In a move that has sparked debate across the energy sector and political circles, the Trump administration has officially removed the word “renewable” from the title of the U.S. Department of Energy’s flagship energy research facility. Formerly known as the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in Golden, Colorado, the laboratory will now be called the National Laboratory of the Rockies, according to the lab’s website.

The decision reflects the administration’s ongoing emphasis on fossil fuels and conventional energy sources, signaling a shift away from solar, wind, and other renewable technologies that have been central to U.S. energy research for decades.

Founded during the 1970s energy crisis, the lab initially opened as the Solar Energy Research Institute under President Gerald Ford, in response to the Arab oil embargo that exposed U.S. vulnerabilities in energy security. The institute was later renamed the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in 1991 by President George H.W. Bush, broadening its scope to include wind, solar, bioenergy, and energy efficiency research.

For more than 30 years, NREL has been a cornerstone of clean energy innovation, driving advancements in solar panel efficiency, large-scale wind turbines, energy storage solutions, and smart grid technology. Its research has been pivotal for both public and private sectors, helping the United States compete globally in the rapidly growing renewable energy market.

The Department of Energy said the name change reflects the Trump administration’s focus on “applied energy research” that includes all energy sources, not just renewables. Officials claim the rebranding removes what they describe as “preferential treatment” for renewable energy projects and aligns the lab’s mission with broader national energy priorities.

This change is consistent with other Trump-era policies, such as:

Critics argue these measures slow the growth of clean energy infrastructure and undermine U.S. leadership in the global renewable energy transition.

Colorado Senator Michael Bennet, a Democrat, voiced concerns over the renaming but emphasized the lab’s continued importance in energy innovation. He stated:

Environmental groups and clean energy advocates warned that removing “renewable” from the lab’s name could discourage future investment in solar, wind, and other sustainable technologies, potentially slowing progress toward national and international climate goals.

The renaming raises questions about the lab’s future focus. While the facility will continue energy research, some analysts worry that projects directly related to solar energy, wind power, and energy storage innovation may receive less attention or funding.

This shift comes at a critical moment. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), renewable energy accounted for nearly 30% of global electricity generation in 2024, with solar and wind technologies leading growth. The United States risks falling behind international competitors in clean energy development if renewable priorities are deprioritized.

Despite this, NREL—now the National Laboratory of the Rockies—remains a hub for cutting-edge research in energy efficiency, battery storage, smart grids, and decarbonization technologies, all crucial for ensuring long-term energy security and economic competitiveness.

The renaming is more than symbolic; it underscores the administration’s energy policy philosophy, which prioritizes fossil fuels over renewables while maintaining research on energy efficiency and applied energy solutions. Moving forward, the laboratory’s research output and funding priorities will be closely watched by scientists, industry leaders, and investors alike.

Analysts emphasize that the United States must balance fossil fuel development with continued investment in renewable energy technologies. Maintaining leadership in solar, wind, and other clean energy sectors is essential not only for economic growth but also for meeting climate change mitigation goals and ensuring energy independence.