The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in Golden, Colorado will enjoy $110 million in funding under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, otherwise known as Obama’s stimulus package. Energy Secretary Steven Chu was personally on hand to usher in the funding.

Photo Credit: labworks.org

Details of the funding awarded to NREL include:

• $68 million to complete construction of the laboratory’s research facilities, which will greatly increase its capacity to research renewable energy technologies.
• $19.2 million is for renewable energy systems onsite, including geothermal and solar, to power the laboratory.
• $13.5 million goes to its Integrated Biorefinery Research Facility, aimed at expanding its biomass-to-ethanol research abilities.
• $10 million will go to NREL’s Wind Technology Center.

This was Energy Secretary Chu’s first visit to NREL, with Colorado Governor Bill Ritter along for the ride. Chu reiterated President Obama’s goal of doubling U.S. renewable energy output within three years, signifying this funding as a positive start. For solar enthusiasts it marks a visible output of stimulus funding for which many solar companies and taxpayers await with bated breath.

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Posted on May 6th in Solar News by Dan.