• GEO DATA
  • SPECS
  • PROXIMITY
  • HUMAN

How to map alternative fuel infrastructure with your AI

Connect the NREL Energy Data MCP to your AI client. Once connected, your agent can pull specific station locations and technical details from the NREL database.

Ask AI about this page

Short answer

How can I map alternative fuel infrastructure with my AI?

Your AI uses NREL data to find and retrieve metadata for EV and hydrogen stations. You'll get precise location details and fuel types to build your maps. This breakdown shows how the tools work.

Data outcomes

What you get

The specific outputs your AI generates from the NREL feed.

GEO DATA

Station coordinates

The AI pulls latitude and longitude for stations. You get the exact points needed for mapping.

SPECS

Fuel type details

Your agent identifies if a site supports hydrogen or EV. It extracts hardware capabilities from the metadata.

PROXIMITY

Route planning

The AI finds the closest stations to a specific coordinate. This helps you spot gaps in the network.

HUMAN

Final map review

The AI provides the raw data and lists. You decide which locations to include in your final report.

The workflow

What your AI does when the data arrives.

The AI acts as a bridge between NREL's database and your specific mapping questions.

  1. Scan the network

    The AI scans the NREL dataset to find all registered alternative fuel sites.

    list_alt_fuel_stations

  2. Filter by location

    It narrows the search to specific regions or points to find nearby options.

    get_nearest_stations

  3. Extract metadata

    The agent pulls technical details for a specific station, including fuel types.

    get_station_details

  4. Synthesize results

    The AI organizes the station data into a clean format for your use.

    get_station_details

Try it

Copy these to start.

Use these prompts to begin your infrastructure analysis.

Starting points

Swap the bracketed locations and fuel types with your actual targets.

NREL Connector

You're all set. Choose your MCP client and follow the setup instructions.

Connector linkhttps://edge.vinkius.com/vk_preview_Na9bgA4nwhnalZcInCroU3LuW93H99ceWQeFcc60/mcp

Claude Desktop

Follow the steps below to connect in seconds.

  1. 1In Claude Desktop, open Settings → Connectors.
  2. 2Click “Add custom connector” and paste the connector link above as the remote MCP server URL.
  3. 3Click Add and start a new chat — NREL capabilities are ready to use.
Configuration · claude_desktop_config.jsonCopy
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "nrel-energy-data-mcp": {
      "url": "https://edge.vinkius.com/vk_preview_Na9bgA4nwhnalZcInCroU3LuW93H99ceWQeFcc60/mcp"
    }
  }
}
Copy into chat04

  • List all hydrogen stations in California.

  • Find the nearest EV charging stations to Los Angeles.

  • Get the full metadata for the charging station at [insert coordinates].

  • Identify all alternative fuel stations within 50 miles of Denver.

  • Claude
  • ChatGPT
  • Cursor
  • VS Code
  • Windsurf
  • Claude Code
  • JetBrains
  • Cline

Start here

Connect NREL Energy Data once, then ask.

One connection gives your AI access to the NREL dataset. Your credentials stay encrypted and secure.

Connect NREL Energy Data to your AI

FAQ

How this task behaves

  • 01

    Can the AI add new stations to the NREL database?

    No. The AI can only read and retrieve existing data from NREL. It cannot write or modify the source database.

  • 02

    Does the AI provide real-time availability of chargers?

    No. The AI retrieves the metadata provided by NREL, which includes station locations and types, but it does not track live charger occupancy.

  • 03

    Can I use this to find hydrogen stations?

    Yes. The AI can filter the dataset specifically for hydrogen infrastructure.

  • 04

    Will the AI create a visual map for me?

    No. The AI provides the station data and coordinates. You must paste that data into your preferred mapping tool to see a visual map.

  • 05

    Can the AI calculate the distance between two stations?

    Yes. The AI uses the station data to help you identify proximity and distance between points.

  • More questions about NREL Energy Data? The Connector page answers them. See everything the NREL Energy Data Connector can do

Connect NREL to Claude, Cursor, ChatGPT & more