Research Areas

NLR is advancing energy through science by leading research and development in these areas.

A researcher coats a fuel cell catalyst layer onto carbon-paper diffusion media.

Advanced Manufacturing

Our advanced manufacturing research develops materials and processes for energy technologies.

Researcher assembles a 3-electrode electrochemical microcell.

Basic Energy Sciences

We conduct foundational chemical and materials science for the next generation of energy technologies.

A researcher preparing reactions in a high throughput Parr chromatography system.

Bioenergy and Bioeconomy

Our bioenergy and bioeconomy research develops technologies that use America's biomass and waste resources.

Engineers examine a demonstration model of a Smart Glass product outside.

Buildings

We conduct research on energy systems for American buildings, including energy efficiency, load flexibility, and grid integration.

Four researchers working with a time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry.

Chemistry and Nanoscience

Our foundational research in materials science, chemistry, and nanoscience integrates capabilities from basic science to applied research—informed by iterative work with industry partners—to support the discovery and development of next-generation energy materials.

Three engineers use a 3D energy model to discuss potential energy loads of the proposed development growth.

Computational Science

We provide advanced computing systems and services—and support their use—for applied energy research while advancing mathematics and scientific computing for energy applications.

Researcher reviews and analysis tool projected on a wall.

Energy Systems Analysis

Our energy systems analysis provides actionable insights by integrating data, modeling, and expertise across sectors and systems.

The earth seen from space at night.

Energy Security and Resilience

Our energy security and resilience research examines energy systems vulnerabilities, including analysis of potential disruptions and recovery capabilities.

Researchers evaluate simulation stills of a battery in a 3-D visualization room.

Energy Storage

We conduct research on energy storage technologies with applications across multiple timescales and use cases.

Researcher examines a heat sensor.

Geothermal

We conduct geothermal research, including resource characterization; technology development; and providing access to data on power, heating, cooling, and storage applications.

Two researchers review a large projection of a multi-timescale simulation environment.

Grid Modernization

Our grid modernization research develops and applies technologies, tools, and technical expertise for power grid planning and operations at every scale.

An engineer and a scientist work in the Sensor Lab.

Hydrogen and Fuel Cells

We research technologies that make, store, move, and use hydrogen across multiple energy sectors.

A researchers reviews information on a tablet inside a greenhouse.

International Activities

We collaborate with global partners by applying U.S. research and technical expertise to examine energy reliability, access, and critical supply chains.

Six authors pose together. The person in front holds a sample of a switchable photovoltaic window.

Materials Science

We conduct materials science discovery and problem-solving for next-generation energy sources and technologies.

Volunteers assemble and install a floating PV array.

Solar

Our solar energy research includes next-generation solar technologies for national security applications and emerging industries.

Silhoutted workshop participants with large windows showing mountains in the background.

State, Local, and Tribal Governments

NLR partners with state, local, and Tribal organizations to deliver customized, data-driven support for local energy planning and analysis.

Two people wearing eye protection look at a laptop propped on the hood of an electric vehicle as it charges inside a laboratory.

Transportation and Mobility

Our transportation and mobility research develops technologies to move people and goods across America.

A large buoy in the ocean near a coastline featuring tall mountains.

Water

Our water research program leverages specialized facilities, capabilities, and design tools for hydropower and marine energy research.

Three software co-authors stand underneath large wind turbine blades in a field outside.

Wind

We use our testing facilities and computational tools to examine fundamental cross-disciplinary challenges in wind energy systems.

A mentor and an intern looking at equipment.

Workforce

We support the energy workforce by analyzing industry needs, fostering key partnerships, developing educational resources, and building capacity.

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Last Updated Feb. 18, 2026