Hybrid cars that reduce our use of foreign oil. Wind turbines that add valuable megawatts to our power grid. Energy-efficient buildings that operate on solar power. MRIGlobal has managed and operated the U.S. Department of Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) for 34 years this month, nurturing the development of them all—and thousands of other energy innovations as well.

When the laboratory came into existence in 1977, it was called the Solar Energy Research Institute. Under MRIGlobal’s management, SERI grew to such importance that President George H.W. Bush designated it a national laboratory in 1991. Today MRIGlobal is a partner in the Alliance for Sustainable Energy, LLC, which manages and operates NREL. 

NREL’s research achievements rank among the nation’s most significant technical innovations. NREL's research and technology areas span from understanding renewable resources for energy, to the conversion of these resources to renewable electricity and fuels, and ultimately the use of renewable electricity and fuels in homes, commercial buildings, and vehicles.

NREL's innovative technologies have been recognized with 50 R&D 100 awards. The engineering and science behind these technology transfer successes and awards demonstrates the Laboratory’s commitment to developing and applying innovative renewable energy solutions for the nation's secure and sustainable energy future.