U.S. energy secretary issues statement on new NREL leadership

U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz released a statement on Tuesday regarding the appointment of Martin Keller as the director of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, welcoming him to the position.

“Martin’s track record in building links between the basic sciences and our nation’s energy challenges will help NREL reinforce its place as the world’s leading laboratory for renewable energy and energy efficiency research and development,” Moniz said.

He will take on the role beginning Nov. 30 of this year. Prior to this appointment, Keller served as the associate director for energy and environmental sciences with the Oak Ridge National Laboratory. He earned his doctorate in microbiology from the University of Regensburg in Germany and was appointed as a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science in 2013.

Keller’s predecessor, Dan Arvisu, announced that he would be retiring from the position in March after serving as director for 10 years.

"As director, Dan helped to bolster America's research efforts in renewable energy and energy efficiency, and Martin will continue that effort, further advancing America's low-carbon economy,” Moniz said. “We look forward to seeing the important innovations NREL will put forth in our national interest under this renewal of strong leadership.”