<?xml version="1.0" encoding="US-ASCII"?>
<!--XBRL Document Created with Wdesk from Workiva-->
<!-- -->
<link:linkbase xsi:schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase http://www.xbrl.org/2003/xbrl-linkbase-2003-12-31.xsd" xmlns:link="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance">
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/AccountingForDerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesAociDetails" xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#AccountingForDerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesAociDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/AccountingForDerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesFvOfDerivativesDetails" xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#AccountingForDerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesFvOfDerivativesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/AccountingForDerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesImpactOnStatementOfOperationsDetails" xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#AccountingForDerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesImpactOnStatementOfOperationsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/AccountingForDerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesNotes" xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#AccountingForDerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesNotes" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/AccountingForDerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesTables" xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#AccountingForDerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/AssetImpairmentsAssetImpairmentsDetails" xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#AssetImpairmentsAssetImpairmentsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/AssetImpairmentsAssetImpairmentsNotes" xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#AssetImpairmentsAssetImpairmentsNotes" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/AssetImpairmentsAssetImpairmentsTables" xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#AssetImpairmentsAssetImpairmentsTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/BusinessAcquisitions" xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#BusinessAcquisitions" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/BusinessAcquisitionsBuckthornDropDownDetails" xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#BusinessAcquisitionsBuckthornDropDownDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/BusinessAcquisitionsBusinessAcquisitionsCvsrDetails" xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#BusinessAcquisitionsBusinessAcquisitionsCvsrDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/BusinessAcquisitionsBusinessAcquisitionsMarch2017DropDownDetails" xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#BusinessAcquisitionsBusinessAcquisitionsMarch2017DropDownDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/BusinessAcquisitionsDesertSunlightSpringCanyonfuelCellDetails" xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#BusinessAcquisitionsDesertSunlightSpringCanyonfuelCellDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/BusinessAcquisitionsJanuary2015DropDownsDetails" xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#BusinessAcquisitionsJanuary2015DropDownsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/BusinessAcquisitionsNovember2015DropDownDetails" xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#BusinessAcquisitionsNovember2015DropDownDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/BusinessAcquisitionsNovember2017DropDownDetails" xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#BusinessAcquisitionsNovember2017DropDownDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/BusinessAcquisitionsTables" xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#BusinessAcquisitionsTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingenciesDetails" xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#CommitmentsAndContingenciesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingenciesNotes" xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#CommitmentsAndContingenciesNotes" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingenciesTables" xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#CommitmentsAndContingenciesTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationCondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformation" xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationCondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformation" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationCondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationCondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationDetails" xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationCondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationCondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationCondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationTables" xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationCondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationCpBalanceSheetCondensedConsolidatingCpBalanceSheetNotes" xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationCpBalanceSheetCondensedConsolidatingCpBalanceSheetNotes" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationCpBalanceSheetCondensedConsolidatingCpBalanceSheetTables" xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationCpBalanceSheetCondensedConsolidatingCpBalanceSheetTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationCpBalanceSheetDetails" xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationCpBalanceSheetDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationCpCashFlowsCondensedConsolidatingCpCashFlowsNotes" xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationCpCashFlowsCondensedConsolidatingCpCashFlowsNotes" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationCpCashFlowsCondensedConsolidatingCpCashFlowsTables" xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationCpCashFlowsCondensedConsolidatingCpCashFlowsTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationCpCashFlowsDetails" xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationCpCashFlowsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationCpComprehensiveIncomeCondensedConsolidatingCpComprehensiveIncomeTables" xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationCpComprehensiveIncomeCondensedConsolidatingCpComprehensiveIncomeTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationCpComprehensiveIncomeCondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationCpComprehensiveIncomeNotes" xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationCpComprehensiveIncomeCondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationCpComprehensiveIncomeNotes" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationCpComprehensiveIncomeDetails" xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationCpComprehensiveIncomeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationCpIncomeStatementCondensedIncomeStatementTables" xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationCpIncomeStatementCondensedIncomeStatementTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationCpIncomeStatementCpIncomeStatementNotes" xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationCpIncomeStatementCpIncomeStatementNotes" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationCpIncomeStatementDetails" xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationCpIncomeStatementDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationPp2CashFlowsDetails" xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationPp2CashFlowsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationPp2CashFlowsNotes" xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationPp2CashFlowsNotes" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationPp2CashFlowsTables" xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationPp2CashFlowsTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationPp2ComprehensiveIncomeDetails" xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationPp2ComprehensiveIncomeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationPp2ComprehensiveIncomeNotes" xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationPp2ComprehensiveIncomeNotes" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationPp2ComprehensiveIncomeTables" xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationPp2ComprehensiveIncomeTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationPp2IncomeStatementDetails" xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationPp2IncomeStatementDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationPp2IncomeStatementNotes" xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationPp2IncomeStatementNotes" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationPp2IncomeStatementTables" xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationPp2IncomeStatementTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationPpBalanceSheetCondensedConsolidatingPpBalanceSheetNotes" xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationPpBalanceSheetCondensedConsolidatingPpBalanceSheetNotes" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationPpBalanceSheetCondensedConsolidatingPpBalanceSheetTables" xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationPpBalanceSheetCondensedConsolidatingPpBalanceSheetTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationPpBalanceSheetDetails" xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationPpBalanceSheetDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationPpCashFlowsCondensedConsolidatingPpCashFlowsNotes" xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationPpCashFlowsCondensedConsolidatingPpCashFlowsNotes" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationPpCashFlowsCondensedConsolidatingPpCashFlowsTables" xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationPpCashFlowsCondensedConsolidatingPpCashFlowsTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationPpCashFlowsDetails" xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationPpCashFlowsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationPpComprehensiveIncomeCondensedConsolidatingPpComprehensiveIncomeNotes" xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationPpComprehensiveIncomeCondensedConsolidatingPpComprehensiveIncomeNotes" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationPpComprehensiveIncomeCondensedConsolidatingPpComprehensiveIncomeTables" xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationPpComprehensiveIncomeCondensedConsolidatingPpComprehensiveIncomeTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationPpComprehensiveIncomeDetails" xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationPpComprehensiveIncomeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationPpIncomeStatementCondensedConsolidatingPpIncomeStatementNotes" xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationPpIncomeStatementCondensedConsolidatingPpIncomeStatementNotes" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationPpIncomeStatementCondensedConsolidatingPpIncomeStatementTables" xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationPpIncomeStatementCondensedConsolidatingPpIncomeStatementTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationPpIncomeStatementDetails" xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationPpIncomeStatementDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheets" xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#ConsolidatedBalanceSheets" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical" xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#ConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows" xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#ConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncome" xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#ConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncome" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfMembersEquityStatement" xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#ConsolidatedStatementsOfMembersEquityStatement" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfOperations" xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#ConsolidatedStatementsOfOperations" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/DocumentAndEntityInformation" xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#DocumentAndEntityInformation" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/EquityMethodInvestmentsAndVies" xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#EquityMethodInvestmentsAndVies" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/EquityMethodInvestmentsAndViesEquityMethodInvestmentsAndViesDetails" xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#EquityMethodInvestmentsAndViesEquityMethodInvestmentsAndViesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/EquityMethodInvestmentsAndViesEquityMethodInvestmentsAndViesEntitiesThatAreNotConsolidatedDetails" xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#EquityMethodInvestmentsAndViesEquityMethodInvestmentsAndViesEntitiesThatAreNotConsolidatedDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/EquityMethodInvestmentsAndViesEquityMethodInvestmentsAndViesSummaryTableDetails" xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#EquityMethodInvestmentsAndViesEquityMethodInvestmentsAndViesSummaryTableDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/EquityMethodInvestmentsAndViesEquityMethodInvestmentsAndViesViesThatAreConsolidatedDetails" xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#EquityMethodInvestmentsAndViesEquityMethodInvestmentsAndViesViesThatAreConsolidatedDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/EquityMethodInvestmentsAndViesEquityMethodInvestmentsAndViesViesThatAreNotConsolidatedDetails" xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#EquityMethodInvestmentsAndViesEquityMethodInvestmentsAndViesViesThatAreNotConsolidatedDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/EquityMethodInvestmentsAndViesTables" xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#EquityMethodInvestmentsAndViesTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/FairValueOfFinancialInstruments" xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#FairValueOfFinancialInstruments" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsFairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsBalanceSheetGroupingDetails" xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsFairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsBalanceSheetGroupingDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsFairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsCreditRiskAndDerivativeFvMeasurementsDetails" xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsFairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsCreditRiskAndDerivativeFvMeasurementsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsFairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsRecurringFairValueDetails" xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsFairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsRecurringFairValueDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsTables" xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/IntangibleAssetsIntangibleAssetsDetails" xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#IntangibleAssetsIntangibleAssetsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/IntangibleAssetsIntangibleAssetsNotes" xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#IntangibleAssetsIntangibleAssetsNotes" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/IntangibleAssetsIntangibleAssetsTables" xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#IntangibleAssetsIntangibleAssetsTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/LongTermDebt" xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#LongTermDebt" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/LongTermDebtCorporateDebtDetails" xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#LongTermDebtCorporateDebtDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/LongTermDebtDebtTableDetails" xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#LongTermDebtDebtTableDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/LongTermDebtLongTermDebtAvenalAltaDetails" xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#LongTermDebtLongTermDebtAvenalAltaDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/LongTermDebtLongTermDebtNovember2017DropDownDetails" xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#LongTermDebtLongTermDebtNovember2017DropDownDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/LongTermDebtLongTermDebtSwapsMaturitiesDetails" xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#LongTermDebtLongTermDebtSwapsMaturitiesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/LongTermDebtLongTermDebtThermalCvsrDetails" xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#LongTermDebtLongTermDebtThermalCvsrDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/LongTermDebtMarchDropDownDetails" xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#LongTermDebtMarchDropDownDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/LongTermDebtTables" xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#LongTermDebtTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/MembersEquityDetails" xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#MembersEquityDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/MembersEquityNotes" xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#MembersEquityNotes" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/MembersEquityTables" xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#MembersEquityTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/NatureOfBusiness" xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#NatureOfBusiness" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/NatureOfBusinessDetails" xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#NatureOfBusinessDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/NatureOfBusinessNatureOfBusinessTables" xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#NatureOfBusinessNatureOfBusinessTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/PropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#PropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/PropertyPlantAndEquipmentDetails" xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#PropertyPlantAndEquipmentDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTables" xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/RelatedPartyTransactions" xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#RelatedPartyTransactions" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/RelatedPartyTransactionsCvsrDetails" xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#RelatedPartyTransactionsCvsrDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/RelatedPartyTransactionsDetails" xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#RelatedPartyTransactionsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/RelatedPartyTransactionsElSegundoDetails" xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#RelatedPartyTransactionsElSegundoDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/RelatedPartyTransactionsNrgAndDoverDetails" xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#RelatedPartyTransactionsNrgAndDoverDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/RelatedPartyTransactionsOmGenconnDetails" xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#RelatedPartyTransactionsOmGenconnDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/RelatedPartyTransactionsOmThermalDetails" xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#RelatedPartyTransactionsOmThermalDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/SegmentReporting" xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#SegmentReporting" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/SegmentReportingDetails" xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#SegmentReportingDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/SegmentReportingSegmentReportingPolicies" xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#SegmentReportingSegmentReportingPolicies" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/SegmentReportingTables" xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#SegmentReportingTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicies" xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicies" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAroDetails" xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAroDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesDetails" xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesNoncontrollingInterestDisclosureTables" xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesNoncontrollingInterestDisclosureTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesRestrictedCashDetails" xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesRestrictedCashDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies" xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/UnauditedQuarterlyFinancialDataDetails" xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#UnauditedQuarterlyFinancialDataDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/UnauditedQuarterlyFinancialDataNotes" xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#UnauditedQuarterlyFinancialDataNotes" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/UnauditedQuarterlyFinancialDataTables" xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#UnauditedQuarterlyFinancialDataTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/lrr/role/negated-2009-12-16.xsd#negatedLabel" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedNetLabel" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/lrr/role/negated-2009-12-16.xsd#negatedNetLabel" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedPeriodEndLabel" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/lrr/role/negated-2009-12-16.xsd#negatedPeriodEndLabel" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedPeriodStartLabel" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/lrr/role/negated-2009-12-16.xsd#negatedPeriodStartLabel" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/lrr/role/negated-2009-12-16.xsd#negatedTerseLabel" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTotalLabel" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/lrr/role/negated-2009-12-16.xsd#negatedTotalLabel" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/netLabel" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/lrr/role/net-2009-12-16.xsd#netLabel" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/AccountingForDerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesAociDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract_CBF4ABA757398EC905A682466181C117" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_12B4B04D4DF66DDFE9B0824661813F2C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract_CBF4ABA757398EC905A682466181C117" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_12B4B04D4DF66DDFE9B0824661813F2C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_F96373B29D55E8C5ED31824661810570" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_12B4B04D4DF66DDFE9B0824661813F2C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_F96373B29D55E8C5ED31824661810570" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_A19F98707BD41F1F6F8F824661811B61" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_F96373B29D55E8C5ED31824661810570" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_A19F98707BD41F1F6F8F824661811B61" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SuccessorMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SuccessorMember_C2FBE901FD4AE805B98C82466181F58D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_A19F98707BD41F1F6F8F824661811B61" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SuccessorMember_C2FBE901FD4AE805B98C82466181F58D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_935A915EEF1E4FABEC59824661814DAA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_12B4B04D4DF66DDFE9B0824661813F2C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_935A915EEF1E4FABEC59824661814DAA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_E9C351B4245009A2D67F824661810ECD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_935A915EEF1E4FABEC59824661814DAA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_E9C351B4245009A2D67F824661810ECD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember_DD1A542C9EA4A257863E82466181866C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_E9C351B4245009A2D67F824661810ECD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember_DD1A542C9EA4A257863E82466181866C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeAxis_B8A4D50A1D0463C6A93B824661914420" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_12B4B04D4DF66DDFE9B0824661813F2C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeAxis_B8A4D50A1D0463C6A93B824661914420" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeDomain_AAC223F43E3E6DD2681782466191D9CA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeAxis_B8A4D50A1D0463C6A93B824661914420" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeDomain_AAC223F43E3E6DD2681782466191D9CA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_D05820F352EC43E0615282466191F094" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeDomain_AAC223F43E3E6DD2681782466191D9CA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_D05820F352EC43E0615282466191F094" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_884228A7B2547472AADD82466191FD47" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_12B4B04D4DF66DDFE9B0824661813F2C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_884228A7B2547472AADD82466191FD47" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeCollateralRightToReclaimCash" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeCollateralRightToReclaimCash_2F9D32F9938A4BADA5C2824661915EAC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_884228A7B2547472AADD82466191FD47" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeCollateralRightToReclaimCash_2F9D32F9938A4BADA5C2824661915EAC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeCollateralObligationToReturnCash" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeCollateralObligationToReturnCash_04C16D0F2E98211BD46D824661918620" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_884228A7B2547472AADD82466191FD47" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeCollateralObligationToReturnCash_04C16D0F2E98211BD46D824661918620" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossCumulativeChangesInNetGainLossFromCashFlowHedgesEffectNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossCumulativeChangesInNetGainLossFromCashFlowHedgesEffectNetOfTax_1DD79A6D5FA67311EEB2824661913291" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_884228A7B2547472AADD82466191FD47" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossCumulativeChangesInNetGainLossFromCashFlowHedgesEffectNetOfTax_1DD79A6D5FA67311EEB2824661913291" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossReclassifiedFromAccumulatedOCIIntoIncomeEffectivePortionNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossReclassifiedFromAccumulatedOCIIntoIncomeEffectivePortionNet_CDE44FDA3165A945BC2082466191DE92" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_884228A7B2547472AADD82466191FD47" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossReclassifiedFromAccumulatedOCIIntoIncomeEffectivePortionNet_CDE44FDA3165A945BC2082466191DE92" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedGainLossOnDerivativesArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedGainLossOnDerivativesArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax_4EF49140B8DE4466F73282466191D182" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_884228A7B2547472AADD82466191FD47" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedGainLossOnDerivativesArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax_4EF49140B8DE4466F73282466191D182" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashFlowHedgeGainLossToBeReclassifiedWithinTwelveMonths" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashFlowHedgeGainLossToBeReclassifiedWithinTwelveMonths_E205019D565BF43991B1824661914095" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_884228A7B2547472AADD82466191FD47" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashFlowHedgeGainLossToBeReclassifiedWithinTwelveMonths_E205019D565BF43991B1824661914095" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/AccountingForDerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesFvOfDerivativesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract_01840FB772D69A83A6C3824661A0A399" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable_952DE72CC6CFB63CD7FB824661A031AB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract_01840FB772D69A83A6C3824661A0A399" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable_952DE72CC6CFB63CD7FB824661A031AB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis_A206D70DC2BCC097F534824661A0BBDC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable_952DE72CC6CFB63CD7FB824661A031AB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis_A206D70DC2BCC097F534824661A0BBDC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain_48DD9D1495CE864E8069824661A05649" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis_A206D70DC2BCC097F534824661A0BBDC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain_48DD9D1495CE864E8069824661A05649" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentMember_24AC10322518BBB50233824661A0732C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain_48DD9D1495CE864E8069824661A05649" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentMember_24AC10322518BBB50233824661A0732C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NondesignatedMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NondesignatedMember_B2F0005813926E2B7B27824661A0A426" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain_48DD9D1495CE864E8069824661A05649" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NondesignatedMember_B2F0005813926E2B7B27824661A0A426" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_568ECF377273D5D5CDFB824661A073FF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable_952DE72CC6CFB63CD7FB824661A031AB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_568ECF377273D5D5CDFB824661A073FF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_71FA84512C639BAEEBBB824661A01CEC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_568ECF377273D5D5CDFB824661A073FF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_71FA84512C639BAEEBBB824661A01CEC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommodityContractMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommodityContractMember_0D5B6162E40CAD70F885824661A001E5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_71FA84512C639BAEEBBB824661A01CEC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommodityContractMember_0D5B6162E40CAD70F885824661A001E5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestRateContractMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateContractMember_26647DCF313A2C30CA94824661A08B53" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_71FA84512C639BAEEBBB824661A01CEC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateContractMember_26647DCF313A2C30CA94824661A08B53" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_InterestRateContractCurrentMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_InterestRateContractCurrentMember_AC07365053885A99F0C5824661A0AB12" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_71FA84512C639BAEEBBB824661A01CEC" xlink:to="loc_nrg_InterestRateContractCurrentMember_AC07365053885A99F0C5824661A0AB12" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_InterestRateContractNonCurrentMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_InterestRateContractNonCurrentMember_5561E306609B20260C20824661A08AC4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_71FA84512C639BAEEBBB824661A01CEC" xlink:to="loc_nrg_InterestRateContractNonCurrentMember_5561E306609B20260C20824661A08AC4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_CommodityContractCurrentMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_CommodityContractCurrentMember_C3146FB2A19DE505A402824661A0C515" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_71FA84512C639BAEEBBB824661A01CEC" xlink:to="loc_nrg_CommodityContractCurrentMember_C3146FB2A19DE505A402824661A0C515" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_MeasurementUnitAxis" xlink:label="loc_nrg_MeasurementUnitAxis_E9C54B13239ACEB0F14E824661A02E37" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable_952DE72CC6CFB63CD7FB824661A031AB" xlink:to="loc_nrg_MeasurementUnitAxis_E9C54B13239ACEB0F14E824661A02E37" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_MeasurementUnitDomain" xlink:label="loc_nrg_MeasurementUnitDomain_EF43FE4087503B38CCAF824661A098D9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_MeasurementUnitAxis_E9C54B13239ACEB0F14E824661A02E37" xlink:to="loc_nrg_MeasurementUnitDomain_EF43FE4087503B38CCAF824661A098D9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/currency/2017/currency-2017-01-31.xsd#currency_USD" xlink:label="loc_currency_USD_0105012042BA545FB702824661A04A6A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_MeasurementUnitDomain_EF43FE4087503B38CCAF824661A098D9" xlink:to="loc_currency_USD_0105012042BA545FB702824661A04A6A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_MmbtuMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_MmbtuMember_925B97CCDF83007A708D824661A033BD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_MeasurementUnitDomain_EF43FE4087503B38CCAF824661A098D9" xlink:to="loc_nrg_MmbtuMember_925B97CCDF83007A708D824661A033BD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassAxis_606830421F6B4E73B3BB824661A0FF2D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable_952DE72CC6CFB63CD7FB824661A031AB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassAxis_606830421F6B4E73B3BB824661A0FF2D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassDomain_2BD59C95B7B5F71A7757824661A0012E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassAxis_606830421F6B4E73B3BB824661A0FF2D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassDomain_2BD59C95B7B5F71A7757824661A0012E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NaturalGasReservesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NaturalGasReservesMember_3EA31F5282D96538793B824661A0263A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassDomain_2BD59C95B7B5F71A7757824661A0012E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NaturalGasReservesMember_3EA31F5282D96538793B824661A0263A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_InterestMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_InterestMember_706B2671B489FC57047C824661A07836" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassDomain_2BD59C95B7B5F71A7757824661A0012E" xlink:to="loc_nrg_InterestMember_706B2671B489FC57047C824661A07836" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_C14F5A6FE451B0DA129E824661A008EA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable_952DE72CC6CFB63CD7FB824661A031AB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_C14F5A6FE451B0DA129E824661A008EA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013/invest-2013-01-31.xsd#invest_DerivativeNotionalAmount" xlink:label="loc_invest_DerivativeNotionalAmount_B9FADD50FD11E28EE20D824661A0AEF0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_C14F5A6FE451B0DA129E824661A008EA" xlink:to="loc_invest_DerivativeNotionalAmount_B9FADD50FD11E28EE20D824661A0AEF0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset_E3CFAB980BAEC630A7B4824661A0078F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_C14F5A6FE451B0DA129E824661A008EA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset_E3CFAB980BAEC630A7B4824661A0078F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability_B58B655ACA140F46311C824661A0A07C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_C14F5A6FE451B0DA129E824661A008EA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability_B58B655ACA140F46311C824661A0A07C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeCollateralRightToReclaimCash" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeCollateralRightToReclaimCash_DA960D8A90A255739BF2824661A0EC97" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_C14F5A6FE451B0DA129E824661A008EA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeCollateralRightToReclaimCash_DA960D8A90A255739BF2824661A0EC97" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeCollateralObligationToReturnCash" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeCollateralObligationToReturnCash_E70BC2A7D48E910F59EA824661A038C0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_C14F5A6FE451B0DA129E824661A008EA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeCollateralObligationToReturnCash_E70BC2A7D48E910F59EA824661A038C0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeAssetFairValueGrossLiability" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssetFairValueGrossLiability_57B9D8FE1CFFF076D662824661A0484D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_C14F5A6FE451B0DA129E824661A008EA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssetFairValueGrossLiability_57B9D8FE1CFFF076D662824661A0484D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssets_0147C2405FEA9D55B000824661A04504" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_C14F5A6FE451B0DA129E824661A008EA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssets_0147C2405FEA9D55B000824661A04504" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityFairValueGrossAsset" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityFairValueGrossAsset_754E2CD3BB74EAB1821A824661A0F1A7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_C14F5A6FE451B0DA129E824661A008EA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityFairValueGrossAsset_754E2CD3BB74EAB1821A824661A0F1A7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities_8D5547A6BECC185CB914824661A078F5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_C14F5A6FE451B0DA129E824661A008EA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities_8D5547A6BECC185CB914824661A078F5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_FairValueofGrossDerivativeAssetsLiabilitiesNet" xlink:label="loc_nrg_FairValueofGrossDerivativeAssetsLiabilitiesNet_BD56729F5FA08DF35867824661A0A3F7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_C14F5A6FE451B0DA129E824661A008EA" xlink:to="loc_nrg_FairValueofGrossDerivativeAssetsLiabilitiesNet_BD56729F5FA08DF35867824661A0A3F7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_DerivativeAssetFairValueGrossLiabilityNetOfDerivativeLiabilityFairValueGrossAsset" xlink:label="loc_nrg_DerivativeAssetFairValueGrossLiabilityNetOfDerivativeLiabilityFairValueGrossAsset_894BE394219412087E80824661A059FF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_C14F5A6FE451B0DA129E824661A008EA" xlink:to="loc_nrg_DerivativeAssetFairValueGrossLiabilityNetOfDerivativeLiabilityFairValueGrossAsset_894BE394219412087E80824661A059FF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_DerivativeAssetFairValueAmountOffsetAgainstCollateralNetOfDerivativeLiabilityFairValueAmountOffsetAgainstCollateral" xlink:label="loc_nrg_DerivativeAssetFairValueAmountOffsetAgainstCollateralNetOfDerivativeLiabilityFairValueAmountOffsetAgainstCollateral_6931C8E51F282C7E3AD1824661A03E68" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="12" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_C14F5A6FE451B0DA129E824661A008EA" xlink:to="loc_nrg_DerivativeAssetFairValueAmountOffsetAgainstCollateralNetOfDerivativeLiabilityFairValueAmountOffsetAgainstCollateral_6931C8E51F282C7E3AD1824661A03E68" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/AccountingForDerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesImpactOnStatementOfOperationsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract_955E541C65C00585AA6E8246601A689C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable_CFD4DA9217A7D60DA9F78246601ADCAD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract_955E541C65C00585AA6E8246601A689C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable_CFD4DA9217A7D60DA9F78246601ADCAD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_61E84391DBD0E07654738246601ACD2D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable_CFD4DA9217A7D60DA9F78246601ADCAD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_61E84391DBD0E07654738246601ACD2D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_07C3CED0608AE594D2A68246601AD58F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_61E84391DBD0E07654738246601ACD2D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_07C3CED0608AE594D2A68246601AD58F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestRateContractMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateContractMember_93228C3EDF9BAFEF09AB8246601AF9C8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_07C3CED0608AE594D2A68246601AD58F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateContractMember_93228C3EDF9BAFEF09AB8246601AF9C8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommodityContractMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommodityContractMember_FE52F4986E1AFF45D82E8246601AC0D3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_07C3CED0608AE594D2A68246601AD58F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommodityContractMember_FE52F4986E1AFF45D82E8246601AC0D3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_BB546567D97BD06741AE8246601A6804" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable_CFD4DA9217A7D60DA9F78246601ADCAD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_BB546567D97BD06741AE8246601A6804" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_57D1C02C3392F2362EBB8246601A08EE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_BB546567D97BD06741AE8246601A6804" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_57D1C02C3392F2362EBB8246601A08EE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpenseMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpenseMember_E1AD32E02D2DF9CE338A8246601AC1C9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_57D1C02C3392F2362EBB8246601A08EE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpenseMember_E1AD32E02D2DF9CE338A8246601AC1C9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SalesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SalesMember_D7C3F2E20F3C74E8E6D48246601ABA3E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_57D1C02C3392F2362EBB8246601A08EE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SalesMember_D7C3F2E20F3C74E8E6D48246601ABA3E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems_7219CA4E2D501BFEBCBC8246601ACDBE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable_CFD4DA9217A7D60DA9F78246601ADCAD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems_7219CA4E2D501BFEBCBC8246601ACDBE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives_0CD064D1D33B0DBAC9468246601ACC99" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems_7219CA4E2D501BFEBCBC8246601ACDBE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives_0CD064D1D33B0DBAC9468246601ACC99" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/AccountingForDerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesNotes" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract_1178F34BEDF2C7D5F4A2824660976C61" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_20367C0E98154A98AE5D82466097169E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract_1178F34BEDF2C7D5F4A2824660976C61" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_20367C0E98154A98AE5D82466097169E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EnergyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EnergyAxis_3D61522078968C09E4C882466097C2A8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_20367C0E98154A98AE5D82466097169E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EnergyAxis_3D61522078968C09E4C882466097C2A8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EnergyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EnergyDomain_5878025A38ADBDBCD08A82466097DE71" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EnergyAxis_3D61522078968C09E4C882466097C2A8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EnergyDomain_5878025A38ADBDBCD08A82466097DE71" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_A850CB97146BD8B2C1B9824660971F50" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_20367C0E98154A98AE5D82466097169E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_A850CB97146BD8B2C1B9824660971F50" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