NREL, an integral part of the National Bioenergy Center, is 'virtual' with no brick and mortar premises. Its primary objective is to further the cause of the government's initiatives in the field of creating alternative energy sources. But what are the areas in which NREL is functioning? It has several areas of expertise including developing renewable energy sources like solar, wind, biomass and geothermal power. It also fuels research and development in the field of creating biomass energy and biomass fuels as well as hydrogen fuel cells. It spends considerable resources to look for energy integration in buildings, electrical grids and electricity delivery systems. Also included are deploying alternate energy in building of transportation infrastructures. NREL studies and analyses markets, cost implications, profitability, planning and investment portfolios as well. 

NREL additionally is equipped with a Technology Transfer Office that assists lab scientists and engineers in the fields of practical application of alternate energies. The office also takes care of the livelihood of these expert staffers. There is an emerging trend of private-public partnerships where hundreds of collaborative projects have sprung up with the licensed technologies owned by the Laboratory and private enterprises. The private industry has recognized the immense expertise of NREL engineers and scientists and state-of-the art facilities which NREL has under its aegis and the private partnerships are a mere reflection of the trust the public has on the governmental initiatives.   Should you have more questions about NREL, they actually have an official homepage that you can check out.