The world faces multiple challenges in energy and sustainability presented by global megatrends and needs: growing urbanization; circular economy for materials and resources; economic competitiveness in a global economy; global well-being (a fair distribution of resources such as energy, water and raw materials); and increased autonomy in devices, systems and transportation. We will facilitate NREL and Mines collaboration in areas of our shared mission, whose combined capabilities can lead to innovative solutions for key global challenges, as well as a means to pursue funding opportunities to address them.

At the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), we focus on creative answers to today’s energy challenges. From breakthroughs in fundamental science to new clean technologies to integrated energy systems that power our lives, NREL researchers are transforming the way the nation and the world use energy.  NREL’s world-class research delivers foundational knowledge and innovations to advance the next generations of technology for renewable power, sustainable transportation, and energy efficiency. The research at NREL will also increase the security, resiliency, and reliability of electricity grids and enable advanced energy technologies to be integrated and operated effectively in infrastructure at all scales. For more information, visit our website at https://www.nrel.gov/.

The Colorado School of Mines located in Golden, Colorado is one of the top-rated Science and Engineering Schools in the country[1] with faculty that are both world-renowned researchers and accessible.[2]  Further, the Department of Chemistry annually hosts the American Chemical Society Green Chemistry and Sustainability Summer School.[3] Additionally, the front-range of the Rocky Mountains is a unique ecosystem of research activity with 33 national laboratories (one of the highest concentrations in the country)[4] including the National Renewable Energy Laboratory-NREL (~2 mile from campus), US Geological Survey-USGS (on-campus) and National Institute of Standards and Technologies –NIST (~18 miles) that have extensive interactions with Mines including, shared facilities, joint appointments, joint projects and co-advised students.

[1] https://www.payscale.com/college-salary-report/bachelors
[2] http://www.minesnewsroom.com/news/mines-ranked-second-nation-high-quality-professors 
[3] https://communities.acs.org/community/science/sustainability/green-chemistry-nexus-blog/blog/2019/08/14/setting-the-scene-blooming-green-chemists-and-the-acs-summer-school-experience
[4] http://www.metrodenver.org/mile-high-advantages/innovation/federal-laboratories/

Dr. Ryan Richards
Professor, Colorado School of Mines
Co-Lead, Mines/NREL Nexus
E-Mail: rrichard@mines.edu 

Dr. Ellen Morris
Professional V-University Program Leader
Co-Lead, Mines/NREL Nexus
E-Mail: Ellen.Morris@nrel.gov