The DRI Renewable Energy Center (REC) is an organizational umbrella under which all the Institute's renewable energy (RE) research is conducted. The current focus of DRI’s RE research is on wind energy and hydrogen applications, with developing interests in bio-energy. Public outreach and education programs in RE are also included under the REC umbrella. A physical location for the REC is planned for development at DRI’s Dandini location in Reno, Nevada.

Mission

The mission of the DRI-REC is to promote and coordinate renewable energy research, development, demonstration, and deployment (RDD&D) activities undertaken by DRI faculty members and their partners in industry, academia, and governmental organizations. DRI strives to be a credible, independent authority regarding the benefits and limitations of renewable energy systems and their impacts upon the environment.

History

The DRI-REC concept began within the Nevada Southwest Energy Partnership (NSWEP) Program. NSWEP is a collaboration among the Nevada State Office of Energy (NSOE), the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), UNLV, UNR, and DRI. NSWEP funding is provided by DOE, and is managed by NREL.