Strategic Energy Security

NREL's work in strategic energy security advances understanding of the national and international security implications of global energy transformations.

Energy security is the ability to maintain energy services at global, national, or local levels against disruption from natural or human sources. It is an intrinsic element of U.S. national security and an important component of international security.

NREL was founded in response to the energy security impact of the 1973 oil crisis, and the lab continues to contribute to the energy and national security of the United States. With NREL's expertise in clean energy technologies, we are helping decision makers navigate a secure and resilient transition to a clean energy future.

Strategic Energy Security Partnerships

We work with a broad set of partners across the U.S. national security sector, including the Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Agency for International Development, National Security Council, and other agencies. Through these partnerships, our researchers help in understanding novel and emerging threats to U.S. and international energy security, which informs NREL's research to the benefit of populations adopting clean energy solutions around the world.

NREL applies its clean energy expertise to national security missions by helping partners understand:

• Energy security implications of global energy transitions, including geopolitical and techno-economic implications
• How future energy systems will differ from petroleum-based systems
• How we can secure and defend our energy systems and achieve carbon neutral goals, nationally and internationally.

Related Research Programs and Projects

Ukraine Fights To Build More Resilient, Renewable Energy System in Midst of War

JISEA Climate Adaptation and Clean Energy Intersections Catalyzer

LIBRA: Lithium-Ion Battery Resource Assessment Model

NREL-Authored Clean Energy Supply Chain Analysis Reports

Future System Scenarios Analysis

Energy Security Planning for Communities and Governments

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