NREL advances critical science and technology through innovative research and development to improve the nation's electrical grid infrastructure, making it more flexible, reliable, resilient, secure, and sustainable.

Transmission towers in a rural setting with a sunset in the background.

Exploring the Big Challenge Ahead: Insights on the Path to a Net-Zero Power Sector by 2035

An NREL study identifies the opportunities and challenges of achieving the U.S. transformational goal of 100% clean electricity by 2035

Aerial view of PV arrays and wind turbines at NREL's Flatirons Campus

Renewable energy now accounts for more than 20% of U.S. annual energy production. NREL is developing a range of solutions to support its continued growth.

NREL's ADMS testbed connects utilities to modern controls

The Power Electronic Grid Interface

NREL's Power Electronic Grid Interface platform—part of the Advanced Research on Integrated Energy Systems research environment—helps move grid innovations rapidly from prototype to the field.

NREL grid research is led by the Power Systems Engineering Center under the direction of Ben Kroposki and the Grid Planning and Analysis Center under the direction of Jaquelin Cochran. These centers are part of the Energy Systems Integration directorate, led by Associate Laboratory Director Juan Torres. NREL's grid research is aligned with the U.S. Department of Energy's Grid Modernization Initiative as part of the Grid Modernization Laboratory Consortium.