_CA4AB01C07863F202A7A824660974C0A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_A850CB97146BD8B2C1B9824660971F50" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_CA4AB01C07863F202A7A824660974C0A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_2DD1FEB81008BFECD36382466097125C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_20367C0E98154A98AE5D82466097169E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_2DD1FEB81008BFECD36382466097125C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_FC8C5109AD93DB34D299824660970C2A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_2DD1FEB81008BFECD36382466097125C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_FC8C5109AD93DB34D299824660970C2A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PositionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PositionAxis_EE84A04B2D2D13F49F2182466097ED01" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_20367C0E98154A98AE5D82466097169E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PositionAxis_EE84A04B2D2D13F49F2182466097ED01" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PositionDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PositionDomain_6A231816158FB5F2361182466097DEF4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PositionAxis_EE84A04B2D2D13F49F2182466097ED01" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PositionDomain_6A231816158FB5F2361182466097DEF4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_774290669D6551E9B06F82466097B9FD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_20367C0E98154A98AE5D82466097169E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_774290669D6551E9B06F82466097B9FD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosureTextBlock_DC346C2BD6A97908FF208246609781C7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract_1178F34BEDF2C7D5F4A2824660976C61" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosureTextBlock_DC346C2BD6A97908FF208246609781C7" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/AccountingForDerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract_545918DEE1CB017ED1F0824660D5D95F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_F1C64AF1CE9FEAE89FFF824660D502AE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract_545918DEE1CB017ED1F0824660D5D95F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_F1C64AF1CE9FEAE89FFF824660D502AE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EnergyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EnergyAxis_0A2701E253306AE42F44824660D55653" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_F1C64AF1CE9FEAE89FFF824660D502AE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EnergyAxis_0A2701E253306AE42F44824660D55653" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EnergyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EnergyDomain_721AEC7E9E33938E97CF824660D5A9AC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EnergyAxis_0A2701E253306AE42F44824660D55653" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EnergyDomain_721AEC7E9E33938E97CF824660D5A9AC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_C933246085873DE37786824660D51EFE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_F1C64AF1CE9FEAE89FFF824660D502AE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_C933246085873DE37786824660D51EFE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_548283DA4BE4B97B198A824660D56678" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_C933246085873DE37786824660D51EFE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_548283DA4BE4B97B198A824660D56678" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_E733BA7F1BDC1F40E978824660D53237" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_F1C64AF1CE9FEAE89FFF824660D502AE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_E733BA7F1BDC1F40E978824660D53237" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_0A3F6CBBCB6AB1CFAF4A824660D58E88" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_E733BA7F1BDC1F40E978824660D53237" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_0A3F6CBBCB6AB1CFAF4A824660D58E88" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PositionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PositionAxis_367A3D41E116E2998183824660D5CFBA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_F1C64AF1CE9FEAE89FFF824660D502AE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PositionAxis_367A3D41E116E2998183824660D5CFBA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PositionDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PositionDomain_57E0140BBB093FD5EECA824660D5E65D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PositionAxis_367A3D41E116E2998183824660D5CFBA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PositionDomain_57E0140BBB093FD5EECA824660D5E65D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_2B3457047CB14BCF6173824660D59B2F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_F1C64AF1CE9FEAE89FFF824660D502AE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_2B3457047CB14BCF6173824660D59B2F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfNotionalAmountsOfOutstandingDerivativePositionsTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfNotionalAmountsOfOutstandingDerivativePositionsTableTextBlock_589484E1229544D2AE51824660D5F5FB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_2B3457047CB14BCF6173824660D59B2F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfNotionalAmountsOfOutstandingDerivativePositionsTableTextBlock_589484E1229544D2AE51824660D5F5FB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfDerivativesInstrumentsStatementsOfFinancialPerformanceAndFinancialPositionLocationTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDerivativesInstrumentsStatementsOfFinancialPerformanceAndFinancialPositionLocationTableTextBlock_6653604FE09A8F5137DE824660D58528" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_2B3457047CB14BCF6173824660D59B2F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDerivativesInstrumentsStatementsOfFinancialPerformanceAndFinancialPositionLocationTableTextBlock_6653604FE09A8F5137DE824660D58528" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OffsettingLiabilitiesTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OffsettingLiabilitiesTableTextBlock_D3C864221FB18E862A72824660D5BBE6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_2B3457047CB14BCF6173824660D59B2F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OffsettingLiabilitiesTableTextBlock_D3C864221FB18E862A72824660D5BBE6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfCashFlowHedgesIncludedInAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCashFlowHedgesIncludedInAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTableTextBlock_A3EC5C19DEB9861FB935824660D5709C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_2B3457047CB14BCF6173824660D59B2F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCashFlowHedgesIncludedInAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTableTextBlock_A3EC5C19DEB9861FB935824660D5709C" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/AssetImpairmentsAssetImpairmentsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_AssetImpairmentsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_nrg_AssetImpairmentsAbstract_0AC085009B095CCC6E018B820A6714DF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfImpairedLongLivedAssetsHeldAndUsedTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfImpairedLongLivedAssetsHeldAndUsedTable_8BA08A380758A096E9638B820A6767FF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_AssetImpairmentsAbstract_0AC085009B095CCC6E018B820A6714DF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfImpairedLongLivedAssetsHeldAndUsedTable_8BA08A380758A096E9638B820A6767FF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_BECA92E45BEEF569ABE68B8BBCF42D7B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfImpairedLongLivedAssetsHeldAndUsedTable_8BA08A380758A096E9638B820A6767FF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_BECA92E45BEEF569ABE68B8BBCF42D7B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_9688369F850FE8EB7D5D8B8BBCF82886" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_BECA92E45BEEF569ABE68B8BBCF42D7B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_9688369F850FE8EB7D5D8B8BBCF82886" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentMember_20D87011AA957C538F0E8B8BBD66EBAA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_9688369F850FE8EB7D5D8B8BBCF82886" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentMember_20D87011AA957C538F0E8B8BBD66EBAA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMember_A1A90D97A60CF143A08C8B8C733529FE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_9688369F850FE8EB7D5D8B8BBCF82886" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMember_A1A90D97A60CF143A08C8B8C733529FE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_D8F3916C8C579D6C14528B820A670C77" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfImpairedLongLivedAssetsHeldAndUsedTable_8BA08A380758A096E9638B820A6767FF" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_D8F3916C8C579D6C14528B820A670C77" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_65BEE54B7A9A453F42DE8B820A673FE5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_D8F3916C8C579D6C14528B820A670C77" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_65BEE54B7A9A453F42DE8B820A673FE5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_ElbowCreekMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_ElbowCreekMember_900ACD2554A068A615F18B820A67F87C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_65BEE54B7A9A453F42DE8B820A673FE5" xlink:to="loc_nrg_ElbowCreekMember_900ACD2554A068A615F18B820A67F87C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_GoatWindMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_GoatWindMember_AC99F5FDE300F09B01BC8B820A678D9A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_65BEE54B7A9A453F42DE8B820A673FE5" xlink:to="loc_nrg_GoatWindMember_AC99F5FDE300F09B01BC8B820A678D9A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_ForwardMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_ForwardMember_7FBA4597C7F206D304388B820A68A427" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_65BEE54B7A9A453F42DE8B820A673FE5" xlink:to="loc_nrg_ForwardMember_7FBA4597C7F206D304388B820A68A427" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_November2017DropDownAssetsMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_November2017DropDownAssetsMember_D5EE4D903E6CD5FBCA808B820A688237" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_65BEE54B7A9A453F42DE8B820A673FE5" xlink:to="loc_nrg_November2017DropDownAssetsMember_D5EE4D903E6CD5FBCA808B820A688237" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ImpairedLongLivedAssetsHeldAndUsedLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ImpairedLongLivedAssetsHeldAndUsedLineItems_75328CC0204D0807C3B38B820A68F58F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfImpairedLongLivedAssetsHeldAndUsedTable_8BA08A380758A096E9638B820A6767FF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ImpairedLongLivedAssetsHeldAndUsedLineItems_75328CC0204D0807C3B38B820A68F58F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges_1CA7F3B5F5A531CED0928B820A68307B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ImpairedLongLivedAssetsHeldAndUsedLineItems_75328CC0204D0807C3B38B820A68F58F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges_1CA7F3B5F5A531CED0928B820A68307B" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/AssetImpairmentsAssetImpairmentsNotes" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_AssetImpairmentsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_nrg_AssetImpairmentsAbstract_DDDB5E8988F1CF7C090B824660F516F7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetImpairmentChargesTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetImpairmentChargesTextBlock_5B864601FAAB50C1AA1A824660F5CF44" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_AssetImpairmentsAbstract_DDDB5E8988F1CF7C090B824660F516F7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetImpairmentChargesTextBlock_5B864601FAAB50C1AA1A824660F5CF44" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/BusinessAcquisitions" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationsAbstract_4BD4AEE53CC042B88A3282465F9DA24B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_1A187E2B6AB8CAA0C25F82465F9D0E0F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationsAbstract_4BD4AEE53CC042B88A3282465F9DA24B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_1A187E2B6AB8CAA0C25F82465F9D0E0F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_99F6A9BC2061F11D912482465F9DCBBF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_1A187E2B6AB8CAA0C25F82465F9D0E0F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_99F6A9BC2061F11D912482465F9DCBBF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_61659049B6B67124766B82465F9D016E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_99F6A9BC2061F11D912482465F9DCBBF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_61659049B6B67124766B82465F9D016E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_728C4C4EF3BF75DBCA5182465F9DF340" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_1A187E2B6AB8CAA0C25F82465F9D0E0F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_728C4C4EF3BF75DBCA5182465F9DF340" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_057C13475ED8E5618A8582465F9D2D04" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_728C4C4EF3BF75DBCA5182465F9DF340" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_057C13475ED8E5618A8582465F9D2D04" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_F0EEF0EDCDD3C8D379E182465F9DAEFC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_1A187E2B6AB8CAA0C25F82465F9D0E0F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_F0EEF0EDCDD3C8D379E182465F9DAEFC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_DAE8F27D682DB4A2C57882465F9D0CC4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_F0EEF0EDCDD3C8D379E182465F9DAEFC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_DAE8F27D682DB4A2C57882465F9D0CC4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_1CFB318081106DD1759482465F9DD34B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_1A187E2B6AB8CAA0C25F82465F9D0E0F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_1CFB318081106DD1759482465F9DD34B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MergersAcquisitionsAndDispositionsDisclosuresTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MergersAcquisitionsAndDispositionsDisclosuresTextBlock_F4D35D83A63C02EF4D2882465F9D064C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationsAbstract_4BD4AEE53CC042B88A3282465F9DA24B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MergersAcquisitionsAndDispositionsDisclosuresTextBlock_F4D35D83A63C02EF4D2882465F9D064C" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/BusinessAcquisitionsBuckthornDropDownDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationsAbstract_46E2A580F316B153CAC1B45079F88744" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_0F6E69B367C6435E3060B45079F8368D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationsAbstract_46E2A580F316B153CAC1B45079F88744" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_0F6E69B367C6435E3060B45079F8368D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_D8F5928CD6AFFDFF2988B45079F8E63A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_0F6E69B367C6435E3060B45079F8368D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_D8F5928CD6AFFDFF2988B45079F8E63A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_50996D6F665C6ADBBA0BB45079F8EB60" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_D8F5928CD6AFFDFF2988B45079F8E63A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_50996D6F665C6ADBBA0BB45079F8EB60" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioPlanMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioPlanMember_E84C32C1E7E6A46D5A25B45079F8D9E9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_50996D6F665C6ADBBA0BB45079F8EB60" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioPlanMember_E84C32C1E7E6A46D5A25B45079F8D9E9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_DA59526296DAB6693B0BB45079F814EC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_0F6E69B367C6435E3060B45079F8368D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_DA59526296DAB6693B0BB45079F814EC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_29A146940C5B108D6D3EB45079F8F968" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_DA59526296DAB6693B0BB45079F814EC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_29A146940C5B108D6D3EB45079F8F968" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_65410B6C9EA558D7B61DB45079F9EC67" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_29A146940C5B108D6D3EB45079F8F968" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_65410B6C9EA558D7B61DB45079F9EC67" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_C45CC879B3A5B4384910B45079F9F280" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_0F6E69B367C6435E3060B45079F8368D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_C45CC879B3A5B4384910B45079F9F280" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_C1EBB07884C69AD450DAB45079F9C33D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_C45CC879B3A5B4384910B45079F9F280" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_C1EBB07884C69AD450DAB45079F9C33D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_E82F6758A484769D3E52B45079F968BF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_0F6E69B367C6435E3060B45079F8368D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_E82F6758A484769D3E52B45079F968BF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_50FBA7FDD797A97C3854B45079F9D820" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_E82F6758A484769D3E52B45079F968BF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_50FBA7FDD797A97C3854B45079F9D820" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OwnershipAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OwnershipAxis_99A18ECA4B840FE5987EB45079F9DDE0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_0F6E69B367C6435E3060B45079F8368D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OwnershipAxis_99A18ECA4B840FE5987EB45079F9DDE0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OwnershipDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OwnershipDomain_BFF39AF9C81C5814100FB45079F925B1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OwnershipAxis_99A18ECA4B840FE5987EB45079F9DDE0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OwnershipDomain_BFF39AF9C81C5814100FB45079F925B1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_A2AFD90C3C55F5C3822FB45079F9CA70" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_0F6E69B367C6435E3060B45079F8368D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_A2AFD90C3C55F5C3822FB45079F9CA70" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_6DC5883D37F670A34EB1B45079F93342" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_A2AFD90C3C55F5C3822FB45079F9CA70" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_6DC5883D37F670A34EB1B45079F93342" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_8C9B2A33ACBC17B7A12CB45079FA611E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_0F6E69B367C6435E3060B45079F8368D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_8C9B2A33ACBC17B7A12CB45079FA611E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1_B089B1BC1CC06BBC11CFB45079FA8D90" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_8C9B2A33ACBC17B7A12CB45079FA611E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1_B089B1BC1CC06BBC11CFB45079FA8D90" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedPropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedPropertyPlantAndEquipment_5D619B9B8248CE759C8EB45079FA76E7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_8C9B2A33ACBC17B7A12CB45079FA611E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedPropertyPlantAndEquipment_5D619B9B8248CE759C8EB45079FA76E7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedOtherNoncurrentAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedOtherNoncurrentAssets_417CB060EE855FEA4E9DB45079FA296F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_8C9B2A33ACBC17B7A12CB45079FA611E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedOtherNoncurrentAssets_417CB060EE855FEA4E9DB45079FA296F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedAssets_ABEF2A925BA689D3255DB45079FAC596" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_8C9B2A33ACBC17B7A12CB45079FA611E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedAssets_ABEF2A925BA689D3255DB45079FAC596" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedFinancialLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedFinancialLiabilities_C72918C6374CCEC39909B45079FF85A7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_8C9B2A33ACBC17B7A12CB45079FA611E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedFinancialLiabilities_C72918C6374CCEC39909B45079FF85A7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNoncurrentLiabilitiesOther" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNoncurrentLiabilitiesOther_F4A1FAE210DAB30D8DC3B45079FFE29F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_8C9B2A33ACBC17B7A12CB45079FA611E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNoncurrentLiabilitiesOther_F4A1FAE210DAB30D8DC3B45079FFE29F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilities_183282AF7CC4E02F2FB4B45079FF63C0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_8C9B2A33ACBC17B7A12CB45079FA611E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilities_183282AF7CC4E02F2FB4B45079FF63C0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNet_1BDF17C610E83BE3C052B45079FF6919" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_8C9B2A33ACBC17B7A12CB45079FA611E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNet_1BDF17C610E83BE3C052B45079FF6919" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/BusinessAcquisitionsBusinessAcquisitionsCvsrDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationsAbstract_EF9D605509DB8E7527B8B52E754A5131" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_7EE76200AC73B1D6125BB52E754AE83D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationsAbstract_EF9D605509DB8E7527B8B52E754A5131" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_7EE76200AC73B1D6125BB52E754AE83D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