Research Areas

NREL is transforming energy through science by leading research and development in these areas.

A researcher coats a fuel cell catalyst layer onto carbon-paper diffusion media.

Advanced Manufacturing

Our research and analysis helps manufacturers find energy-efficient, sustainable solutions for their products and processes.

Researcher assembles a 3-electrode electrochemical microcell.

Basic Energy Sciences

We do foundational chemical and materials science that enables the next generation of technologies to transform energy.

A researcher preparing reactions in a high throughput Parr chromatography system.

Bioenergy and Bioeconomy

Our bioenergy and bioeconomy research explores biomass at the molecular level to bring biofuels and bioproducts to market.

Engineers examine a demonstration model of a Smart Glass product outside.

Buildings

We advance the science and engineering of energy efficiency in buildings, schools, communities, and districts by optimizing energy systems and renewable technologies.

Four researchers working with a time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry.

Chemistry and Nanoscience

Our scientists investigate materials and processes for converting renewable resources into chemical and electrical energy.

Three engineers use a 3D energy model to discuss potential energy loads of the proposed development growth.

Computational Science

We solve energy challenges using high-performance computing, applied mathematics, scientific data management, visualization, and informatics.

Researcher reviews and analysis tool projected on a wall.

Energy Analysis

Our energy analysis informs policy and investment decisions that lead to more resilient, reliable, and efficient energy systems.

The earth seen from space at night.

Energy Security and Resilience

Our research aims to minimize the impact of disruptive events and address the most challenging energy security and resilience questions of our time.

Researchers evaluate simulation stills of a battery in a 3-D visualization room.

Energy Storage

NREL researches transformative energy storage at multiple scales to create storage options with high energy density, long storage life, and market adaptability.

Researcher examines a heat sensor.

Geothermal

We research, develop, and demonstrate technologies to advance geothermal energy as a clean, renewable, domestic power source.

Two researchers review a large projection of a multi-timescale simulation environment.

Grid Modernization

Our researchers make our nation's electrical grid more flexible, reliable, resilient, secure, and sustainable.

An engineer and a scientist work in the Sensor Lab.

Hydrogen and Fuel Cells

We develop and demonstrate hydrogen production, delivery, and storage and fuel cell technologies for transportation, stationary, and portable applications.

A project leader opens the doors on a manufactured battery enclosure.

Integrated Energy Solutions

We accelerate energy transitions through a system-of-systems approach that considers technology, policy, social, and market systems.

A researchers reviews information on a tablet inside a greenhouse.

International Activities

Our expertise supports the development of advanced energy technologies worldwide.

Six authors pose together. The person in front holds a sample of a switchable photovoltaic window.

Materials Science

We provide materials science discovery and problem-solving for next-generation renewable energy and energy-efficient technologies.

Volunteers assemble and install a floating PV array.

Solar

Our solar research covers photovoltaics, concentrating solar power, solar grid and systems integration, and market research and analysis.

Silhoutted workshop participants with large windows showing mountains in the background.

State, Local, and Tribal Governments

NREL transfers knowledge, innovation, and analysis to state, local, and tribal governments to solve local and national energy challenges.

Two people wearing eye protection look at a laptop propped on the hood of an electric vehicle as it charges inside a laboratory.

Transportation and Mobility

Our transportation and mobility research accelerates the adoption of affordable, high-performance, low-emission, energy-efficient passenger and freight transportation.

A large buoy in the ocean near a coastline featuring tall mountains.

Water

Our water research validates, evaluates, develops, and demonstrates hydropower, marine, and hydrokinetic renewable energy systems, as well as integrated water systems.

Three software co-authors stand underneath large wind turbine blades in a field outside.

Wind

Through expertise and one-of-a-kind assets, our research advances wind technologies from initial concepts to deployment.

A mentor and an intern looking at equipment.

Workforce

Our workforce research analyzes workforce needs in renewable energy fields, builds partnerships with industry stakeholders, and implements workforce development programs.

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Last Updated March 27, 2025