National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR) is the U.S. Department of Energy's primary national laboratory for energy systems research and development. Located in Golden, Colorado, the facility was originally founded in 1977 as the Solar Energy Research Institute before operating for decades as the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). In December 2025, the Department of Energy officially renamed the institution to reflect a broader applied energy mission that moves beyond strictly renewable sources. Today, the laboratory's multidisciplinary staff bridges foundational science with real-world applications to lower costs, secure the grid, and drive economic growth. Through strategic partnerships, NLR continues to develop and scale innovative technologies spanning advanced materials, sustainable transportation, and national energy security.

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