A Colorado research lab largely responsible for the rise in solar in the United States gets renamed by the current federal administration. Does this mean a change of purpose? Is this a warning sign? Is this a shift that clouds the original purpose of this mountain facility in Golden Colorado?

Did you know that the founding of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) history was a byproduct of the 1973 global oil crisis and fuel import concerns? During that time it was originally called the Solar Energy Research Institute. In 1991, it took its long standing name of The National Renewable Energy Laboratory in order to reflect its broader research in renewable energy.

NREL has long been a powerhouse in clean energy research. Throughout its tenure, the lab has driven breakthroughs in solar energy innovation, wind turbine design optimization, energy systems integration, energy storage and flexible grid modeling, biofuels, alternative fuels, and efficiency technologies. It has also played a critical role in forming partnerships with industry and universities to commercialize those technologies, all while publishing influential modeling, baselines, and data that guide policy and investment decisions… until now?

In December 2025, the U.S. Department of Energy shocked the industry by issuing a name change to the Colorado research center,  rebranding it to the National Laboratory of the Rockies. The motive is to focus on all energy sources, and not just renewable energy. 

To no one’s surprise, this bold move has sparked pushback and major criticism. Critics, notably including many Colorado legislators, argue that the revision diminishes the significance of clean energy research, especially at a time when demand for clean energy innovation is higher than ever.

Renewable energy industries flourish through research-driven innovation. Removing resources and institutional support risks slowing critical breakthroughs while increasing reliance on foreign technology leaders.

Energy demand in the U.S. is at an all-time high, representing one of the most substantial increases in decades across both commercial and residential sectors. Businesses and families are using more power than ever before, and the rapid rise of artificial intelligence has become one of the largest drivers of electricity demand. When demand outpaces supply, costs are often passed on to consumers.

Renewable energy has proven to be a critical stabilizer for the power grid, helping meet growing energy dependence in the United States. This conversation extends beyond emissions, it’s about speed, scalability, cost control, and grid resilience.

Sandbox+ is of the mindset that renewable energy is not a trend, but rather it’s a foundation we can build on. We actively create practical solutions that help fellow Coloradans achieve energy independence by offering renewable energy pathways for homes, businesses, and farms, including agrivoltaics.

By investing in forward-thinking energy solutions and pairing them with craftsmanship, education, and community engagement, we remain committed to addressing today’s challenges and preparing for those that lie ahead.

What are your thoughts on the sudden name change?

What other changes do you expect the U.S. Department of Energy to make?

Do you anticipate changes to the research priorities or operational processes of the newly named facility?