DOD Needs a Better View of NREL

And not just DOD, but DOD at least. Here's why it's worth getting to know the National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL) better, according to a recent entrepreneur in residence:

First, NREL truly is “The National Renewable Energy Lab”. There is more breadth and depth of renewable energy and energy efficiency knowledge at NREL than any other institution on the planet. This alone is worth the price of admission.

Pretty impressive, and potentially quite helpful to an energy hungry DOD. So what's the hold-up? I think those familiar with government labs will have have seen this movie before:

Unfortunately, the admission price has never been posted and there have only been secret alley entrances with secured doors to gain access to the lab. The lesson here is that new interfaces need to be developed by the lab to better expose its collective knowledge and translate it to the marketplace more effectively (thus EIR and other programs).

Time to get busy. You can find the full write-up here.

Photo: DOE Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE)