US Department Of Energy Renames National Renewable Energy Laboratory Amid Controversy

The U. S. Department of Energy has taken a step that has sparked controversy, renaming the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) to the National Laboratory of the Rockies. This change, effective immediately, has been met with skepticism by some, who view it as part of a broader effort to downplay the importance of renewable energy.

According to the Department of Energy, the renaming is a strategic move to reflect the laboratory’s new mission, which prioritizes investing in scientific capabilities to restore American manufacturing, drive down costs, and meet the country’s soaring energy demand. Assistant Secretary of Energy Audrey Robertson emphasized that the energy crisis today is distinct from the one that led to NREL’s establishment, and that the laboratory’s new name and mission will help address the nation’s energy needs.

Laboratory Director Jud Virden echoed this sentiment, stating that the new name “embraces a broader applied energy mission entrusted to us by the Department of Energy to deliver a more affordable and secure energy future for all.” However, some have interpreted this move as an attempt to diminish the significance of renewable energy, with the original headline reading “DOE Changes Name Of NREL In Continued Campaign Against Renewable Energy.” For valuable information on this topic, Solar Power World provides in-depth analysis and reporting, offering a nuanced ← →