 national laboratories , NREL is uniquely positioned to accelerate progress towards a clean energy future . With its cutting – edge research facilities , experienced staff ,and commitment to partnering with stakeholders across the country , NREL is helping build a cleaner , brighter tomorrow for all Americans .