Executive Energy Leadership Academy
NREL's Executive Energy Leadership Academy (Energy Execs) provides energy industry professionals and community leaders exclusive, in-depth information about NREL's research and programs so they can better design energy technologies at their organizations.
Participants travel to NREL's main campus in Golden, Colorado, for four multiday sessions held June–September.
While there is no cost to participate in the program, participants are responsible for their own travel and lodging expenses.
Learn more about Energy Execs by viewing the sample syllabus or emailing us at [email protected].
Applications for the 2025 program are now closed.
What You'll Learn
The Energy Execs program offers exclusive, behind-the-scenes experience at one of the nation's premier national laboratories, providing participants an in-depth look at energy technologies. Just as energy technology has advanced over the years, the program has continually evolved to incorporate the latest innovations and breakthroughs. Participants will gain access to:
- Briefings by world-renowned researchers and engineers
- Tours of state-of-the-art research laboratories
- Visits to energy installations.
Program Outcomes
Upon completing the program, participants will demonstrate what they've learned through a group project relating to the course content.
Eligibility and Requirements
Successful applicants must:
- Apply to the program using the link provided on this page each fall. NREL typically notifies applicants of their final status in mid-March.
- Commit to attending all sessions (dates below) in person at NREL's South Table Mountain campus in Golden, Colorado, and their organization must signify this commitment in its recommendation letter. Participants who miss sessions will be excluded from completing the program.
- Meet NREL's site access requirements, per U.S. Department of Energy regulations.
Program Dates and Location
The 2025 Energy Execs program will be held on the following dates:
- June 11–13
- July 16–18
- Aug. 20–22
- Sept. 24–26.
Session times are:
- Wednesdays and Thursdays: 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Friday: 8 a.m.–noon.
We recommend arriving the Tuesday before the first session and departing on Friday after the last session has concluded.
Find information about transportation and lodging near NREL's South Table Mountain campus.
In Their Own Words
Observations from previous Energy Execs program participants on the impact of this experience:
I thoroughly enjoyed participating in the NREL Energy Executives program. No matter how much you think you know about energy, there's always more to learn."
NREL Energy Execs is easily one of the best professional development opportunities I've been able to participate in. I came away with a more thorough understanding of not just my area of work in the energy space but of the next big frontiers across all of NREL's research areas. I now have the benefit of integrating that knowledge and systems thinking in my work. Energy Execs is a no-brainer for anyone working in energy."
It was amazing to witness firsthand the remarkable research and groundbreaking projects at NREL. Engaging with world-renowned researchers and engineers and gaining exclusive access to innovative laboratories provided an unparalleled, eye-opening experience. The strategic partnerships they have forged also left a lasting impression on me."
This program gave me the push I needed to get more excited about the technology and more motivated to explore what is possible. And that will only serve to improve outcomes, of that I am certain."
Energy Execs Graduates
Since its inception in 2007, the Energy Execs program has grown to include nearly 400 participants representing 39 U.S. states, one U.S. territory, and three countries. See the list of Energy Execs alumni sorted by program and year.
| State/Territory | Number of Participants |
|---|---|
| Washington | 2 |
| Oregon | 1 |
| California | 17 |
| Idaho | 2 |
| Nevada | 5 |
| Arizona | 6 |
| Utah | 1 |
| Colorado | 220 |
| New Mexico | 4 |
| Kansas | 1 |
| Oklahoma | 3 |
| Texas | 12 |
| Minnesota | 9 |
| Iowa | 1 |
| Missouri | 1 |
| Arkansas | 1 |
| Louisiana | 1 |
| Wisconsin | 8 |
| Illinois | 5 |
| Mississippi | 1 |
| Indiana | 2 |
| Michigan | 6 |
| Ohio | 8 |
| New York | 6 |
| New Hampshire | 1 |
| Massachusetts | 4 |
| Connecticut | 1 |
| New Jersey | 1 |
| Pennsylvania | 5 |
| Delaware | 1 |
| Maryland | 3 |
| West Virginia | 1 |
| Virginia | 9 |
| Washington, D.C. | 22 |
| North Carolina | 6 |
| Tennessee | 2 |
| Georgia | 3 |
| Florida | 5 |
| Alaska | 8 |
| Puerto Rico | 1 |
| International | 3 |
Are you an Energy Execs alumnus? Send your updated contact information to us at [email protected].
Contact
If you have any questions about Energy Execs, contact [email protected].
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Last Updated May 19, 2025