Data and Tools

NREL develops data, models, tools, and maps, which we use to help countries discover and apply energy solutions.

Country and Regional Resource Maps and Data

For analyzing and visualizing renewable energy potential, NREL developed the RE Data Explorer, a geospatial analysis tool that can be customized for different scenarios. RE Data Explorer informs prospecting, integrated planning, policymaking, technical potential, and levelized cost of energy analysis for many countries and regions.

Visit the RE Data Explorer site to launch the tool. 

Grid Modernization and Power System Planning

NREL adapts and applies a broad portfolio of tools to assist countries with analysis of opportunities and strategies for achieving high-performing power systems that optimize the use of a broad portfolio of advanced energy technologies.

This includes Sienna, a flexible modeling framework designed to build, solve, and analyze scheduling problems and dynamic simulations for quasi-static infrastructure systems. Developed by NREL, it advances the ability to model individual and integrated energy infrastructure systems across various spatial and temporal scales.

NREL's Engage modeling tool is a free, web-based platform that simplifies cross-sectoral energy system planning and simulation at scales ranging from microgrids to entire continents. With integrated visualization and a cloud-based shared data model, it enables users to analyze trade-offs, assess infrastructure and cost implications, and communicate energy strategies effectively.

NREL also makes efforts to connect power system practitioners with the appropriate tools for their unique needs. The Global Power System Transformation Consortium (G-PST) Open Tools Portal documents a variety free and open-source software tools and datasets that can be used to plan and operate advanced power systems.

Renewable Energy Screening Tools

We team with countries and institutional partners to apply a portfolio of world-class tools for site specific evaluation of  determining the ideal combination of conventional generation, storage, and electrification technologies to achieve cost savings, resilience, emissions reductions, and energy performance goals. This includes Renewable Energy Integration and Optimization (REopt), which is a techno-economic analysis tool used to optimize energy systems for buildings, campuses, communities, and microgrids.

Economic Impact and Development Impact Assessment Tools

We partner with countries around the world in use of the Jobs and Economic Development Impacts International Model (I-JEDI) to support analysis of the job and other economic impacts associated with energy development.

In addition, we've worked with various partners in evaluating life cycle energy-water-food production interfaces and impacts.

Building and Urban Systems Modeling

We have developed a suite of world-class tools and are teaming with countries in adapting and applying these tools for their use. These tools include Building Energy Optimization (BEopt) for optimizing the energy performance of commercial and residential buildings.

We're also pioneering design and use of state-of-the-art tools for optimizing high-performance buildings and new urban developments, including the Urban Renewable Building and Neighborhood Optimization (URBANopt) analytics platform.

Battery Lifetime Analysis and Simulation Tool

The Battery Lifetime Analysis and Simulation Tool (BLAST) estimates how long electric vehicle batteries will last, what their payback is, and ways to lengthen their lifetimes. It accounts for various temperatures, charging station configuration, and driving patterns.

Future Automotive Systems Technology Simulator

The Future Automotive Systems Technology Simulator (FASTSim) helps fleet managers assess the performance and fuel savings of various vehicle technologies on their drive cycle. Main inputs include drive cycle, vehicle type, and vehicle size. Outputs include fuel use, cost savings, and more.

Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Projection Tool

We've developed an Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Projection Tool (EVI-Pro) to provide guidance on plug-in electric vehicle (PEV) charging infrastructure to regional and national stakeholders. It enables users to evaluate demand or PEV charging and the infrastructure investment needed to service this demand.

Techno-Economic Analysis

NREL’s System Advisor Model™ (SAM™) performs techno-economic analysis of advanced energy technologies and is used by project managers, engineers, policy analysts, and researchers to model various advanced energy systems, including geothermal, biomass, marine energy, photovoltaics, battery storage, solar water heating, and fuel cells. SAM also supports financial modeling for residential and commercial behind-the-meter projects, power purchase agreements, and third-party ownership structures.

Cybersecurity Assessment Tools

NREL’s Distributed Energy Resource Cybersecurity Framework (DER-CF) evaluates a facility’s distributed energy resource cybersecurity posture and provides customized recommendations. It helps organizations assess risks, benchmark cybersecurity across multiple sites, and protect energy assets for a more secure grid. After completing an assessment, users receive a detailed report with identified risks and an improvement plan.