_98C7933045266BAE196FB52E754A1CD2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_7EE76200AC73B1D6125BB52E754AE83D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_98C7933045266BAE196FB52E754A1CD2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_44EDFC9800F93E1872BCB52E754A6A2A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_98C7933045266BAE196FB52E754A1CD2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_44EDFC9800F93E1872BCB52E754A6A2A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_CvsrFinancingAgreementMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_CvsrFinancingAgreementMember_B5C59BBA1FAFE4850D38B52E754B5FDD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_44EDFC9800F93E1872BCB52E754A6A2A" xlink:to="loc_nrg_CvsrFinancingAgreementMember_B5C59BBA1FAFE4850D38B52E754B5FDD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_CVSRHoldcodue2037Member" xlink:label="loc_nrg_CVSRHoldcodue2037Member_331F18ADB4B78E6DE45EB52E754BFD99" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_44EDFC9800F93E1872BCB52E754A6A2A" xlink:to="loc_nrg_CVSRHoldcodue2037Member_331F18ADB4B78E6DE45EB52E754BFD99" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_E2BD441B8E844A7BF845B52E754B0CD4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_7EE76200AC73B1D6125BB52E754AE83D" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_E2BD441B8E844A7BF845B52E754B0CD4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_CCE807264EB8A601F798B52E754BCE6E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_E2BD441B8E844A7BF845B52E754B0CD4" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_CCE807264EB8A601F798B52E754BCE6E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_CvsrMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_CvsrMember_7CC735A66D2FC70CB040B52E754B335E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_CCE807264EB8A601F798B52E754BCE6E" xlink:to="loc_nrg_CvsrMember_7CC735A66D2FC70CB040B52E754B335E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_PowerGenerationFacilitiesByTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationFacilitiesByTypeAxis_3D31F2BAFA5A6A5748FBB52E7550627E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_7EE76200AC73B1D6125BB52E754AE83D" xlink:to="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationFacilitiesByTypeAxis_3D31F2BAFA5A6A5748FBB52E7550627E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_PowerGenerationFacilitiesTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationFacilitiesTypeDomain_CD2C138C2E1CBA1941E1B52E7550488E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationFacilitiesByTypeAxis_3D31F2BAFA5A6A5748FBB52E7550627E" xlink:to="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationFacilitiesTypeDomain_CD2C138C2E1CBA1941E1B52E7550488E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_UtilityScaleSolarMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_UtilityScaleSolarMember_90171ADFC56AE622C005B52E7551D2E2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationFacilitiesTypeDomain_CD2C138C2E1CBA1941E1B52E7550488E" xlink:to="loc_nrg_UtilityScaleSolarMember_90171ADFC56AE622C005B52E7551D2E2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_F17A047CD0A8DA2D3418B52E7551E991" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_7EE76200AC73B1D6125BB52E754AE83D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_F17A047CD0A8DA2D3418B52E7551E991" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_93BE753F84C3C4EF1F8EB52E7551D358" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_F17A047CD0A8DA2D3418B52E7551E991" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_93BE753F84C3C4EF1F8EB52E7551D358" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioPreviouslyReportedMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioPreviouslyReportedMember_F466BE28D79992B8BCD2B52E7551B02E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_93BE753F84C3C4EF1F8EB52E7551D358" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioPreviouslyReportedMember_F466BE28D79992B8BCD2B52E7551B02E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_203D0F54FE0F71E73CF1B52E755186C1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_7EE76200AC73B1D6125BB52E754AE83D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_203D0F54FE0F71E73CF1B52E755186C1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_94BFA5AA4E4CA9EDB3BAB52E75510515" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_203D0F54FE0F71E73CF1B52E755186C1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_94BFA5AA4E4CA9EDB3BAB52E75510515" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_94BFA5AA4E4CA9EDB3BAB52E75510515" xlink:to="loc_nrg_CvsrMember_7CC735A66D2FC70CB040B52E754B335E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_11BE8C9627B7D8F53714B52E75514E91" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_7EE76200AC73B1D6125BB52E754AE83D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_11BE8C9627B7D8F53714B52E75514E91" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage_A11BD46A8745AE7C9ECDB52E7551468B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_11BE8C9627B7D8F53714B52E75514E91" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage_A11BD46A8745AE7C9ECDB52E7551468B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_774D16A80D39C39BD758B52E755261E4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_11BE8C9627B7D8F53714B52E75514E91" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_774D16A80D39C39BD758B52E755261E4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPercentageOfVotingInterestsAcquired" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPercentageOfVotingInterestsAcquired_C87AD4DF0FC9C2DBB767B52E7552D08E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_11BE8C9627B7D8F53714B52E75514E91" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPercentageOfVotingInterestsAcquired_C87AD4DF0FC9C2DBB767B52E7552D08E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross_313F7654EB083F5B2D5CB5403972A092" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_11BE8C9627B7D8F53714B52E75514E91" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross_313F7654EB083F5B2D5CB5403972A092" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNoncurrentLiabilitiesLongTermDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNoncurrentLiabilitiesLongTermDebt_0D0BD11CE4A0B9792920B52E7552522A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_11BE8C9627B7D8F53714B52E75514E91" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNoncurrentLiabilitiesLongTermDebt_0D0BD11CE4A0B9792920B52E7552522A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrent_52E6A2BC9B985D17A950B52E75529171" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_11BE8C9627B7D8F53714B52E75514E91" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrent_52E6A2BC9B985D17A950B52E75529171" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_B558E0C077F8817F2336B52E75524E79" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_11BE8C9627B7D8F53714B52E75514E91" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_B558E0C077F8817F2336B52E75524E79" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssets_5050AE33D07E326CFB3CB52E7552FA66" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_11BE8C9627B7D8F53714B52E75514E91" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssets_5050AE33D07E326CFB3CB52E7552FA66" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrent_524D465F9EF40DCF8D24B52E7557BBEF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_11BE8C9627B7D8F53714B52E75514E91" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrent_524D465F9EF40DCF8D24B52E7557BBEF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Assets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Assets_426432775BB05E9B8347B52E755771FB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_11BE8C9627B7D8F53714B52E75514E91" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Assets_426432775BB05E9B8347B52E755771FB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsIncludingCurrentMaturities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsIncludingCurrentMaturities_730043BB96490544BAF2B52E7557BF3F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_11BE8C9627B7D8F53714B52E75514E91" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsIncludingCurrentMaturities_730043BB96490544BAF2B52E7557BF3F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilities_E5336FE9E4BBB503B05CB52E7558453A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="12" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_11BE8C9627B7D8F53714B52E75514E91" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilities_E5336FE9E4BBB503B05CB52E7558453A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Liabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Liabilities_AC848F952DEDD9C627A1B52E7558DC99" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="13" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_11BE8C9627B7D8F53714B52E75514E91" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Liabilities_AC848F952DEDD9C627A1B52E7558DC99" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsNet_F2E349560414296E8A8AB52E75582794" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="14" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_11BE8C9627B7D8F53714B52E75514E91" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsNet_F2E349560414296E8A8AB52E75582794" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_529ACCAB9ACFC1D7933EB52E755835BC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="15" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_11BE8C9627B7D8F53714B52E75514E91" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_529ACCAB9ACFC1D7933EB52E755835BC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNet_B3CD636E9D2122DE1175B52E75584F62" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="16" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_11BE8C9627B7D8F53714B52E75514E91" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNet_B3CD636E9D2122DE1175B52E75584F62" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts_E9C1CF8D1D589FD7CF93B52E7558763C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="17" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_11BE8C9627B7D8F53714B52E75514E91" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts_E9C1CF8D1D589FD7CF93B52E7558763C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MembersEquity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MembersEquity_4598C13A79510A11D370B52E755893EB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="18" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_11BE8C9627B7D8F53714B52E75514E91" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MembersEquity_4598C13A79510A11D370B52E755893EB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Revenues" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_F6F162EE633D835106D3B52E75582101" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="19" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_11BE8C9627B7D8F53714B52E75514E91" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_F6F162EE633D835106D3B52E75582101" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_679990813CEBC5F8192BB52E755862B7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="20" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_11BE8C9627B7D8F53714B52E75514E91" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_679990813CEBC5F8192BB52E755862B7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProfitLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_1C9B8C408447B1803413B52E755816E5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="21" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_11BE8C9627B7D8F53714B52E75514E91" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_1C9B8C408447B1803413B52E755816E5" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/BusinessAcquisitionsBusinessAcquisitionsMarch2017DropDownDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationsAbstract_00BD6DCCF7007668D194B52E6A842574" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_F985802AAB3317700840B52E6A856F1C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationsAbstract_00BD6DCCF7007668D194B52E6A842574" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_F985802AAB3317700840B52E6A856F1C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_635E38DB0E1242FC3C76B52E6A852E82" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_F985802AAB3317700840B52E6A856F1C" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_635E38DB0E1242FC3C76B52E6A852E82" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_94F7F9F195D896472080B52E6A850B57" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_635E38DB0E1242FC3C76B52E6A852E82" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_94F7F9F195D896472080B52E6A850B57" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_NrgMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NrgMember_6D2E5EBB4FA5259F6A43B52E6A86538C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_94F7F9F195D896472080B52E6A850B57" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NrgMember_6D2E5EBB4FA5259F6A43B52E6A86538C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_DDCD343A503037331BBBB52E6A867906" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_F985802AAB3317700840B52E6A856F1C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_DDCD343A503037331BBBB52E6A867906" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_4BB08408C1E054C53293B52E6A862375" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_DDCD343A503037331BBBB52E6A867906" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_4BB08408C1E054C53293B52E6A862375" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_AguaCalienteMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_AguaCalienteMember_8FAAC6BFEA6E10601100B52E6A866137" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_4BB08408C1E054C53293B52E6A862375" xlink:to="loc_nrg_AguaCalienteMember_8FAAC6BFEA6E10601100B52E6A866137" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_AguaCalienteBorrower2Member" xlink:label="loc_nrg_AguaCalienteBorrower2Member_4F576F2BF9242BB524AAB52E6A86712D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_4BB08408C1E054C53293B52E6A862375" xlink:to="loc_nrg_AguaCalienteBorrower2Member_4F576F2BF9242BB524AAB52E6A86712D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_UtahPortfolioMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_UtahPortfolioMember_7DFCD00F82AF4D9132F0B52E6A864124" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_4BB08408C1E054C53293B52E6A862375" xlink:to="loc_nrg_UtahPortfolioMember_7DFCD00F82AF4D9132F0B52E6A864124" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_March2017DropDownAssetsMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_March2017DropDownAssetsMember_7AA9F003748136C19452B52E6A86BDB6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_4BB08408C1E054C53293B52E6A862375" xlink:to="loc_nrg_March2017DropDownAssetsMember_7AA9F003748136C19452B52E6A86BDB6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_8600BDD464DB8EB14855B52E6A86CB00" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_F985802AAB3317700840B52E6A856F1C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_8600BDD464DB8EB14855B52E6A86CB00" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_53B90451675424C8EA1AB52E6A867CE3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_8600BDD464DB8EB14855B52E6A86CB00" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_53B90451675424C8EA1AB52E6A867CE3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_November2017DropDownAssetsMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_November2017DropDownAssetsMember_77CE209C0CA70005873FB53EF56A0EEF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_53B90451675424C8EA1AB52E6A867CE3" xlink:to="loc_nrg_November2017DropDownAssetsMember_77CE209C0CA70005873FB53EF56A0EEF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_CvsrMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_CvsrMember_A65342F050A924100ADBB52E6A863F46" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_53B90451675424C8EA1AB52E6A867CE3" xlink:to="loc_nrg_CvsrMember_A65342F050A924100ADBB52E6A863F46" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_F957D4ECF7125C444A0BB52E6A876008" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_F985802AAB3317700840B52E6A856F1C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_F957D4ECF7125C444A0BB52E6A876008" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_30452B95984145CA48F6B52E6A874DDB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_F957D4ECF7125C444A0BB52E6A876008" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_30452B95984145CA48F6B52E6A874DDB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OwnershipAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OwnershipAxis_3639342573701B8F5742B52E6A8781EA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_F985802AAB3317700840B52E6A856F1C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OwnershipAxis_3639342573701B8F5742B52E6A8781EA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OwnershipDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OwnershipDomain_85F9A16B62E6433DE1C7B52E6A879E10" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OwnershipAxis_3639342573701B8F5742B52E6A8781EA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OwnershipDomain_85F9A16B62E6433DE1C7B52E6A879E10" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_1B612CC15933B4D96974B52E6A870582" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_F985802AAB3317700840B52E6A856F1C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_1B612CC15933B4D96974B52E6A870582" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_264667DA3A3841A835E1B52E6A870D41" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_1B612CC15933B4D96974B52E6A870582" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_264667DA3A3841A835E1B52E6A870D41" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_9512450F0FABE1450AAFB52E6A8777E6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_F985802AAB3317700840B52E6A856F1C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_9512450F0FABE1450AAFB52E6A8777E6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCashAndEquivalents" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCashAndEquivalents_644BD7EC2B3376959EB2B52E6A8767C6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_9512450F0FABE1450AAFB52E6A8777E6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCashAndEquivalents_644BD7EC2B3376959EB2B52E6A8767C6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_RemainingPowerPurchaseAgreementterm" xlink:label="loc_nrg_RemainingPowerPurchaseAgreementterm_5B6E2F632965D3DC07D7B52E6A874632" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_9512450F0FABE1450AAFB52E6A8777E6" xlink:to="loc_nrg_RemainingPowerPurchaseAgreementterm_5B6E2F632965D3DC07D7B52E6A874632" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_BusinessAcquisitionConsiderationTransferredWorkingCapital" xlink:label="loc_nrg_BusinessAcquisitionConsiderationTransferredWorkingCapital_FC8B585E65732F0F4ABFB52E6A87E1CE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_9512450F0FABE1450AAFB52E6A8777E6" xlink:to="loc_nrg_BusinessAcquisitionConsiderationTransferredWorkingCapital_FC8B585E65732F0F4ABFB52E6A87E1CE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NonRecourseDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NonRecourseDebt_16F866A57DEF11FB1AC3B53A2E262C8A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_9512450F0FABE1450AAFB52E6A8777E6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NonRecourseDebt_16F866A57DEF11FB1AC3B53A2E262C8A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_PercentageofCashAvailableforDistributions" xlink:label="loc_nrg_PercentageofCashAvailableforDistributions_285E446146EF66587800B52E6A881FE4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_9512450F0FABE1450AAFB52E6A8777E6" xlink:to="loc_nrg_PercentageofCashAvailableforDistributions_285E446146EF66587800B52E6A881FE4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1_A6809D640785EACE3DB0B52E6A881DFB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_9512450F0FABE1450AAFB52E6A8777E6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1_A6809D640785EACE3DB0B52E6A881DFB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_PowerGenerationCapacityMegawatts" xlink:label="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationCapacityMegawatts_24FB4AB21098369E7819B52E6A8817A8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_9512450F0FABE1450AAFB52E6A8777E6" xlink:to="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationCapacityMegawatts_24FB4AB21098369E7819B52E6A8817A8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_PowerPurchaseAgreementPeriod" xlink:label="loc_nrg_PowerPurchaseAgreementPeriod_086259686304EC0C45D3B52E6A88E954" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_9512450F0FABE1450AAFB52E6A8777E6" xlink:to="loc_nrg_PowerPurchaseAgreementPeriod_086259686304EC0C45D3B52E6A88E954" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage_16DF426FBD7A826600B2B52E6A88C54C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_9512450F0FABE1450AAFB52E6A8777E6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage_16DF426FBD7A826600B2B52E6A88C54C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_PercentageofNRGsOwnership" xlink:label="loc_nrg_PercentageofNRGsOwnership_3D1B60A9706772880FD0B54139948579" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_9512450F0FABE1450AAFB52E6A8777E6" xlink:to="loc_nrg_PercentageofNRGsOwnership_3D1B60A9706772880FD0B54139948579" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_PercentageOfOwnership" xlink:label="loc_nrg_PercentageOfOwnership_40633A8064628A181220B52E6A8850C2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_9512450F0FABE1450AAFB52E6A8777E6" xlink:to="loc_nrg_PercentageOfOwnership_40633A8064628A181220B52E6A8850C2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsNetGainsAndLosses" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsNetGainsAndLosses_465A520C0AACA7E6E741B52E6A886A25" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="12" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_9512450F0FABE1450AAFB52E6A8777E6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsNetGainsAndLosses_465A520C0AACA7E6E741B52E6A886A25" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNet_B97D668F50748115CBB0B52E6A886399" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="13" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_9512450F0FABE1450AAFB52