Front Range becoming energy-research mecca

Golden-based National Renewable Energy Lab started it 25 years ago

From Golden to Laramie and spinning off in every direction in between is a vibrant and growing phenomenon: energy research.

The northern Front Range is home to federal agencies, state universities and numerous private companies buzzing with research on just about every form of energy. From the traditional energy sources of oil, gas and coal to biomass, hybrid cars and photovoltaic cells, the region has developed into a significant cluster of energy research facilities.

Both Colorado and Wyoming have histories rich with minerals and petroleum. Institutions like the Colorado School of Mines and…