Technology Recycling and Repurposing Collegiate Competition

NLR's Technology Recycling and Repurposing (T-ReX) Competition challenges students to find creative yet practical ways to recycle or repurpose retired energy components and materials.

The T-ReX Collegiate Competition challenges students to find practical ways to recycle or repurpose retired energy components. By showing students how to unlock value from decommissioned energy technologies, this competition brings critical recycling lessons into classrooms to train the future workforce and strengthen domestic manufacturing, critical mineral and material supply chains, and U.S. innovation.

The competition is designed to increase student awareness and knowledge about:

• Practical solutions that help communities and project owners meet the challenges of retiring energy projects while ensuring land is used responsibly

• Solutions to local government concerns related to unexpected costs when energy projects reach the end of their service period by encouraging better planning from the start

• The benefits of recycling and repurposing energy equipment instead of sending it to landfills.

Student teams from a variety of disciplines and institutions across the United States are invited to participate in either the Recycling Track or the Repurposing Track.

Challenges

The T-ReX competition comprises two sequential phases, one each in the fall and spring semesters.

During Phase 1: Project Conception, teams propose an idea for recycling or repurposing specific technology parts or materials. During the fall semester, they also complete a Community Connections Challenge by engaging with energy companies and local communities to understand the challenges they face with retiring energy projects. Teams invited to continue into Phase 2 will be chosen based on a set of criteria related to the creativity, practicality, and safety of their work in Phase 1.

During Phase 2: Design Execution, selected teams that choose to continue with the competition must first complete safety requirements. Then, they have the option to select parts and materials from available energy technologies, which will be shipped to them. During the spring semester, they transform their ideas into practical, hands-on projects that enhance knowledge of real-world applications for reuse. Again, teams simultaneously complete a Community Connections Challenge, implementing an outreach activity to share the importance of recycling or repurposing energy equipment. Teams present their project results at the final event to judges, who will select and announce winners.

Timeline

• July 14–Sept. 30, 2026: Applications submitted

• October 2026: Phase 1 selections announced

• October–Dec. 3, 2026: Teams complete Phase 1

• Dec. 11, 2026: Virtual event, Phase 2 selections announced

• Jan. 6–7, 2027: Mid-year event at NLR

• Jan. 25–May 6, 2027: Teams complete Phase 2

• Week of May 10, 2027: Final event, winners announced

Support and Funding

The competition is supported by the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Critical Minerals and Energy Innovation.

Teams participating in Phase 1 may apply for $5,000 in seed grant support and have access to educational webinars and office hours with NLR staff, industry mentors, and other experts. Teams who participate in Phase 2 will have access to seed grant opportunities and shipment of their chosen technology part or materials as well as 4 hours of technical support from NLR staff. Teams that do not opt to participate in Phase 2 will also have access to seed grant opportunities to continue their work independently.

Workforce Development

The intention of the competition is to help academic institutions incorporate hands-on experience with classroom learning about recycling and repurposing materials and components from the energy industry. The competition gives students hands-on experience with project proposals, technology designs, and development.

During the competition, students gain access to NLR researchers and facilities and engage with communities, businesses, and other teams. They also have access to webinars and resources from experts in a variety of relevant fields. At the final event, students will have the opportunity to meet and network with industry representatives who also make up the panel of competition judges.

Industry representatives interested in getting involved are encouraged to contact NLR.

Contact