U.S. Department of Energy Renames National Renewable Energy Laboratory

The U.S. Department of Energy (DoE) has officially renamed the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) to the National Laboratory of the Rockies, effective immediately. This change reflects the Trump administration's strategic shift in focus from renewable energy to a broader applied energy research agenda. The announcement was made public this week and will be incorporated into all official communications.

DOE changes name of NREL in continued campaign against renewable energyDOE removes “renewable” from National Renewable Energy Laboratory

NREL was established in 1977 as the Solar Energy Research Institute in response to the 1973 oil crisis, later becoming NREL in 1991 under President George H.W. Bush. Historically, the laboratory has been a leader in renewable energy research and development, contributing significantly to advancements in various energy technologies.

DOE removes “renewable” from National Renewable Energy Laboratory

Audrey Robertson, Assistant Secretary of Energy at the DoE, stated, “The energy crisis we face today is unlike the crisis that gave rise to NREL. We are no longer picking and choosing energy sources.” She emphasized that the laboratory's new mission is to invest in scientific capabilities that will restore American manufacturing and meet the country's increasing energy demands. Jud Virden, Laboratory Director of the National Laboratory of the Rockies, noted that the new name embraces a broader applied energy mission and aims to deliver a more affordable and secure energy future.

DOE changes name of NREL in continued campaign against renewable energyDOE removes “renewable” from National Renewable Energy Laboratory

The renaming has drawn criticism from within the scientific community. Craig Perkins, a senior scientist at the laboratory, expressed disappointment, stating it was “a sad day to see renewable energy officially de-emphasized at our lab.” He highlighted concerns for those who joined the laboratory with a passion for renewable energy, indicating that they may now face difficult decisions about their futures. Perkins remains optimistic that renewable energy will ultimately prevail despite current political trends.

DOE removes “renewable” from National Renewable Energy Laboratory

The renaming and restructuring of NREL signal a significant shift in U.S. energy policy, prioritizing traditional energy sources and manufacturing over renewable energy initiatives. This change aligns with recent actions by the DoE, which included the elimination of several offices dedicated to renewable energy research, such as the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. The implications of this shift could affect the future landscape of energy research and development in the United States.

DOE removes “renewable” from National Renewable Energy LaboratoryDOE changes name of NREL in continued campaign against renewable energy

While the DoE emphasizes a new focus on applied energy research, critics argue that this move undermines decades of progress in renewable energy technologies. There is a notable gap in information regarding how this shift will impact ongoing projects and funding for renewable energy initiatives at the laboratory.

DOE removes “renewable” from National Renewable Energy Laboratory

• “The energy crisis we face today is unlike the crisis that gave rise to NREL,” — Audrey Robertson, Assistant Secretary of Energy

DOE changes name of NREL in continued campaign against renewable energy

• “This new name embraces a broader applied energy mission entrusted to us by the Department of Energy to deliver a more affordable and secure energy future for all.” — Jud Virden, Laboratory Director

DOE changes name of NREL in continued campaign against renewable energy

• “I feel bad for all the people who came here with renewable energy as a passion and who now have to make some hard choices about their futures,” — Craig Perkins, Senior Scientist

DOE removes “renewable” from National Renewable Energy Laboratory