Strengthening U.S. National Security With Clean Energy Innovation

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory's (NREL's) work in strategic energy security is focused on keeping the United States secure and its citizens safe by applying expertise in clean energy systems and technologies to prevent energy system disruptions from any source, natural or human. NREL was founded in response to the energy security impact of the 1973 oil crisis, when it was clear that energy resources beyond foreign oil were needed. Recognizing that energy security, an intrinsic element of U.S. national security, can be achieved through innovation and renewable resources that are local, abundant, and reliable, the Solar Energy Research Institute was established in 1977. The institute would later be named NREL, setting the course to improve the country's access to independently owned and renewable energy-and strengthening the nation's energy security.