E6A8777E6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNet_B97D668F50748115CBB0B52E6A886399" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments_DD80B9F2AB56F1EB36A3B52E6A8824AE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="14" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_9512450F0FABE1450AAFB52E6A8777E6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments_DD80B9F2AB56F1EB36A3B52E6A8824AE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedAssets_3C511E83B2ECCCD7DF1FB52E6A890850" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="15" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_9512450F0FABE1450AAFB52E6A8777E6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedAssets_3C511E83B2ECCCD7DF1FB52E6A890850" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedFinancialLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedFinancialLiabilities_D9E0E450B36EDD73F49DB52E6A8944AB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="16" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_9512450F0FABE1450AAFB52E6A8777E6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedFinancialLiabilities_D9E0E450B36EDD73F49DB52E6A8944AB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNoncurrentLiabilitiesOther" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNoncurrentLiabilitiesOther_6407BB6218C0DB93F449B52E6A89ECDF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="17" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_9512450F0FABE1450AAFB52E6A8777E6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNoncurrentLiabilitiesOther_6407BB6218C0DB93F449B52E6A89ECDF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilities_D255C50D7570CD127231B52E6A897C43" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="18" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_9512450F0FABE1450AAFB52E6A8777E6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilities_D255C50D7570CD127231B52E6A897C43" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNet_5E3FE93829321F1CFC52B52E6A891DEE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="19" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_9512450F0FABE1450AAFB52E6A8777E6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNet_5E3FE93829321F1CFC52B52E6A891DEE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationProFormaInformationRevenueOfAcquireeSinceAcquisitionDateActual" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationProFormaInformationRevenueOfAcquireeSinceAcquisitionDateActual_7C830BA2E363D9A8EC7CB53EF4E3C3BD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="20" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_9512450F0FABE1450AAFB52E6A8777E6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationProFormaInformationRevenueOfAcquireeSinceAcquisitionDateActual_7C830BA2E363D9A8EC7CB53EF4E3C3BD" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/BusinessAcquisitionsDesertSunlightSpringCanyonfuelCellDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationsAbstract_E2D8D13E87AC88DF1688BDF146DAF41B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_9AEE65F274B52E6F5912BDF146DB4495" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationsAbstract_E2D8D13E87AC88DF1688BDF146DAF41B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_9AEE65F274B52E6F5912BDF146DB4495" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_19AFB665B72ED03CEF5BBDF146DBCF88" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_9AEE65F274B52E6F5912BDF146DB4495" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_19AFB665B72ED03CEF5BBDF146DBCF88" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_026D9BF2E6928E5FA531BDF146DBF75C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_19AFB665B72ED03CEF5BBDF146DBCF88" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_026D9BF2E6928E5FA531BDF146DBF75C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_CEE2B696555B6C09262EBDF146DB992C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_026D9BF2E6928E5FA531BDF146DBF75C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_CEE2B696555B6C09262EBDF146DB992C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherOwnershipInterestsByNameAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherOwnershipInterestsByNameAxis_AEB4A9A00810DE6C89B4BDF146DBB8E8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_9AEE65F274B52E6F5912BDF146DB4495" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherOwnershipInterestsByNameAxis_AEB4A9A00810DE6C89B4BDF146DBB8E8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherOwnershipInterestsNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherOwnershipInterestsNameDomain_0AE27D794466CFB326E6BDF146DC4F9C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherOwnershipInterestsByNameAxis_AEB4A9A00810DE6C89B4BDF146DBB8E8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherOwnershipInterestsNameDomain_0AE27D794466CFB326E6BDF146DC4F9C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_FinancialInstitutionsMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_FinancialInstitutionsMember_95AB4A945C1044FC63BABDF146DC6163" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherOwnershipInterestsNameDomain_0AE27D794466CFB326E6BDF146DC4F9C" xlink:to="loc_nrg_FinancialInstitutionsMember_95AB4A945C1044FC63BABDF146DC6163" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis_454CF3F4BECB974BBDB2BDF146DCA9DD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_9AEE65F274B52E6F5912BDF146DB4495" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis_454CF3F4BECB974BBDB2BDF146DCA9DD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_AD08F443F318F6532A6BBDF146DC6A76" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis_454CF3F4BECB974BBDB2BDF146DCA9DD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_AD08F443F318F6532A6BBDF146DC6A76" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_PacificGasandElectricMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_PacificGasandElectricMember_0D6641403570CD58F4DBBDF146DC4EFF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_AD08F443F318F6532A6BBDF146DC6A76" xlink:to="loc_nrg_PacificGasandElectricMember_0D6641403570CD58F4DBBDF146DC4EFF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_SouthernCaliforniaEdisonMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_SouthernCaliforniaEdisonMember_702FA7F7986DF8FA004ABDF146DCF57A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_AD08F443F318F6532A6BBDF146DC6A76" xlink:to="loc_nrg_SouthernCaliforniaEdisonMember_702FA7F7986DF8FA004ABDF146DCF57A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_D0B3447EB4E0E22EFFC8BDF146DC08D2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_9AEE65F274B52E6F5912BDF146DB4495" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_D0B3447EB4E0E22EFFC8BDF146DC08D2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_6C55D0B6326F33CE1AF1BDF146DCEBA1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_D0B3447EB4E0E22EFFC8BDF146DC08D2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_6C55D0B6326F33CE1AF1BDF146DCEBA1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SupplyCommitmentMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SupplyCommitmentMember_3008E697A89D1D4E6115BDF146DDE2A2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_6C55D0B6326F33CE1AF1BDF146DCEBA1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SupplyCommitmentMember_3008E697A89D1D4E6115BDF146DDE2A2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SupplyCommitmentArrangementMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SupplyCommitmentArrangementMember_FB4834EAFE6324A6D7E0BDF146DD2623" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_6C55D0B6326F33CE1AF1BDF146DCEBA1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SupplyCommitmentArrangementMember_FB4834EAFE6324A6D7E0BDF146DD2623" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_D07F83F6A55718A30D2EBDF146DD67B9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_9AEE65F274B52E6F5912BDF146DB4495" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_D07F83F6A55718A30D2EBDF146DD67B9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_6DC7B678624FAB24AC19BDF146DD937E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_D07F83F6A55718A30D2EBDF146DD67B9" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_6DC7B678624FAB24AC19BDF146DD937E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_UBFuelCellMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_UBFuelCellMember_B778C9B5EE65ADE1BE8DBDF146DD46BC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_6DC7B678624FAB24AC19BDF146DD937E" xlink:to="loc_nrg_UBFuelCellMember_B778C9B5EE65ADE1BE8DBDF146DD46BC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_71ACDD6A6E317323D9AEBDF146DD4402" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_9AEE65F274B52E6F5912BDF146DB4495" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_71ACDD6A6E317323D9AEBDF146DD4402" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_4E37C95697524BC72102BDF146DD50B4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_71ACDD6A6E317323D9AEBDF146DD4402" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_4E37C95697524BC72102BDF146DD50B4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_DesertSunlightMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_DesertSunlightMember_77288D49B3FFF1998384BDF146DDC450" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_4E37C95697524BC72102BDF146DD50B4" xlink:to="loc_nrg_DesertSunlightMember_77288D49B3FFF1998384BDF146DDC450" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_PowerGenerationFacilitiesByTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationFacilitiesByTypeAxis_F95B9AE679CE9464EF38BDF146DD3210" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_9AEE65F274B52E6F5912BDF146DB4495" xlink:to="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationFacilitiesByTypeAxis_F95B9AE679CE9464EF38BDF146DD3210" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_PowerGenerationFacilitiesTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationFacilitiesTypeDomain_A8F00FD2A52F718CCF1DBDF146DD7603" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationFacilitiesByTypeAxis_F95B9AE679CE9464EF38BDF146DD3210" xlink:to="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationFacilitiesTypeDomain_A8F00FD2A52F718CCF1DBDF146DD7603" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_UtilityScaleSolarMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_UtilityScaleSolarMember_4C0E0050E80FFD77F595BDF146DE5FDA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationFacilitiesTypeDomain_A8F00FD2A52F718CCF1DBDF146DD7603" xlink:to="loc_nrg_UtilityScaleSolarMember_4C0E0050E80FFD77F595BDF146DE5FDA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_WindFarmsMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_WindFarmsMember_0DCBD315AA39CF2C0A16BDF146DEB329" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationFacilitiesTypeDomain_A8F00FD2A52F718CCF1DBDF146DD7603" xlink:to="loc_nrg_WindFarmsMember_0DCBD315AA39CF2C0A16BDF146DEB329" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_ThermalMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_ThermalMember_1AEA1C8D5757BA987D81BDF146DEC38A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationFacilitiesTypeDomain_A8F00FD2A52F718CCF1DBDF146DD7603" xlink:to="loc_nrg_ThermalMember_1AEA1C8D5757BA987D81BDF146DEC38A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_A6A10D7F8A99979AFAEABDF146DF6C37" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_9AEE65F274B52E6F5912BDF146DB4495" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_A6A10D7F8A99979AFAEABDF146DF6C37" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_932B8C0ACCD9A6B5B8B9BDF146DF4B7E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_A6A10D7F8A99979AFAEABDF146DF6C37" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_932B8C0ACCD9A6B5B8B9BDF146DF4B7E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_November2015DropDownAssetsMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_November2015DropDownAssetsMember_AE47741E1FA5E21185B2BDF146DF5C48" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_932B8C0ACCD9A6B5B8B9BDF146DF4B7E" xlink:to="loc_nrg_November2015DropDownAssetsMember_AE47741E1FA5E21185B2BDF146DF5C48" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_SpringCanyonMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_SpringCanyonMember_5F6E0877AE0A8281CBBEBDF146E0F150" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_932B8C0ACCD9A6B5B8B9BDF146DF4B7E" xlink:to="loc_nrg_SpringCanyonMember_5F6E0877AE0A8281CBBEBDF146E0F150" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_SpringCanyonIIMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_SpringCanyonIIMember_B3D5B3D17FBC727866D6BDF146E064DC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_932B8C0ACCD9A6B5B8B9BDF146DF4B7E" xlink:to="loc_nrg_SpringCanyonIIMember_B3D5B3D17FBC727866D6BDF146E064DC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_SpringCanyonIIIMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_SpringCanyonIIIMember_6CA20D2890F282C79BA0BDF146E0AEE5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_932B8C0ACCD9A6B5B8B9BDF146DF4B7E" xlink:to="loc_nrg_SpringCanyonIIIMember_6CA20D2890F282C79BA0BDF146E0AEE5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_932B8C0ACCD9A6B5B8B9BDF146DF4B7E" xlink:to="loc_nrg_UBFuelCellMember_B778C9B5EE65ADE1BE8DBDF146DD46BC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_B528FE5E93BDD90556AFBDF146E0B2F5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_9AEE65F274B52E6F5912BDF146DB4495" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_B528FE5E93BDD90556AFBDF146E0B2F5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_2B3B460D50F8C20131FEBDF146E0F283" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_B528FE5E93BDD90556AFBDF146E0B2F5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_2B3B460D50F8C20131FEBDF146E0F283" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_ProRateShareofDebtHeldbyUnconsolidatedAffiliates" xlink:label="loc_nrg_ProRateShareofDebtHeldbyUnconsolidatedAffiliates_9D4240516F8AEFD62F0FBDF146E036D7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_B528FE5E93BDD90556AFBDF146E0B2F5" xlink:to="loc_nrg_ProRateShareofDebtHeldbyUnconsolidatedAffiliates_9D4240516F8AEFD62F0FBDF146E036D7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments_DB82711310E0A86A259FBDF146E0EB12" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_B528FE5E93BDD90556AFBDF146E0B2F5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments_DB82711310E0A86A259FBDF146E0EB12" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_TaxableIncomeAllocationPreFlip" xlink:label="loc_nrg_TaxableIncomeAllocationPreFlip_3344AA7811A309560588BDF146E13E24" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_B528FE5E93BDD90556AFBDF146E0B2F5" xlink:to="loc_nrg_TaxableIncomeAllocationPreFlip_3344AA7811A309560588BDF146E13E24" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_PercentageOfOwnership" xlink:label="loc_nrg_PercentageOfOwnership_8B8CD51F496C132A4184BDF146E15115" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_B528FE5E93BDD90556AFBDF146E0B2F5" xlink:to="loc_nrg_PercentageOfOwnership_8B8CD51F496C132A4184BDF146E15115" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_NumberOfFacilities" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NumberOfFacilities_93BE5CBCF4744D3B59B1BDF146E19396" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_B528FE5E93BDD90556AFBDF146E0B2F5" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NumberOfFacilities_93BE5CBCF4744D3B59B1BDF146E19396" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPercentageOfVotingInterestsAcquired" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPercentageOfVotingInterestsAcquired_66C2F0FD6BFC9AC5FB6BBDF146E13CF2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_B528FE5E93BDD90556AFBDF146E0B2F5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPercentageOfVotingInterestsAcquired_66C2F0FD6BFC9AC5FB6BBDF146E13CF2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_PowerGenerationCapacityMegawatts" xlink:label="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationCapacityMegawatts_F79FA966E6C1CABE7C4FBDF146E178DC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_B528FE5E93BDD90556AFBDF146E0B2F5" xlink:to="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationCapacityMegawatts_F79FA966E6C1CABE7C4FBDF146E178DC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_PowerPurchaseAgreementPeriod" xlink:label="loc_nrg_PowerPurchaseAgreementPeriod_C01CABE92B6BB81B4146BDF146E1EEA8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_B528FE5E93BDD90556AFBDF146E0B2F5" xlink:to="loc_nrg_PowerPurchaseAgreementPeriod_C01CABE92B6BB81B4146BDF146E1EEA8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AcquiredFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsWeightedAverageUsefulLife" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AcquiredFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsWeightedAverageUsefulLife_815012DA7D4C7063B5D6BDF146E169AD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_B528FE5E93BDD90556AFBDF146E0B2F5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AcquiredFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsWeightedAverageUsefulLife_815012DA7D4C7063B5D6BDF146E169AD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_TaxableIncomeAllocationPostFlip" xlink:label="loc_nrg_TaxableIncomeAllocationPostFlip_744889BDF6B582D15E10BDF146E10135" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_B528FE5E93BDD90556AFBDF146E0B2F5" xlink:to="loc_nrg_TaxableIncomeAllocationPostFlip_744889BDF6B582D15E10BDF146E10135" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_PercentageofCashAvailableforDistributions" xlink:label="loc_nrg_PercentageofCashAvailableforDistributions_6F65C269E9CCD30F10FBBDF146E1BEE4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="12" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_B528FE5E93BDD90556AFBDF146E0B2F5" xlink:to="loc_nrg_PercentageofCashAvailableforDistributions_6F65C269E9CCD30F10FBBDF146E1BEE4" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/BusinessAcquisitionsJanuary2015DropDownsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationsAbstract_EC24BEC012F1FE808D948246617152EE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_C4AFDC40822E85B4CDA8824661714CEB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationsAbstract_EC24BEC012F1FE808D948246617152EE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_C4AFDC40822E85B4CDA8824661714CEB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_PowerGenerationFacilitiesByTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationFacilitiesByTypeAxis_D30DCD25DB64D6E96C16824661711600" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_C4AFDC40822E85B4CDA8824661714CEB" xlink:to="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationFacilitiesByTypeAxis_D30DCD25DB64D6E96C16824661711600" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_PowerGenerationFacilitiesTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationFacilitiesTypeDomain_57C380FB3107455C306482466171C760" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationFacilitiesByTypeAxis_D30DCD25DB64D6E96C16824661711600" xlink:to="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationFacilitiesTypeDomain_57C380FB3107455C306482466171C760" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_ConventionalGenerationMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_ConventionalGenerationMember_F6A3ABC8C83812CB8D238246617134AC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationFacilitiesTypeDomain_57C380FB3107455C306482466171C760" xlink:to="loc_nrg_ConventionalGenerationMember_F6A3ABC8C83812CB8D238246617134AC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_WindFarmsMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_WindFarmsMember_22F1C5491B470584EAD482466171F5E8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationFacilitiesTypeDomain_57C380FB3107455C306482466171C760" xlink:to="loc_nrg_WindFarmsMember_22F1C5491B470584EAD482466171F5E8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_F830A74BE04A08422AB182466171200F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_C4AFDC40822E85B4CDA8824661714CEB" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_F830A74BE04A08422AB182466171200F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_E7574D49881999A069A082466171DE06" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_F830A74BE04A08422AB182466171200F" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_E7574D49881999A069A082466171DE06" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_PinnacleMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_PinnacleMember_52448B7027627332835C8246617149C1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_E7574D49881999A069A082466171DE06" xlink:to="loc_nrg_PinnacleMember_52448B7027627332835C8246617149C1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_BuffaloBearMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_BuffaloBearMember_463C844DEE287140F64F824661716D7A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_E7574D49881999A069A082466171DE06" xlink:to="loc_nrg_BuffaloBearMember_463C844DEE287140F64F824661716D7A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_TalogaMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_TalogaMember_500EEAFF84290E887F9A82466171DBF6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_E7574D49881999A069A082466171DE06" xlink:to="loc_nrg_TalogaMember_500EEAFF84290E887F9A82466171DBF6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_LaredoRidgeMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_LaredoRidgeMember_ED73E1EB945541956DC582466171AFCB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_E7574D49881999A069A082466171DE06" xlink:to="loc_nrg_LaredoRidgeMember_ED73E1EB945541956DC582466171AFCB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_WalnutCreekMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_WalnutCreekMember_8A1AEACCD029494B313F8246617144CE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_E7574D49881999A069A082466171DE06" xlink:to="loc_nrg_WalnutCreekMember_8A1AEACCD029494B313F8246617144CE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_3928EC59C730FE874D3F82466171DEAD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_C4AFDC40822E85B4CDA8824661714CEB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_3928EC59C730FE874D3F82466171DEAD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_09912C2EBCDF3F3110E882466171D2DA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