Energy Decision Science and Informatics

NREL utilizes and advances state-of-the-art decision science and informatics to help partners make well-informed energy decisions backed by credible, objective data analysis and insights to maximize the impact of energy efficiency and renewable generation.

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Defining Our Expertise

Decision Science

Advanced decision science methods include multi-objective and multi-criteria decision support. Our analysis tools and processes address technical, policy, social, and economic barriers to change. We also perform energy modeling and optimization to guide decisions for buildings, districts, and microgrids.

Informatics

We use energy informatics to identify operational savings opportunities and unlock new revenue streams such as predictive maintenance or supervisory control. Using models and tools, we help decision makers evaluate the available options and the potential implications of their choices.

Our Work

We use our expertise to:

  • Perform technical and economic evaluations of renewable energy opportunities and net-zero energy communities

  • Conduct renewable energy screening and assessments

  • Evaluate energy efficiency and renewable energy opportunities for communities, military installations, and island utilities

  • Develop electrical strategies for net-zero installations, including renewable energy storage and microgrid analysis

  • Model and develop energy audits, technology demonstrations, and energy informatics

  • Support high-performance building projects, new technology demonstrations, commercial building retrofits, on-site data acquisition system installations, solar energy systems, building energy modeling, and energy savings performance contracts (ESPC)

  • Conduct techno-economic analyses of renewable energy systems, diesel-renewable energy hybrid solutions, island renewable energy integration, and project development.

Our analysis services include using a variety of NREL-developed data and tools for:

  • Advanced energy system design for interactive virtual exploration of alternative energy scenarios

  • Energy modeling and optimization to guide decisions for buildings, districts, and microgrids

  • Energy informatics to identify operational savings opportunities and unlock new revenue streams such as predictive maintenance or supervisory control

  • Advanced decision science methods, including multi-objective and multi-criteria decision support.

For example, we use the Renewable Energy Integration and Optimization (REopt™) model for techno-economic decision support through the energy planning process. Learn more about REopt, including our new REopt Lite Tool.

Learn about all our data and tools.

Our Partnerships

NREL, San Diego Gas & Electric Advance Utility Microgrid Performance in Borrego Springs, California

SDG&E is partnering with NREL at the Energy Systems Integration Facility to model how a microgrid controller with advanced functionality would perform for the utility’s microgrid in Borrego Springs, California.

NREL Helps Streamline Solar Power Installations for Local Governments

In partnership with SolSmart, NREL expertise has helped more than 100 local governments streamline the process for homes and businesses to install solar power.

NREL Enhances Energy Resiliency at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar

Since 2008, NREL has provided technical expertise and analysis in support of MCAS Miramar's energy resiliency efforts.

Publications

Low-Income Community Solar: Utility Return Considerations for Electric Cooperatives

Data for Renewable Energy Planning, Policy, and Investment

Reopt Lite Web Tool Evaluates Photovoltaics and Battery Storage

We can help your organization make well-informed energy decisions through decision science and informatics.

Work With Us

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