CSM and NREL have a history of working together on energy issues of concern to each, and the new agreement envisions a more formal, ongoing relationship, especially in three key areas

GOLDEN, COLO., DEC. 21, 2004 - The U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and the Colorado School of Mines (CSM) today took the first steps toward establishing a joint research institute, one of an anticipated series of partnerships between the two leading organizations for energy research.

NREL Director Richard Truly and CSM President John Trefny signed a Memorandum of Understanding, paving the way for a number of planned collaborative efforts, today at ceremony and reception on CSM's campus in Golden.

CSM and NREL have a history of working together on energy issues of concern to each, and the new agreement envisions a more formal, ongoing relationship, especially in three key areas:
-- Strategic initiatives for fuel cells, materials science and related research;
-- Programs for graduate education and business development;
-- Sharing staff and managing intellectual property, including jointly developed patents.

NREL is the U.S. Department of Energy's premier laboratory for renewable energy research and development and a leading laboratory for energy efficiency R&D. NREL is operated for DOE by Midwest Research Institute and Battelle.

Colorado School of Mines is a public research university internationally recognized for its leadership in engineering, applied science and related disciplines, with a special emphasis on the Earth and its resources. The school is the oldest public institution of higher learning to open its doors in Colorado and currently enrolls approximately 3,600 students.