The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is a research facility that is part of the United States Department Of Energy (DOE). The Research and Development expertise are with Renewable Electricity, Renewable Fuels, Integrated Energy Systems and Strategic Energy Analysis. These technologies are distributed by the Technology Transfer Office of the NREL whose main function is to introduce renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies to the public and the marketplace. These technologies can then be transferred into commercial products and businesses.

Some of the main technologies that are being researched are wind, solar, geothermal, hydro (water), biomass and even hydrogen fuel cells. Renewable energy is energy which can renew itself indefinitely, unlike fossil fuels which are non-renewable sources of energy.  These fossil fuels, such as oil, will eventually be gone. The NREL works to find alternative sources of energy which can be used for many practical applications.

Renewable energy is a concept becoming more popular with the energy crisis. More people are leaning towards these forms of energy. This energy is cleaner and greener. A problem is the initial cost for all these forms of energy is higher than the conventional fossil fuels. Some forms of renewable energy are dependent upon location. Wind energy would require some place with enough wind to sustain a wind farm.

Geothermal energy cannot be used in just any location. Solar power can be found in abundance, but the efficiency of converting sunlight into energy is still very low. With renewable energy we can continue to power our homes, drive our cars and continue life as we know it. In time these renewable energies will help save our planet.