_3928EC59C730FE874D3F82466171DEAD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_09912C2EBCDF3F3110E882466171D2DA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_January2015DropDownAssetsMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_January2015DropDownAssetsMember_2E419CFB3D3E3EB27F1282466171AD66" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_09912C2EBCDF3F3110E882466171D2DA" xlink:to="loc_nrg_January2015DropDownAssetsMember_2E419CFB3D3E3EB27F1282466171AD66" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_09912C2EBCDF3F3110E882466171D2DA" xlink:to="loc_nrg_WalnutCreekMember_8A1AEACCD029494B313F8246617144CE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_TapestryWindMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_TapestryWindMember_E04F4DEB46E0727D3A9782466171CFC6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_09912C2EBCDF3F3110E882466171D2DA" xlink:to="loc_nrg_TapestryWindMember_E04F4DEB46E0727D3A9782466171CFC6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_09912C2EBCDF3F3110E882466171D2DA" xlink:to="loc_nrg_LaredoRidgeMember_ED73E1EB945541956DC582466171AFCB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_7EB081CCDE7C7396DA2782466171A768" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_C4AFDC40822E85B4CDA8824661714CEB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_7EB081CCDE7C7396DA2782466171A768" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_PowerGenerationCapacityMegawatts" xlink:label="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationCapacityMegawatts_523E58A05EF0E3C728A4824661716FC1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_7EB081CCDE7C7396DA2782466171A768" xlink:to="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationCapacityMegawatts_523E58A05EF0E3C728A4824661716FC1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1_A02F9B977AA64BC23E06824661718F21" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_7EB081CCDE7C7396DA2782466171A768" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1_A02F9B977AA64BC23E06824661718F21" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_BusinessAcquisitionConsiderationTransferredWorkingCapital" xlink:label="loc_nrg_BusinessAcquisitionConsiderationTransferredWorkingCapital_B9C6D0DAA28D1A81F92B824661713D74" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_7EB081CCDE7C7396DA2782466171A768" xlink:to="loc_nrg_BusinessAcquisitionConsiderationTransferredWorkingCapital_B9C6D0DAA28D1A81F92B824661713D74" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredLiabilitiesIncurred" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredLiabilitiesIncurred_59975D7ECBD5D2ACC5FC824661716094" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_7EB081CCDE7C7396DA2782466171A768" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredLiabilitiesIncurred_59975D7ECBD5D2ACC5FC824661716094" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsNetGainsAndLosses" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsNetGainsAndLosses_AB93EE674F8920450564824661712021" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_7EB081CCDE7C7396DA2782466171A768" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsNetGainsAndLosses_AB93EE674F8920450564824661712021" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/BusinessAcquisitionsNovember2015DropDownDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationsAbstract_B3FF1AD6E3C4FAEE8288B52E6EA97DBF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_55AEFBB3A39A10C35D03B52E6EA9227D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationsAbstract_B3FF1AD6E3C4FAEE8288B52E6EA97DBF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_55AEFBB3A39A10C35D03B52E6EA9227D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_7379237DDF17611EDAE7B52E6EA951BA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_55AEFBB3A39A10C35D03B52E6EA9227D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_7379237DDF17611EDAE7B52E6EA951BA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_D1F3676D78A7388DAD7CB52E6EA9EAA9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_7379237DDF17611EDAE7B52E6EA951BA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_D1F3676D78A7388DAD7CB52E6EA9EAA9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_CD10042403698FB60E7CB52E6EA9BC1A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_D1F3676D78A7388DAD7CB52E6EA9EAA9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_CD10042403698FB60E7CB52E6EA9BC1A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_3670D27DA84CDBC1D534B52E6EA90382" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_55AEFBB3A39A10C35D03B52E6EA9227D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_3670D27DA84CDBC1D534B52E6EA90382" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_D453674CBDF5C49C8A17B52E6EAA0CEE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_3670D27DA84CDBC1D534B52E6EA90382" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_D453674CBDF5C49C8A17B52E6EAA0CEE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioPreviouslyReportedMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioPreviouslyReportedMember_1026D4AE788B2107F03BB52E6EAA53B0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_D453674CBDF5C49C8A17B52E6EAA0CEE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioPreviouslyReportedMember_1026D4AE788B2107F03BB52E6EAA53B0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_PowerGenerationFacilitiesByTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationFacilitiesByTypeAxis_9F9D5200C0DF676946EEB52E6EAA1CE0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_55AEFBB3A39A10C35D03B52E6EA9227D" xlink:to="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationFacilitiesByTypeAxis_9F9D5200C0DF676946EEB52E6EAA1CE0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_PowerGenerationFacilitiesTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationFacilitiesTypeDomain_04A008948A694F8EE062B52E6EAA0BD2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationFacilitiesByTypeAxis_9F9D5200C0DF676946EEB52E6EAA1CE0" xlink:to="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationFacilitiesTypeDomain_04A008948A694F8EE062B52E6EAA0BD2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_WindFarmsMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_WindFarmsMember_B3030637BE38B12A973DB52E6EAA8B0C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationFacilitiesTypeDomain_04A008948A694F8EE062B52E6EAA0BD2" xlink:to="loc_nrg_WindFarmsMember_B3030637BE38B12A973DB52E6EAA8B0C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_PeriodAxis" xlink:label="loc_nrg_PeriodAxis_0245ECDDEBDD1FF4F634B52E6EAAD4B9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_55AEFBB3A39A10C35D03B52E6EA9227D" xlink:to="loc_nrg_PeriodAxis_0245ECDDEBDD1FF4F634B52E6EAAD4B9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_PeriodDomain" xlink:label="loc_nrg_PeriodDomain_E61E6DE3BBA00A57CC4BB52E6EAA36FD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_PeriodAxis_0245ECDDEBDD1FF4F634B52E6EAAD4B9" xlink:to="loc_nrg_PeriodDomain_E61E6DE3BBA00A57CC4BB52E6EAA36FD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_PreFlipPointMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_PreFlipPointMember_3E6B33C3EC9A62D20BB3B52E6EAB6CCB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_PeriodDomain_E61E6DE3BBA00A57CC4BB52E6EAA36FD" xlink:to="loc_nrg_PreFlipPointMember_3E6B33C3EC9A62D20BB3B52E6EAB6CCB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_PostFlipPointMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_PostFlipPointMember_3651A416BBF5EFD3C923B52E6EAB4BB1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_PeriodDomain_E61E6DE3BBA00A57CC4BB52E6EAA36FD" xlink:to="loc_nrg_PostFlipPointMember_3651A416BBF5EFD3C923B52E6EAB4BB1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_PredeterminedDateThroughFlipPointIfFlipHasNotOccuredMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_PredeterminedDateThroughFlipPointIfFlipHasNotOccuredMember_C1A5360B1741A5864F88B52E6EAB4354" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_PeriodDomain_E61E6DE3BBA00A57CC4BB52E6EAA36FD" xlink:to="loc_nrg_PredeterminedDateThroughFlipPointIfFlipHasNotOccuredMember_C1A5360B1741A5864F88B52E6EAB4354" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherOwnershipInterestsByNameAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherOwnershipInterestsByNameAxis_B2BC8ADE26C2245FCD7FB52E6EABE0F9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_55AEFBB3A39A10C35D03B52E6EA9227D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherOwnershipInterestsByNameAxis_B2BC8ADE26C2245FCD7FB52E6EABE0F9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherOwnershipInterestsNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherOwnershipInterestsNameDomain_F7E1D1AFEA5C75BC9A82B52E6F3CD6A4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherOwnershipInterestsByNameAxis_B2BC8ADE26C2245FCD7FB52E6EABE0F9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherOwnershipInterestsNameDomain_F7E1D1AFEA5C75BC9A82B52E6F3CD6A4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_FinancialInstitutionsMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_FinancialInstitutionsMember_9B0996C2521356965104B52E6F3CAD51" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherOwnershipInterestsNameDomain_F7E1D1AFEA5C75BC9A82B52E6F3CD6A4" xlink:to="loc_nrg_FinancialInstitutionsMember_9B0996C2521356965104B52E6F3CAD51" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_NrgMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NrgMember_108881EEBA166D85B57CB52E6F3CB9F2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherOwnershipInterestsNameDomain_F7E1D1AFEA5C75BC9A82B52E6F3CD6A4" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NrgMember_108881EEBA166D85B57CB52E6F3CB9F2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_9B619026716C485B3DF3B52E6F3DF1C7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_55AEFBB3A39A10C35D03B52E6EA9227D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_9B619026716C485B3DF3B52E6F3DF1C7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_E09E7DCA33398A722C8DB52E6F3D4DCC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_9B619026716C485B3DF3B52E6F3DF1C7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_E09E7DCA33398A722C8DB52E6F3D4DCC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_November2017DropDownAssetsMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_November2017DropDownAssetsMember_09C8BBC1C543C3AFD3B2B52E6F3D03AB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_E09E7DCA33398A722C8DB52E6F3D4DCC" xlink:to="loc_nrg_November2017DropDownAssetsMember_09C8BBC1C543C3AFD3B2B52E6F3D03AB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_August2017DropDownAssetsMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_August2017DropDownAssetsMember_F56B40836A097AB98D87B52E6F3DADE8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_E09E7DCA33398A722C8DB52E6F3D4DCC" xlink:to="loc_nrg_August2017DropDownAssetsMember_F56B40836A097AB98D87B52E6F3DADE8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_November2015DropDownAssetsMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_November2015DropDownAssetsMember_7423D3C73D39B1753529B52E6F3DEA8D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_E09E7DCA33398A722C8DB52E6F3D4DCC" xlink:to="loc_nrg_November2015DropDownAssetsMember_7423D3C73D39B1753529B52E6F3DEA8D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_48AA4E77B6C7CBD8F5FDB52E6F3DEA0D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_55AEFBB3A39A10C35D03B52E6EA9227D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_48AA4E77B6C7CBD8F5FDB52E6F3DEA0D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentAssets_ACECA276D56F4E1C14F4B52E6F3DE591" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_48AA4E77B6C7CBD8F5FDB52E6F3DEA0D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentAssets_ACECA276D56F4E1C14F4B52E6F3DE591" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Revenues" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_3AB4458A7F3D946669F7B52E6F3DCA36" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_48AA4E77B6C7CBD8F5FDB52E6F3DEA0D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_3AB4458A7F3D946669F7B52E6F3DCA36" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrent_7ACDCAC15EF7E8EDBDF4B52E6F3E503B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_48AA4E77B6C7CBD8F5FDB52E6F3DEA0D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrent_7ACDCAC15EF7E8EDBDF4B52E6F3E503B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPercentageOfVotingInterestsAcquired" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPercentageOfVotingInterestsAcquired_1166ED9983157BDE4861B52E6F3E2AA4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_48AA4E77B6C7CBD8F5FDB52E6F3DEA0D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPercentageOfVotingInterestsAcquired_1166ED9983157BDE4861B52E6F3E2AA4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_BusinessAcquisitionConsiderationTransferredWorkingCapital" xlink:label="loc_nrg_BusinessAcquisitionConsiderationTransferredWorkingCapital_EE98F308C0F7F1E3CC28B52E6F3E3D76" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_48AA4E77B6C7CBD8F5FDB52E6F3DEA0D" xlink:to="loc_nrg_BusinessAcquisitionConsiderationTransferredWorkingCapital_EE98F308C0F7F1E3CC28B52E6F3E3D76" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestIncreaseFromBusinessCombination" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestIncreaseFromBusinessCombination_327652B69F8C332C6F55B52E6F3ECBA6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_48AA4E77B6C7CBD8F5FDB52E6F3DEA0D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestIncreaseFromBusinessCombination_327652B69F8C332C6F55B52E6F3ECBA6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsNetGainsAndLosses" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsNetGainsAndLosses_11605D439C3E1DE4717DB52E6F3E53C7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_48AA4E77B6C7CBD8F5FDB52E6F3DEA0D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsNetGainsAndLosses_11605D439C3E1DE4717DB52E6F3E53C7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_TaxableIncomeAllocationPreFlip" xlink:label="loc_nrg_TaxableIncomeAllocationPreFlip_9135621BE09C38822F0BB52E6F3E8081" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_48AA4E77B6C7CBD8F5FDB52E6F3DEA0D" xlink:to="loc_nrg_TaxableIncomeAllocationPreFlip_9135621BE09C38822F0BB52E6F3E8081" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_TaxableIncomeAllocationPostFlip" xlink:label="loc_nrg_TaxableIncomeAllocationPostFlip_00B21B6E966B0DDF7256B52E6F3E5915" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_48AA4E77B6C7CBD8F5FDB52E6F3DEA0D" xlink:to="loc_nrg_TaxableIncomeAllocationPostFlip_00B21B6E966B0DDF7256B52E6F3E5915" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedPropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedPropertyPlantAndEquipment_5C48EAB3DFF100E87C80B52E6F4361D3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_48AA4E77B6C7CBD8F5FDB52E6F3DEA0D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedPropertyPlantAndEquipment_5C48EAB3DFF100E87C80B52E6F4361D3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssets_CE668103B8492A4031EBB52E6F44BBB0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_48AA4E77B6C7CBD8F5FDB52E6F3DEA0D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssets_CE668103B8492A4031EBB52E6F44BBB0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedAssets_818BA6F388FAF00C4A15B52E6F446627" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="12" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_48AA4E77B6C7CBD8F5FDB52E6F3DEA0D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedAssets_818BA6F388FAF00C4A15B52E6F446627" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNoncurrentLiabilitiesLongTermDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNoncurrentLiabilitiesLongTermDebt_F3ADA374B5EE1CC420F6B52E6F449A59" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="13" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_48AA4E77B6C7CBD8F5FDB52E6F3DEA0D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNoncurrentLiabilitiesLongTermDebt_F3ADA374B5EE1CC420F6B52E6F449A59" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsIncludingCurrentMaturities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsIncludingCurrentMaturities_8B3E38773DA94DAC1B17B52E6F44B448" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="14" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_48AA4E77B6C7CBD8F5FDB52E6F3DEA0D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsIncludingCurrentMaturities_8B3E38773DA94DAC1B17B52E6F44B448" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilities_B20284A6B3D1136527C2B52E6F444DE6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="15" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_48AA4E77B6C7CBD8F5FDB52E6F3DEA0D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilities_B20284A6B3D1136527C2B52E6F444DE6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNet_3A4F26FDB073B9C48A90B52E6F44BEDB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="16" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_48AA4E77B6C7CBD8F5FDB52E6F3DEA0D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNet_3A4F26FDB073B9C48A90B52E6F44BEDB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_PercentageofCashAvailableforDistributions" xlink:label="loc_nrg_PercentageofCashAvailableforDistributions_77563E7067E846012BEBB52E6F44439C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="17" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_48AA4E77B6C7CBD8F5FDB52E6F3DEA0D" xlink:to="loc_nrg_PercentageofCashAvailableforDistributions_77563E7067E846012BEBB52E6F44439C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_NumberOfFacilities" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NumberOfFacilities_A2F77166D886A4C1FE6EB52E6F4499ED" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="18" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_48AA4E77B6C7CBD8F5FDB52E6F3DEA0D" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NumberOfFacilities_A2F77166D886A4C1FE6EB52E6F4499ED" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_PowerGenerationCapacityMegawatts" xlink:label="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationCapacityMegawatts_9D07AC58160175F27CEDB52E6F44773A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="19" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_48AA4E77B6C7CBD8F5FDB52E6F3DEA0D" xlink:to="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationCapacityMegawatts_9D07AC58160175F27CEDB52E6F44773A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross_E03175FDA75CEEBCF008B5408AC689C6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="20" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_48AA4E77B6C7CBD8F5FDB52E6F3DEA0D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross_E03175FDA75CEEBCF008B5408AC689C6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_967E61F2309E6FC25D92B52E6F4574A2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="21" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_48AA4E77B6C7CBD8F5FDB52E6F3DEA0D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_967E61F2309E6FC25D92B52E6F4574A2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrent_D00C382462D7DB0D722FB52E6F4515D8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="22" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_48AA4E77B6C7CBD8F5FDB52E6F3DEA0D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrent_D00C382462D7DB0D722FB52E6F4515D8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Assets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Assets_A90D3EDA7FB9EAB85487B52E6F45BA59" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="23" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_48AA4E77B6C7CBD8F5FDB52E6F3DEA0D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Assets_A90D3EDA7FB9EAB85487B52E6F45BA59" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtLongtermAndShorttermCombinedAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtLongtermAndShorttermCombinedAmount_067CD5DB8B401A1642E5B52E6F45E200" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="24" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_48AA4E77B6C7CBD8F5FDB52E6F3DEA0D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtLongtermAndShorttermCombinedAmount_067CD5DB8B401A1642E5B52E6F45E200" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_09B05309C9279C4B48B2B52E6F454B4F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="25" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_48AA4E77B6C7CBD8F5FDB52E6F3DEA0D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_09B05309C9279C4B48B2B52E6F454B4F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilities_681C05F8659EB20F3001B52E6F45744D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="26" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_48AA4E77B6C7CBD8F5FDB52E6F3DEA0D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilities_681C05F8659EB20F3001B52E6F45744D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Liabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Liabilities_8B60F1D09EDF309FB100B52E6F452ECC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="27" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_48AA4E77B6C7CBD8F5FDB52E6F3DEA0D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Liabilities_8B60F1D09EDF309FB100B52E6F452ECC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsNet_52E2B99C26BFF2AD5308B52E6F45D20A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="28" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_48AA4E77B6C7CBD8F5FDB52E6F3DEA0D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsNet_52E2B99C26BFF2AD5308B52E6F45D20A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_8B75E403023D290981ACB52E6F45F02C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="29" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_48AA4E77B6C7CBD8F5FDB52E6F3DEA0D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_8B75E403023D290981ACB52E6F45F02C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProfitLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_866A6B8136265DDDAA47B52E6F4AA214" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="30" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_48AA4E77B6C7CBD8F5FDB52E6F3DEA0D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_866A6B8136265DDDAA47B52E6F4AA214" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_D11A19D218D1C7B345D8B52E6F4