National Renewable Energy Laboratory Undergoes Name Change Amid Shift In Energy Priorities

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory, a federal research organization devoted to renewable energy development for half a century, has undergone a significant transformation. The word “renewable” has been stripped from its name, and it will now be known as the National Laboratory for Renewable Energy, or more informally, the National Laboratory of the Rockies. This change has sparked both interest and concern among those invested in renewable energy, particularly in Alaska. Assistant Secretary of Energy Audrey Robertson emphasized that the energy crisis today is distinct from the one that led to NREL’s establishment. “We are no longer picking and choosing energy sources,” she stated.

“Our highest priority is to invest in scientific capabilities that will restore American manufacturing, drive down costs, and help this country meet its soaring energy demand.” The laboratory’s new name is meant to reflect a broader applied energy mission, according to Jud Virden, the laboratory’s director. NREL has a notable presence in Alaska, having partnered with the Cold Climate Housing Research Center at the University of Alaska Fairbanks in 2020. The UAF facility is one of four NREL centers, alongside two campuses in Colorado and an office in Washington, D. C. This partnership and others like it have been crucial in promoting renewable energy and energy affordability in remote microgrid ← →