Laboratories and Facilities by Technology
The following NREL research programs have laboratory, and/or test and user facility capabilities for researching, developing, and testing a variety of renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies.
Advanced Vehicles and Fuels
Our transportation-focused labs are available for testing advanced vehicle technologies and fuels. Technologies include energy storage and power electronics for hybrid and fuel cell vehicles, as well as those that reduce ancillary loads in vehicles. We also test fuels for their effect on emissions and engine performance. Learn more about our advanced vehicle and fuels research laboratory capabilities.
Basic Sciences
For basic sciences research, learn more about the capabilities of the Biomass Surface Characterization Laboratory and our solid-state spectroscopy research.
Biomass
Our biomass research laboratory capabilities include user facilities for converting renewable feedstocks into a variety of products such as transportation fuels, high-value chemicals, and electricity. These facilities and labs can be used to test a biomass feedstock, process, or equipment, helping to reduce the time from the lab to the marketplace for novel biomass technologies. Learn more about using our biomass research facilities.
Buildings
We have the testing facilities and laboratory capabilities for researching a multitude of building technologies, including heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems; desiccant cooling and dehumidification systems; active solar systems; windows; and many more. Learn more about our buildings research facilities.
Concentrating Solar Power
We can research and test a variety of concentrating solar power technologies, such as parabolic troughs, and their system components, which include receivers, collectors, and optical and thermal storage materials. Learn more about our concentrating solar power research laboratory capabilities.
Electric Infrastructure Systems
We have laboratory capabilities for interconnection and systems integration testing to assist industry in the development of distributed power systems. Learn more about our electric infrastructure systems research testing facilities.
Hydrogen and Fuel Cells
We have extensive state-of-the-art laboratory test facilities for conducting hydrogen and fuel cells research. Our lab capabilities include testing distributed power systems, and other components and systems for hydrogen production and storage. Learn more about our hydrogen and fuel cells research facilities.
Photovoltaics
Our photovoltaic (PV) research facilities and labs provide the opportunity to make significant advances in PV technology, and to work on site with peer experts in research, development, and testing. Learn more about our PV research facilities.
Wind
At the National Wind Technology Center, wind turbine developers can work side by side with NREL researchers to create advanced wind systems. Facilities are also available to manufacturers, wind plant operators, and utilities for research and technical support. Learn more about our wind research facilities.