B130A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="31" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_48AA4E77B6C7CBD8F5FDB52E6F3DEA0D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_D11A19D218D1C7B345D8B52E6F4B130A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_48FA163F91F7765F6D4AB52E6F4B8080" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="32" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_48AA4E77B6C7CBD8F5FDB52E6F3DEA0D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_48FA163F91F7765F6D4AB52E6F4B8080" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_2CD1D4C5FC4DE2FDADF1B52E6F4B8807" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="33" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_48AA4E77B6C7CBD8F5FDB52E6F3DEA0D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_2CD1D4C5FC4DE2FDADF1B52E6F4B8807" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionOfLessThan100PercentNoncontrollingInterestFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionOfLessThan100PercentNoncontrollingInterestFairValue_FECE96987D3E413308A3B53C8A8FC66B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="34" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_48AA4E77B6C7CBD8F5FDB52E6F3DEA0D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionOfLessThan100PercentNoncontrollingInterestFairValue_FECE96987D3E413308A3B53C8A8FC66B" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/BusinessAcquisitionsNovember2017DropDownDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationsAbstract_49EA9F58B033AD22AB71B4507A415E91" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_DF1D0132627D68B284C0B4507A412A1C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationsAbstract_49EA9F58B033AD22AB71B4507A415E91" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_DF1D0132627D68B284C0B4507A412A1C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_592AE80ECA7126692D85B4507A415BC8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_DF1D0132627D68B284C0B4507A412A1C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_592AE80ECA7126692D85B4507A415BC8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_C46B621CF0DBFFAF40FDB4507A412743" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_592AE80ECA7126692D85B4507A415BC8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_C46B621CF0DBFFAF40FDB4507A412743" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_November2017DropDownAssetsMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_November2017DropDownAssetsMember_DE007BDEA293D95345E9B4507A418CC2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_C46B621CF0DBFFAF40FDB4507A412743" xlink:to="loc_nrg_November2017DropDownAssetsMember_DE007BDEA293D95345E9B4507A418CC2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_53AC21C1FE1830891C0BB4507A41A22A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_DF1D0132627D68B284C0B4507A412A1C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_53AC21C1FE1830891C0BB4507A41A22A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_BA4F59E86A9D553046BFB4507A4160B4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_53AC21C1FE1830891C0BB4507A41A22A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_BA4F59E86A9D553046BFB4507A4160B4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_EBE5F27535BEE9769561B4507A422A08" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_BA4F59E86A9D553046BFB4507A4160B4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_EBE5F27535BEE9769561B4507A422A08" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_929195DF6E2A75B586D8B4507A42C505" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_DF1D0132627D68B284C0B4507A412A1C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_929195DF6E2A75B586D8B4507A42C505" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_23A3DF421E7F2F076CFCB4507A4284E5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_929195DF6E2A75B586D8B4507A42C505" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_23A3DF421E7F2F076CFCB4507A4284E5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_August2017DropDownAssetsMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_August2017DropDownAssetsMember_A1929BF36A7BEEC3F003B4507A42FDBC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_23A3DF421E7F2F076CFCB4507A4284E5" xlink:to="loc_nrg_August2017DropDownAssetsMember_A1929BF36A7BEEC3F003B4507A42FDBC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_60759B913ED55771BCD5B4507A422EFC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_DF1D0132627D68B284C0B4507A412A1C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_60759B913ED55771BCD5B4507A422EFC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_041FECA628361666ECDAB4507A426153" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_60759B913ED55771BCD5B4507A422EFC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_041FECA628361666ECDAB4507A426153" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_041FECA628361666ECDAB4507A426153" xlink:to="loc_nrg_November2017DropDownAssetsMember_DE007BDEA293D95345E9B4507A418CC2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_041FECA628361666ECDAB4507A426153" xlink:to="loc_nrg_August2017DropDownAssetsMember_A1929BF36A7BEEC3F003B4507A42FDBC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_E6C3D7BABC6765084620B4507A42D108" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_DF1D0132627D68B284C0B4507A412A1C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_E6C3D7BABC6765084620B4507A42D108" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_86B8FEF9B4CD3489B18BB4507A424403" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_E6C3D7BABC6765084620B4507A42D108" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_86B8FEF9B4CD3489B18BB4507A424403" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OwnershipAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OwnershipAxis_872C7917F1F9C0497E39B4507A434E6E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_DF1D0132627D68B284C0B4507A412A1C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OwnershipAxis_872C7917F1F9C0497E39B4507A434E6E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OwnershipDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OwnershipDomain_8A3AD99DBAE05066FC5DB4507A4393A5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OwnershipAxis_872C7917F1F9C0497E39B4507A434E6E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OwnershipDomain_8A3AD99DBAE05066FC5DB4507A4393A5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_C9DAE286DDBF08CDB4E2B4507A439FE7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_DF1D0132627D68B284C0B4507A412A1C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_C9DAE286DDBF08CDB4E2B4507A439FE7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_8CC896670DB4D8C9F4A2B4507A43C6B3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_C9DAE286DDBF08CDB4E2B4507A439FE7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_8CC896670DB4D8C9F4A2B4507A43C6B3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_9135528F6566A8FF621CB4507A43C170" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_DF1D0132627D68B284C0B4507A412A1C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_9135528F6566A8FF621CB4507A43C170" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPercentageOfVotingInterestsAcquired" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPercentageOfVotingInterestsAcquired_94A4247BFA0B75FC8892B4507A439940" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_9135528F6566A8FF621CB4507A43C170" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPercentageOfVotingInterestsAcquired_94A4247BFA0B75FC8892B4507A439940" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1_EF147C3C505565F2ADDFB4507A4382BD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_9135528F6566A8FF621CB4507A43C170" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1_EF147C3C505565F2ADDFB4507A4382BD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_PowerGenerationCapacityMegawatts" xlink:label="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationCapacityMegawatts_C2C225DC8A063FCBD280B4507A43DB4F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_9135528F6566A8FF621CB4507A43C170" xlink:to="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationCapacityMegawatts_C2C225DC8A063FCBD280B4507A43DB4F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_BusinessAcquisitionConsiderationTransferredWorkingCapital" xlink:label="loc_nrg_BusinessAcquisitionConsiderationTransferredWorkingCapital_90D8EA5F51EC31895E4EB4507A434BAF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_9135528F6566A8FF621CB4507A43C170" xlink:to="loc_nrg_BusinessAcquisitionConsiderationTransferredWorkingCapital_90D8EA5F51EC31895E4EB4507A434BAF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_3CB65265DC4854B416F3B4507A432492" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_9135528F6566A8FF621CB4507A43C170" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_3CB65265DC4854B416F3B4507A432492" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiability" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiability_BCDED8E17515DAD7ED9BB4507A43563F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_9135528F6566A8FF621CB4507A43C170" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiability_BCDED8E17515DAD7ED9BB4507A43563F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNet_63C4738BF48D4EE730FFB4507A43EF4C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_9135528F6566A8FF621CB4507A43C170" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNet_63C4738BF48D4EE730FFB4507A43EF4C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentAssets_F0FBFE6DD3A6530529B7B4507A4991E2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_9135528F6566A8FF621CB4507A43C170" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentAssets_F0FBFE6DD3A6530529B7B4507A4991E2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedPropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedPropertyPlantAndEquipment_46FA007B218AE2B9BC0DB4507A49C20E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_9135528F6566A8FF621CB4507A43C170" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedPropertyPlantAndEquipment_46FA007B218AE2B9BC0DB4507A49C20E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedOtherNoncurrentAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedOtherNoncurrentAssets_D2F007579A9A6DA20B52B4507A496802" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_9135528F6566A8FF621CB4507A43C170" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedOtherNoncurrentAssets_D2F007579A9A6DA20B52B4507A496802" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedAssets_E0ACF26DA8308FDC14ACB4507A49E167" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_9135528F6566A8FF621CB4507A43C170" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedAssets_E0ACF26DA8308FDC14ACB4507A49E167" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedFinancialLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedFinancialLiabilities_7A742E0ABC1A284A1067B4507A495A4C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="12" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_9135528F6566A8FF621CB4507A43C170" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedFinancialLiabilities_7A742E0ABC1A284A1067B4507A495A4C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNoncurrentLiabilitiesOther" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNoncurrentLiabilitiesOther_A7C0A1F49C6FDBC46F0EB4507A4987CD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="13" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_9135528F6566A8FF621CB4507A43C170" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNoncurrentLiabilitiesOther_A7C0A1F49C6FDBC46F0EB4507A4987CD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilities_A637169FD408119D6B1FB4507A4956C3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="14" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_9135528F6566A8FF621CB4507A43C170" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilities_A637169FD408119D6B1FB4507A4956C3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNet_ACC86437B2AAC57DA6A7B4507A4907BD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="15" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_9135528F6566A8FF621CB4507A43C170" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNet_ACC86437B2AAC57DA6A7B4507A4907BD" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/BusinessAcquisitionsTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationsAbstract_DC65197210B94A460A8CB402A949D38A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_4731F1CE225FE1243BECB402A94925DC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationsAbstract_DC65197210B94A460A8CB402A949D38A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_4731F1CE225FE1243BECB402A94925DC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_DC56F7C64E3BFC8E8653B402A94994F0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_4731F1CE225FE1243BECB402A94925DC" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_DC56F7C64E3BFC8E8653B402A94994F0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_0C72EF1FEF7E25FEDAAFB402A949C1D1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_DC56F7C64E3BFC8E8653B402A94994F0" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_0C72EF1FEF7E25FEDAAFB402A949C1D1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_AltaXandXITEHoldcoMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_AltaXandXITEHoldcoMember_DFC8A774B71A841574B1B402A949AA98" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_0C72EF1FEF7E25FEDAAFB402A949C1D1" xlink:to="loc_nrg_AltaXandXITEHoldcoMember_DFC8A774B71A841574B1B402A949AA98" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_FEF95BAF4133835F7F19B402A94AC45E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_4731F1CE225FE1243BECB402A94925DC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_FEF95BAF4133835F7F19B402A94AC45E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_0B102B09A26B0A71B08BB402A94AFBAA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_FEF95BAF4133835F7F19B402A94AC45E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_0B102B09A26B0A71B08BB402A94AFBAA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_November2017DropDownAssetsMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_November2017DropDownAssetsMember_937F7F5779A8C7D3355BB402A94AA31E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_0B102B09A26B0A71B08BB402A94AFBAA" xlink:to="loc_nrg_November2017DropDownAssetsMember_937F7F5779A8C7D3355BB402A94AA31E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_March2017DropDownAssetsMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_March2017DropDownAssetsMember_11695DA92C196F485D37B402A94A3492" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_0B102B09A26B0A71B08BB402A94AFBAA" xlink:to="loc_nrg_March2017DropDownAssetsMember_11695DA92C196F485D37B402A94A3492" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_CvsrMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_CvsrMember_E3C8F6993A4ACDF2FDE8B402A94AB805" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_0B102B09A26B0A71B08BB402A94AFBAA" xlink:to="loc_nrg_CvsrMember_E3C8F6993A4ACDF2FDE8B402A94AB805" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_4BEB1533F4CDB983EE7DB402A94AA532" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_4731F1CE225FE1243BECB402A94925DC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_4BEB1533F4CDB983EE7DB402A94AA532" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaInformationTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaInformationTextBlock_E0F6CECBD3286A01C635B402A94A94B1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_4BEB1533F4CDB983EE7DB402A94AA532" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaInformationTextBlock_E0F6CECBD3286A01C635B402A94A94B1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTextBlock_7ED065822E21941CEAA0B402A94ABF15" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_4BEB1533F4CDB983EE7DB402A94AA532" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTextBlock_7ED065822E21941CEAA0B402A94ABF15" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingenciesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_BE01255E170BACDBC9D8AF1DE8F31A87" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentTable_24223731481FBA9BC12FAF1DE8F32155" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_BE01255E170BACDBC9D8AF1DE8F31A87" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentTable_24223731481FBA9BC12FAF1DE8F32155" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_2297BFF8446CDD3CF482AF1DE8F3D25D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentTable_24223731481FBA9BC12FAF1DE8F32155" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_2297BFF8446CDD3CF482AF1DE8F3D25D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_93EB6289A9506D4B9852AF1DE8F3A668" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_2297BFF8446CDD3CF482AF1DE8F3D25D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_93EB6289A9506D4B9852AF1DE8F3A668" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_NRGRepoweringHoldingsLLCMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NRGRepoweringHoldingsLLCMember_B912017414042F1F8EF2AF1DE8F49CD7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_93EB6289A9506D4B9852AF1DE8F3A668" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NRGRepoweringHoldingsLLCMember_B912017414042F1F8EF2AF1DE8F49CD7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_NrgMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NrgMember_A5934A2CEFFEEB970145AF1DE8F4AA98" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_93EB6289A9506D4B9852AF1DE8F3A668" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NrgMember_A5934A2CEFFEEB970145AF1DE8F4AA98" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentByCategoryOfItemPurchasedAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentByCategoryOfItemPurchasedAxis_14238AC3FA64F6BE3671AF1DE8F95125" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentTable_24223731481FBA9BC12FAF1DE8F32155" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentByCategoryOfItemPurchasedAxis_14238AC3FA64F6BE3671AF1DE8F95125" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentCategoryOfItemPurchasedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentCategoryOfItemPurchasedDomain_96B4CC05E60CB0AA7F7EAF1DE8F9DAB8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentByCategoryOfItemPurchasedAxis_14238AC3FA64F6BE3671AF1DE8F95125" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentCategoryOfItemPurchasedDomain_96B4CC05E60CB0AA7F7EAF1DE8F9DAB8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentLineItems_BCB78CAC2E6688BD2AC2AF1DE8F92BBE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentTable_24223731481FBA9BC12FAF1DE8F32155" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentLineItems_BCB78CAC2E6688BD2AC2AF1DE8F92BBE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PurchaseObligationDueInNextTwelveMonths" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PurchaseObligationDueInNextTwelveMonths_3353517FF51CD46A8818AF1DE8F9A67F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentLineItems_BCB78CAC2E6688BD2AC2AF1DE8F92BBE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PurchaseObligationDueInNextTwelveMonths_3353517FF51CD46A8818AF1DE8F9A67F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UtilitiesOperatingExpensePurchasedPowerUnderLongTermContracts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UtilitiesOperatingExpensePurchasedPowerUnderLongTermContracts_A8AFE6B1D105D9A1C2C3AF1DE8FAA619" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentLineItems_BCB78CAC2E6688BD2AC2AF1DE8F92BBE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UtilitiesOperatingExpensePurchasedPowerUnderLongTermContracts_A8AFE6B1D105D9A1C2C3AF1DE8FAA619" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationBalanceOnSecondAnniversary" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationBalanceOnSecondAnniversary_EA32B527CADB9F21F488AF1DE8FA4573" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentLineItems_BCB78CAC2E6688BD2AC2AF1DE8F92BBE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationBalanceOnSecondAnniversary_EA32B527CADB9F21F488AF1DE8FA4573" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationBalanceOnThirdAnniversary" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationBalanceOnThirdAnniversary_DAAAB174F32DFA11D553AF1DE8FA1A05" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentLineItems_BCB78CAC2E6688BD2AC2AF1DE8F92BBE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationBalanceOnThirdAnniversary_DAAAB174F32DFA11D553AF1DE8FA1A05" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationBalanceOnFourthAnniversary" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationBalanceOnFourthAnniversary_2B3000166A310AE2DADDAF1DE8FA4229" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentLineItems_BCB78CAC2E6688BD2AC2AF1DE8F92BBE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationBalanceOnFourthAnniversary_2B3000166A310AE2DADDAF1DE8FA4229" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationBalanceOnFifthAnniversary" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationBalanceOnFifthAnniversary_290AB94A3DC27ECB4823AF1DE8FABC3A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentLineItems_BCB78CAC2E6688BD2AC2AF1DE8F92BBE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationBalanceOnFifthAnniversary_290AB94A3DC27ECB4823AF1DE8FABC3A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationDueAfterFiveYears" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationDueAfterFiveYears_0D3A0CCD10064FEE3ECDAF1DE8FA419A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentLineItems_BCB78CAC2E6688BD2AC2AF1DE8F92BBE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationDueAfterFiveYears_0D3A0CCD10064FEE3ECDAF1DE8FA419A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PurchaseObligation" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PurchaseObligation_22B8AC4707CC2894A7E4AF1DE8FA6DA9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentLineItems_BCB78CAC2E6688BD2AC2AF1DE8F92BBE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PurchaseObligation_22B8AC4707CC2894A7E4AF1DE8FA6DA9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostOfNaturalGasPurchases" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CostOfNaturalGasPurchases_2BF5E32A9632DE21F1F4AF1DE8FA3D30" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentLineItems_BCB78CAC2E6688BD2AC2AF1DE8F92BBE