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Our History Powers America's Future |
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For the last century, NETL has been on a quest to find energy answers. On May 16, 1910, the newly created U.S. Bureau of Mines established the Pittsburgh Experiment Station—NETL’s first predecessor organization—to improve mine safety. Since then, our laboratory has evolved from a regional organization with a single focus into a multi-faceted national laboratory within the Department of Energy. |
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| The late 1970s and early 1980s witnessed an electronic revolution in engineering practice. For the first time, microcomputers put unprecedented computing power in the hands of individuals. Sophisticated software allowed researchers to track the performance of gas wells over time and to build mathematical models that simulated reservoir behavior. One example was the software program Drilling Decision Tree System, which provided step-by-step guidance for making choices about locating and drilling gas wells in Devonian shales. Shown here, METC petroleum engineer Gary Covatch uses a computer program to monitor and analyze the results of fracturing experiments in a natural-gas field. |
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At NETL, science inspires us to embrace new perspectives and consider
the impossible as we seek unique solutions for specific problems. Our organization has evolved to meet national energy needs—from energy conservation efforts during the Great Depression, through urgent World
War II research into aviation fuels, to today's discovery of next-generation technologies that capture and store carbon emissions. |
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| Our laboratory has tackled such diverse technology challenges as air quality, including smog and acid rain; energy efficiency in our power plants, homes, and businesses; finding beneficial uses for the byproducts of coal-based power production; recovery of hard-to-reach domestic oil and natural gas supplies; and the mining and refining of rare metals for national defense and other applications. |
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NETL has come a long way, and the future holds promise. |
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Today, our researchers are developing technologies to manage man-made carbon dioxide emissions, reduce water use in our nation’s power plants,
and match renewable technologies with traditional energy sectors. They
are leading the fields of computational science; geologic, environmental, and energy systems; and technology commercialization. And, they are striving to tap the world’s methane hydrate stores, modernize our nation’s electric grid, and realize truly sustainable energy use. |
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We invite you to celebrate our first century of achievement and join us in looking forward to the next 100 years! |
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Timeline
Starting with the Pittsburgh Experiment Station—a regional agency dedicated to making coal mining safer—NETL’s roots branched into a nationwide network of research organizations. Experiment stations in Bartlesville, OK, Albany, OR, and Morgantown, WV, as well as a handful of smaller research facilities throughout the country, would eventually come together to form the National Energy Technology Laboratory, or NETL. View Timeline |
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100 Years of Energy Research
NETL: 100 Years of Energy Research marks NETL’s 100th anniversary by presenting an exciting look at a century of energy research. Sit back and enjoy the show as we celebrate NETL’s past efforts to enhance our nation’s energy future.
 Windows Media Video (WMV-182MB)
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A Century of Innovation
NETL: A Century of Innovation [PDF-35MB] chronicles NETL’s rich history, the evolution of our programs to meet the nation’s ever-changing energy needs, and the dedication of the NETL community to solving new energy challenges. We hope you enjoy traveling the path NETL has taken to become today’s energy innovator. |
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Historic Highlights
As we spotlight a century of energy research, enjoy our collection of memorabilia from the NETL vault. |
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