On May.7 2015, Dr. Dan Arvizu, director and Chief Executive of the U.S. DOE Renewable Energy Laboratory(NREL) paid a visit to Shanghai Branch CAS and had a discussion with researchers on renewable energy. Zhu Zhiyuan, president of Shanghai Branch CAS, Dai Ning, Vice director of Shanghai Institute of Technical Physics joined the meeting.

During the meeting, it is agreed that the world is facing serious environment challenges and increasing energy demands, that both sides should strengthen the discussion and collaboration to advance the communication of scientists, trying to provide a solution for future energy development and environment through renewable energy.

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), located in Golden, Colorado, is the United States' primary laboratory for renewable energy and energy efficiency research and development. NREL is a government-owned, contractor-operated facility, and is funded through the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).