Economic Impacts and Business Opportunities
NREL contributes to the local and national economy in various ways. We are one of the largest employers in Jefferson County, Colorado, and we provide business opportunities for small businesses and large corporations alike.
Economic Impact
The economic impact of NREL operations on the nation totaled $872 million and in Colorado, totaled $701 million in fiscal year 2014. NREL is a top ten employer in Jefferson County where the economic benefit totaled $275 million in 2014.
Economic Benefit
NREL held 195 licensing agreements in 2014, resulting in the transfer of 166 new technologies for commercialization. NREL's research has resulted in 440 U.S. patents in the clean-energy industry.
Economic Forums
To attract clean-energy companies to the area, NREL provides technical counseling, special workshops and forums, speakers, and host visits for these organizations.
Read NREL's summary report and case studies demonstrating NREL's impact on the clean energy industry.
Download the full report: NREL's Economic Contribution of Operations and Capital Investments on the Region, the State of Colorado, and the Nation, FY 2012 – FY 2014.
Small Businesses, Subcontractors, and Vendors
We provide opportunities for small, disadvantaged, women-owned, HUBZone, and veteran-owned businesses. Become an NREL vendor or subcontractor.
Business Leaders
Discover NREL's Executive Energy Leadership Academy, an opportunity for non-technical decision-makers to learn about renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies, analytical tools, and financing.
Economic Recovery
NREL has a strong track record of helping communities recover from disasters such as tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes, and tsunamis. Learn how we have contributed to rebuilding efforts in Greensburg, Kansas; New York and New Jersey; and New Orleans, Louisiana.