The United States Department of Energy has recently unveiled plans to enhance two campuses of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) through funding provided by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). With a budget of $150 million, the improvement projects are aimed at bolstering research infrastructure and modernizing laboratory facilities.
Of the allocated funds, $93 million has been designated for the advancement of research infrastructure, which will involve constructing new and expanded facilities to facilitate technological advancements. Additionally, this investment will further support NREL's Advanced Research on Integrated Energy Systems (ARIES) research platform. ARIES focuses on advancing the nation's decarbonization objectives across various sectors, including the grid, buildings, transportation, and industrial domains.
The remaining $57 million will be utilized for laboratory renovations and addressing deferred maintenance. These upgrades will not only improve facilities for NREL researchers but also align with the laboratory's commitment to reducing overall emissions from its operations. By leading by example, NREL aims to contribute significantly to the fight against climate change and foster a more resilient and secure power grid.
Jennifer Granholm, the United States Secretary of Energy, expressed enthusiasm about this investment from President Biden's IRA. Granholm believes that the financial resources provided to NREL will empower the laboratory to effectively tackle climate change and play a crucial role in creating a sustainable future.
NREL's research spans various areas, with a particular focus on solar energy, energy storage, and grid modernization. In a recent report published by NREL, it was projected that solar and wind installations in the United States could account for between 40% and 62% of the country's total electricity generation by 2030. The report also outlines NREL's forecasts for cumulative solar and wind deployments, estimating a range of 350GW to 750GW between 2023 and 2030. Moreover, NREL anticipates that the total installed capacity of solar and wind energy in the United States by 2030 will fall within the range of 600GW to 1000GW. These projections account for potential barriers to deployment, as well as factors such as fuel prices and technology costs.
The improvements to NREL campuses, made possible by the IRA funding, reflect the United States' commitment to advancing renewable energy research and development. As the nation strives for a cleaner and more sustainable future, NREL's contributions in pioneering energy technologies and promoting environmental stewardship are expected to play a crucial role in achieving these goals.
