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Executive Energy Leadership Academy

NREL's Executive Energy Leadership Academy, or Energy Execs, provides industry and community leaders an opportunity to learn about advanced energy technologies to guide their organizations in energy-related decisions and planning.

  • Erik Kuhn, Research Operations Manager, provides a tour the Integrated Biorefinery Research Facility (IBRF) Pilot Plant.

    Erik Kuhn, Research Operations Manager, provides a tour the Integrated Biorefinery Research Facility (IBRF) Pilot Plant.

  • Bethany Sparn, NREL Systems Engineering Researcher, gives a tour of the Smart Power Laboratory (SPL) in the Energy Systems Integration Facility (ESIF).

    Bethany Sparn, NREL Systems Engineering Researcher, gives a tour of the Smart Power Laboratory (SPL) in the Energy Systems Integration Facility (ESIF).

  • Participants in the Energy Execs program get a first-hand look at the Visualization Laboratory at the Energy Systems Integration Facility (ESIF).

    Participants in the Energy Execs program get a first-hand look at the Visualization Laboratory at the Energy Systems Integration Facility (ESIF).

  • Participants in the Energy Execs program get a first-hand look at the Visualization Laboratory at the Energy Systems Integration Facility (ESIF).

    Participants in the Energy Execs program get a first-hand look at the Visualization Laboratory at the Energy Systems Integration Facility (ESIF).

  • Martin Keller, Laboratory Directory at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) speaks to participants in the Energy Execs program during the event at NREL's Energy Systems Integration Facility (ESIF).

    Martin Keller, Laboratory Directory at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) speaks to participants in the Energy Execs program during the event at NREL's Energy Systems Integration Facility (ESIF).

  • Chris Deline, Staff Engineer, National Center for Photovoltaics leads a tour of the Outdoor Test Facility (OTF).

    Chris Deline, Staff Engineer, National Center for Photovoltaics leads a tour of the Outdoor Test Facility (OTF).

  • Joseph Berry, Senior Research Scientist and Team Lead, Perovskite and Hybrid Solar Cells and David Moore, Director’s Fellow, lead a tour of the Process Development and Integration Laboratory (PDIL) in the Science and Technology Facility (S&TF).

    Joseph Berry, Senior Research Scientist and Team Lead, Perovskite and Hybrid Solar Cells and David Moore, Director’s Fellow, lead a tour of the Process Development and Integration Laboratory (PDIL) in the Science and Technology Facility (S&TF).

  • Energy Execs participating in networking activities.

    Energy Execs participating in networking activities.

  • Keith Wipke, Laboratory Program Manager, Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Technologies, leads an in-depth discussion at the Hydrogen Fueling Facility.

    Keith Wipke, Laboratory Program Manager, Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Technologies, leads an in-depth discussion at the Hydrogen Fueling Facility.

  • Todd Vinzant, Scientist in the Biosciences Center, speaks to attendees during a tour of the Field Test Laboratory Building (FTLB).

    Todd Vinzant, Scientist in the Biosciences Center, speaks to attendees during a tour of the Field Test Laboratory Building (FTLB).

  • Katie Gaston, Chemical Engineer, speaks to attendees during a tour of the Field Test Laboratory Building (FTLB).

    Katie Gaston, Chemical Engineer, speaks to attendees during a tour of the Field Test Laboratory Building (FTLB).

  • Energy Execs tour the Solar Radiation Research Laboratory (SRRL).

    Energy Execs tour the Solar Radiation Research Laboratory (SRRL).

  • Energy Execs tour the Research Test Field at the National Wind Technology Center (NWTC).

    Energy Execs tour the Research Test Field at the National Wind Technology Center (NWTC).

  • Graduation ceremony for the 2018 Energy Execs participants.

    Graduation ceremony for the 2018 Energy Execs participants.

  • Alumni and new graduates of the Executive Energy Leadership Program mingle during a conference session for the group.

    Alumni and new graduates of the Executive Energy Leadership Program mingle during a conference session for the group.

Leadership Program

The Leadership Program is designed for leaders with an interest in exploring renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies, applications, and issues. Participants travel to NREL's main campus in Golden, Colorado, for four multi-day sessions from June through September.

The program provides an in-depth look at solar and wind power, bioenergy and transportation, energy efficient building technologies and energy systems integration. Course content includes information on performance characteristics of the technologies, economics, and analytical tools.

Program specifics include:

  • Briefings by world-renowned researchers and engineers
  • Tours of state-of-the-art research laboratories
  • Visits to renewable energy installations
  • Classroom projects.

At the end of the program, participants demonstrate what they've learned by presenting a viable project relating to the course content. Final projects show the success of a program, which in the long run helps make advanced energy technologies accessible to more people.

Program dates for the 2019 class are June 19–21, July 17–19, Aug. 14–16, and Sept. 18–20.  There is no cost to participate in the program, although those who are accepted are responsible for their own travel and lodging expenses. Learn more in the program’s frequently asked questions.

Applications for the 2019 class are now closed.

In Their Own Words

Observations from the 2017 and 2018 Leadership Program participants on the impact of this experience:

"The NREL Energy Executives program was a fantastic experience that gave me a very deep appreciation for all aspects of the clean, low carbon, energy challenge. Solar, wind, energy efficiency, and a myriad of related topics were covered by some of the best experts in the nation. This program is highly recommended for those that are engaged in sustainability and renewable energy issues in any capacity."  - John Gavan, commissioner, Colorado Public Utilities Commission (Energy Execs, Class of 2018)

"I found the NREL Energy Executives to be one of the most beneficial professional development and networking opportunities in which I have participated in many years. The cohort model and the group dynamic, accelerated by concentrated time away from our day-to-day work lives, greatly enhanced the deep study of next-gen energy technologies and has elevated my understanding of energy systems in ways that will pay dividends throughout my career." - Anna Siefken, LEED AP BD+C, executive director, Innovation & Strategic Partnerships lead, The Wilton E. Scott Institute for Energy Innovation, Carnegie Mellon University (Energy Execs, Class of 2018)

"I was afforded the opportunity to leverage the network, brainpower, and creativity of my fellow classmates to continue developing solutions to meet the airport's long-term energy solutions in ways that are low-carbon, low-cost, reliable, and resilient." - Cullen Choi, energy manager, Denver International Airport (Energy Execs, Class of 2017

"Outstanding learning experience delivered by some of the brightest energy experts in the world." - Kevin Kenny, network engineer IV - RAN Hardware Standards, Power, Sprint (Energy Execs, Class of 2017)

Energy Execs Graduates

Since 2007, decision-makers throughout the country have participated in Energy Execs. See the list of alumni sorted by program and year.

Are you an Energy Execs alumni? Send your updated contact information to us at Eexecs@nrel.gov.

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