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 advanced manufacturing research aims to develop cutting-edge materials and processes to drive innovation and enable cost-effective energy solutions of the future.

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 advance energy.

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

Bioenergy and Bioeconomy

Our bioenergy and bioeconomy research develops innovative, cost-effective, and performance-advantaged biotechnologies that tap into America's abundant biomass and waste resources.

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

Buildings

We lead cutting-edge research to drive affordable energy solutions and strengthen the reliability of energy systems for American buildings.

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

Chemistry and Nanoscience

Our foundational research in materials science, chemistry, and nanoscience integrates capabilities spanning from basic science to applied research—informed by iterative work with industry partners—to guide the discovery and development of next-generation energy materials.

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

Computational Science

We provide advanced computing systems and services—and enable their highly productive use—for applied energy research while advancing the forefront of mathematics and scientific computing for energy applications.

Researcher reviews and analysis tool projected on a wall.

Energy Analysis

Our energy systems analysis provides actionable insights to inform an affordable, secure, and reliable energy future by integrating data, modeling, and expertise across sectors and systems.

The earth seen from space at night.

Energy Security and Resilience

Our energy security and resilience research reduces the likelihood and impact of disruptions to energy systems—ensuring essential services, critical missions, and communities can withstand and recover from evolving threats.

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

Energy Storage

We're developing transformative energy storage solutions with the flexibility to respond to changing conditions, emergencies, and growing energy demands—ensuring energy is available when and where it's needed.

Researcher examines a heat sensor.

Geothermal

We're advancing cutting-edge geothermal technologies, conducting world-class analysis, and improving access to data critical to unleashing thousands of gigawatts of domestic resources for always-on power, heating, cooling, and storage by using the heat beneath our feet.

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

Grid Modernization

Our grid modernization research develops and applies innovative technologies, tools, and technical expertise that drive affordable, reliable, and secure power grid planning and operations at every scale.

An engineer and a scientist work in the Sensor Lab.

Hydrogen and Fuel Cells

Our research advances are lowering the cost and increasing the scale of technologies to make, store, move, and use hydrogen across multiple energy sectors.

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

Integrated Energy Solutions

We accelerate energy advancements 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

NREL advances shared interests with global partners by applying U.S. research and technical expertise to strengthen energy resilience and reliability, expand access to secure and affordable energy, and bolster critical supply chains.

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 energy sources and energy-efficient technologies.

Volunteers assemble and install a floating PV array.

Solar

Our long-standing global leadership in solar energy research is enabling faster, cheaper, and more reliable use of this abundant, domestic resource while advancing next-generation solar technologies for national security applications and emerging industries.

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

State, Local, and Tribal Governments

NREL partners with state, local, and Tribal organizations to deliver customized, data-driven support that strengthens local energy systems—expanding access to America's abundant energy resources, reducing costs, and supporting energy reliability for communities across the nation.

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 develops affordable, abundant, and secure energy technologies to move people and goods across America and enhance the nation's global competitiveness.

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

Water

Our water research program leverages more than 40 years of experience validating and accelerating the deployment of water innovations through world-class facilities, specialized capabilities, and cutting-edge design tools.

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

Wind

Our world-class researchers, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and real-world testing environments help solve fundamental cross-disciplinary challenges and integrate wind as a low-cost, abundant source of power into the U.S. energy mix.

A mentor and an intern looking at equipment.

Workforce

We strengthen the energy workforce needed for an affordable, secure, and reliable energy future by analyzing industry needs, fostering key partnerships, developing educational resources, and building capacity.

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Last Updated June 12, 2025