Director’s Corner

by Brian Anderson, Ph.D.

Although there is undeniable uniqueness at every one of our nation’s Department of Energy national laboratories that reflect each one’s specific mission, NETL has a particular distinction that elevates its ability to work with the private sector to advance energy research goals and make steady progress on our shared mission to economically and equitably decarbonize our economy.

All the laboratories are government-owned, but NETL is the only one that is government-owned and government-operated (GOGO). The other 16 labs are operated by contractors that were selected through rigorous processes. They are, therefore, categorized as government-owned, contractor-operated (GOCOs) facilities.

GOCO labs that have contributed so much to U.S. research efforts over the decades are efficiently and carefully operated by private sector contractors. But the GOGO model as executed at NETL, presents flexibility efforts that represent real advantages for private sector entities that partner with us on targeted research projects.

For example, under the GOGO model, NETL can:

• Serve the public as its honest broker for research information, providing unbiased science-based analysis of technologies and energy policies.
• Function as a full-service laboratory featuring in-house expertise and capabilities that include project management, legal acquisition and assistance, finance and research and development.
• Work on intramural and extramural research providing full-spectrum technical leadership to large, multi-partner DOE research initiatives.
• Convene and exercise tactical, strategic, and decisional authorities to address high-priority national interest issues that require focused technology research, development, demonstration, and deployment and engagement of the best available resources.
• Maintain deep expertise to inform procurement decisions while maintaining a project portfolio that includes research and development conducted through extramural partnership, cooperative research and development agreements, financial assistance, grants and contractual arrangements.

These may seem like subtle differences to the average citizen, but they represent advantages that can often make the difference when a good idea for a cleaner energy future faces an unclear path to reality.

NETL takes advantage of its GOGO distinction in three labs across the U.S. that pursue more than 1,000 research projects in 50 states worth more than $5 billion. We remain proud of our uniqueness and our sold track record in helping advance technologies that will bring a better future to all Americans.