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CostOfNaturalGasPurchases_2BF5E32A9632DE21F1F4AF1DE8FA3D30" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_Coalgaspurchases" xlink:label="loc_nrg_Coalgaspurchases_8780B64C883DF7F0CB94AF1DE8FBA87F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentLineItems_BCB78CAC2E6688BD2AC2AF1DE8F92BBE" xlink:to="loc_nrg_Coalgaspurchases_8780B64C883DF7F0CB94AF1DE8FBA87F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDue_DAA09CCBA16BB23AA137AF1DFA5AF601" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentLineItems_BCB78CAC2E6688BD2AC2AF1DE8F92BBE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDue_DAA09CCBA16BB23AA137AF1DFA5AF601" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueCurrent_A11BFAF889CD3C93BCB4AF1DE8FBA506" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_BE01255E170BACDBC9D8AF1DE8F31A87" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueCurrent_A11BFAF889CD3C93BCB4AF1DE8FBA506" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LeaseAndRentalExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LeaseAndRentalExpense_62E5E9FAF8790F6885BDAF1DE8FB3CCA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_BE01255E170BACDBC9D8AF1DE8F31A87" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LeaseAndRentalExpense_62E5E9FAF8790F6885BDAF1DE8FB3CCA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInTwoYears" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInTwoYears_796D15BEDC378B9AFD57AF1DE8FB7049" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_BE01255E170BACDBC9D8AF1DE8F31A87" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInTwoYears_796D15BEDC378B9AFD57AF1DE8FB7049" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInThreeYears" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInThreeYears_4C80FE226AD1C887505FAF1DE8FBB966" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_BE01255E170BACDBC9D8AF1DE8F31A87" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInThreeYears_4C80FE226AD1C887505FAF1DE8FBB966" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInFourYears" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInFourYears_2E09F909A7FA06734B49AF1DE8FBB1E0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_BE01255E170BACDBC9D8AF1DE8F31A87" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInFourYears_2E09F909A7FA06734B49AF1DE8FBB1E0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInFiveYears" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInFiveYears_9AFEB7E0E196A23FBEB0AF1DE8FB8892" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_BE01255E170BACDBC9D8AF1DE8F31A87" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInFiveYears_9AFEB7E0E196A23FBEB0AF1DE8FB8892" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueThereafter" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueThereafter_2DB453728B07C981D6A6AF1DE8FB38C8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_BE01255E170BACDBC9D8AF1DE8F31A87" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueThereafter_2DB453728B07C981D6A6AF1DE8FB38C8" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingenciesNotes" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_F97A6A9D1E365CF7E5AA8246601A0037" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTextBlock_25327F06ABFC38AC36578246601AF9DE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_F97A6A9D1E365CF7E5AA8246601A0037" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTextBlock_25327F06ABFC38AC36578246601AF9DE" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingenciesTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_21CC93E63F03763CA15F824660F5F5AF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTextBlock_D37E7DFE2F88B75FBCFC824660F55C2E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_21CC93E63F03763CA15F824660F5F5AF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTextBlock_D37E7DFE2F88B75FBCFC824660F55C2E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentTextBlock_7C22D6BFDF13D2E49AEA824660F5AF49" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_21CC93E63F03763CA15F824660F5F5AF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentTextBlock_7C22D6BFDF13D2E49AEA824660F5AF49" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfFutureMinimumRentalPaymentsForOperatingLeasesTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFutureMinimumRentalPaymentsForOperatingLeasesTableTextBlock_7115044FC2D6FB36425F824660F58924" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_21CC93E63F03763CA15F824660F5F5AF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFutureMinimumRentalPaymentsForOperatingLeasesTableTextBlock_7115044FC2D6FB36425F824660F58924" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationCondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformation" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_OperatingLeasesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_nrg_OperatingLeasesAbstract_F77FA6128E70A91A8B0482466191BB12" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsTextBlock_60CC0E1CD9A232DCBEDE82466191BC23" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_OperatingLeasesAbstract_F77FA6128E70A91A8B0482466191BB12" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsTextBlock_60CC0E1CD9A232DCBEDE82466191BC23" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationCondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationCondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_OperatingLeasesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_nrg_OperatingLeasesAbstract_16C051F54BCA0A6ED271824660D58537" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_B2193191B62D0F8F8ED4824660D581EF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_OperatingLeasesAbstract_16C051F54BCA0A6ED271824660D58537" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_B2193191B62D0F8F8ED4824660D581EF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_ABE747685847265BAA68824660D5D86D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_B2193191B62D0F8F8ED4824660D581EF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_ABE747685847265BAA68824660D5D86D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_FA2C56F4DF9419B154C5824660D5D90A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_ABE747685847265BAA68824660D5D86D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_FA2C56F4DF9419B154C5824660D5D90A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_A5.375SeniorNotesduein2024Member" xlink:label="loc_nrg_A5.375SeniorNotesduein2024Member_89727441189A708BEF87824660D5F25D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_FA2C56F4DF9419B154C5824660D5D90A" xlink:to="loc_nrg_A5.375SeniorNotesduein2024Member_89727441189A708BEF87824660D5F25D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_A5.00SeniorNotesduein2026Member" xlink:label="loc_nrg_A5.00SeniorNotesduein2026Member_6B1FEECEC6A53118FDC2824660D57EC1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_FA2C56F4DF9419B154C5824660D5D90A" xlink:to="loc_nrg_A5.00SeniorNotesduein2026Member_6B1FEECEC6A53118FDC2824660D57EC1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_BB235D8E0EBA99DDA693824660D54FF2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_B2193191B62D0F8F8ED4824660D581EF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_BB235D8E0EBA99DDA693824660D54FF2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SeniorNotes" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeniorNotes_79ACDE914CDE342DFEB7824660D57E4E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_BB235D8E0EBA99DDA693824660D54FF2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SeniorNotes_79ACDE914CDE342DFEB7824660D57E4E" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationCpBalanceSheetCondensedConsolidatingCpBalanceSheetNotes" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_CondensedFinancialInformationAbstract" xlink:label="loc_nrg_CondensedFinancialInformationAbstract_624336A2DB66E07112D9824661A01F1F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsTextBlock_548D217A46D8E7DACDB4824661A0459B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_CondensedFinancialInformationAbstract_624336A2DB66E07112D9824661A01F1F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsTextBlock_548D217A46D8E7DACDB4824661A0459B" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationCpBalanceSheetCondensedConsolidatingCpBalanceSheetTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_CondensedFinancialInformationAbstract" xlink:label="loc_nrg_CondensedFinancialInformationAbstract_975AF582ECB679881CB38246601A3558" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfCondensedBalanceSheetTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCondensedBalanceSheetTableTextBlock_8E8D79B33B6DCB788E648246601AE863" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_CondensedFinancialInformationAbstract_975AF582ECB679881CB38246601A3558" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCondensedBalanceSheetTableTextBlock_8E8D79B33B6DCB788E648246601AE863" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationCpBalanceSheetDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_CPComprehensiveIncomeAbstract" xlink:label="loc_nrg_CPComprehensiveIncomeAbstract_E6B3E77B90D16DAF1F48A098EAD36734" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementTable_3D2EC798EC3EE8C4F1ADA098EAD9797A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_CPComprehensiveIncomeAbstract_E6B3E77B90D16DAF1F48A098EAD36734" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementTable_3D2EC798EC3EE8C4F1ADA098EAD9797A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis_76783C3ED7FF985091ACA098EAD9DE83" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementTable_3D2EC798EC3EE8C4F1ADA098EAD9797A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis_76783C3ED7FF985091ACA098EAD9DE83" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_A3C39DB84AF13FDCCFFDA098EAD99901" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis_76783C3ED7FF985091ACA098EAD9DE83" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_A3C39DB84AF13FDCCFFDA098EAD99901" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember_AC6A344ABD6758E7B53AA098EAD99EEC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_A3C39DB84AF13FDCCFFDA098EAD99901" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember_AC6A344ABD6758E7B53AA098EAD99EEC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_255FE5658490CB2E7A2CA098EAD953C4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementTable_3D2EC798EC3EE8C4F1ADA098EAD9797A" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_255FE5658490CB2E7A2CA098EAD953C4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_45BF89C512F43BF2D50AA098EAD9A312" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_255FE5658490CB2E7A2CA098EAD953C4" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_45BF89C512F43BF2D50AA098EAD9A312" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_NRGYieldLLCMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NRGYieldLLCMember_0A3004A34D3B30D0DDF7A098EADA012E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_45BF89C512F43BF2D50AA098EAD9A312" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NRGYieldLLCMember_0A3004A34D3B30D0DDF7A098EADA012E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_NRGYieldOperatingLLCMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NRGYieldOperatingLLCMember_3E51E6815E36BD227004A098EADAE952" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_45BF89C512F43BF2D50AA098EAD9A312" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NRGYieldOperatingLLCMember_3E51E6815E36BD227004A098EADAE952" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_9F6A4298895877B3EA09A098EADA16F4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementTable_3D2EC798EC3EE8C4F1ADA098EAD9797A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_9F6A4298895877B3EA09A098EADA16F4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_A9029834F4184754D9FFA098EADA289C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_9F6A4298895877B3EA09A098EADA16F4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_A9029834F4184754D9FFA098EADA289C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember_88A88EE1E8D28BEDE4A3A098EADA576A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_A9029834F4184754D9FFA098EADA289C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember_88A88EE1E8D28BEDE4A3A098EADA576A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember_7BCB23A1BE9835A9AE98A098EADA9586" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_A9029834F4184754D9FFA098EADA289C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember_7BCB23A1BE9835A9AE98A098EADA9586" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_C287EE86A5B0F6EDA7BDA098EADADCF9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementTable_3D2EC798EC3EE8C4F1ADA098EAD9797A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_C287EE86A5B0F6EDA7BDA098EADADCF9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_F292DECDD4CEF15797BAA098EADA95FC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_C287EE86A5B0F6EDA7BDA098EADADCF9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_F292DECDD4CEF15797BAA098EADA95FC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_B8741276F79C2871E4CFA098EADF0BEE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_C287EE86A5B0F6EDA7BDA098EADADCF9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_B8741276F79C2871E4CFA098EADF0BEE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent_5E468CA0E404B0CD2C0EA098EAE02FFC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_C287EE86A5B0F6EDA7BDA098EADADCF9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent_5E468CA0E404B0CD2C0EA098EAE02FFC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InventoryNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InventoryNet_E2FB493A388A2DA26EA3A098EAE0BCFB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_C287EE86A5B0F6EDA7BDA098EADADCF9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InventoryNet_E2FB493A388A2DA26EA3A098EAE0BCFB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssets_F96835EDD3253F71982CA098EAE093D7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_C287EE86A5B0F6EDA7BDA098EADADCF9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssets_F96835EDD3253F71982CA098EAE093D7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NotesAndLoansReceivableNetCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NotesAndLoansReceivableNetCurrent_145BB151D7D63B187557A098EAE0D45C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_C287EE86A5B0F6EDA7BDA098EADADCF9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NotesAndLoansReceivableNetCurrent_145BB151D7D63B187557A098EAE0D45C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssetsCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssetsCurrent_0928596FF8BE043F7A33A098EAE01AAF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_C287EE86A5B0F6EDA7BDA098EADADCF9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssetsCurrent_0928596FF8BE043F7A33A098EAE01AAF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrent_8B9DAEA683ACD4DE818EA098EAE03F9B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_C287EE86A5B0F6EDA7BDA098EADADCF9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrent_8B9DAEA683ACD4DE818EA098EAE03F9B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_99C14F750B14E0C4F135A098EAE1D2C2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_C287EE86A5B0F6EDA7BDA098EADADCF9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_99C14F750B14E0C4F135A098EAE1D2C2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentsInAffiliatesSubsidiariesAssociatesAndJointVentures" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsInAffiliatesSubsidiariesAssociatesAndJointVentures_F6236B021DCE295FA110A098EAE12793" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_C287EE86A5B0F6EDA7BDA098EADADCF9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsInAffiliatesSubsidiariesAssociatesAndJointVentures_F6236B021DCE295FA110A098EAE12793" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments_1EB27C8788E62FE67CF7A098EAE1F651" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_C287EE86A5B0F6EDA7BDA098EADADCF9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments_1EB27C8788E62FE67CF7A098EAE1F651" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet_413B76A4646E46B401E6A098EAE125C0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="12" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_C287EE86A5B0F6EDA7BDA098EADADCF9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet_413B76A4646E46B401E6A098EAE125C0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent_C3314287E48B2FD866DFA098EAE19286" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="13" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_C287EE86A5B0F6EDA7BDA098EADADCF9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent_C3314287E48B2FD866DFA098EAE19286" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssets_654F1DDF4DE2B17C5EF6A098EAE1E717" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="14" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_C287EE86A5B0F6EDA7BDA098EADADCF9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssets_654F1DDF4DE2B17C5EF6A098EAE1E717" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Assets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Assets_612CF3019B3D53BF0AD6A098EAE16952" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="15" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_C287EE86A5B0F6EDA7BDA098EADADCF9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Assets_612CF3019B3D53BF0AD6A098EAE16952" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsCurrent_B876C71484AF06886B9DA098EAE1E5B0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="16" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_C287EE86A5B0F6EDA7BDA098EADADCF9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsCurrent_B876C71484AF06886B9DA098EAE1E5B0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent_12913D1FD8EA24C48413A098EAE1718E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="17" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_C287EE86A5B0F6EDA7BDA098EADADCF9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent_12913D1FD8EA24C48413A098EAE1718E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DueToAffiliateCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DueToAffiliateCurrent_75AC4207F9C03B1447E2A098EAE1B929" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="18" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_C287EE86A5B0F6EDA7BDA098EADADCF9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DueToAffiliateCurrent_75AC4207F9C03B1447E2A098EAE1B929" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesCurrent_5CABBB62425E848490B4A098EAE27CC3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="19" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_C287EE86A5B0F6EDA7BDA098EADADCF9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesCurrent_5CABBB62425E848490B4A098EAE27CC3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent_8199C410A586CCEED096A098EAE22ED2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="20" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_C287EE86A5B0F6EDA7BDA098EADADCF9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent_8199C410A586CCEED096A098EAE22ED2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_03A775580B03653CDCBBA098EAE2EDE5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="21" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_C287EE86A5B0F6EDA7BDA098EADADCF9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_03A775580B03653CDCBBA098EAE2EDE5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract_19D9C8977504118B6425A098EAE27E88" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="22" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_C287EE86A5B0F6EDA7BDA098EADADCF9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract_19D9C8977504118B6425A098EAE27E88" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations_95967E59F96DE6F59FD2A098EAE73AE9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="23" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_C287EE86A5B0F6EDA7BDA098EADADCF9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations_95967E59F96DE6F59FD2A098EAE73AE9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DueToAffiliateNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DueToAffiliateNoncurrent_0F6183F856F6B2D59CFCA098EAE7EBFB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="24" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_C287EE86A5B0F6EDA7BDA098EADADCF9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DueToAffiliateNoncurrent_0F6183F856F6B2D59CFCA098EAE7EBFB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DueToRelatedPartiesNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DueToRelatedPartiesNoncurrent_0DF2E75E278A735AF779A098EAE79B18" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="25" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_C287EE86A5B0F6EDA7BDA098EADADCF9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DueToRelatedPartiesNoncurrent_0DF2E75E278A735AF779A098EAE79B18" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesNoncurrent_0C27411F5638F515A86FA098EAE8FC35" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="26" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_C287EE86A5B0F6EDA7BDA098EADADCF9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesNoncurrent_0C27411F5638F515A86FA098EAE8FC35" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent_B2FBE464CBB9552E9640A098EAE8D5B5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="27" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_C287EE86A5B0F6EDA7BDA098EADADCF9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent_B2FBE464CBB9552E9640A098EAE8D5B5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrent_02C1B9FA3C0CCB58FA4AA098EAE8DB8F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="28" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_C287EE86A5B0F6EDA7BDA098EADADCF9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrent_02C1B9FA3C0CCB58FA4AA098EAE8DB8F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Liabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Liabilities_3F009C2B830B0CB713D0A098EAE83D68" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="29" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_C287EE86A5B0F6EDA7BDA098EADADCF9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Liabilities_3F009C2B830B0CB713D0A098EAE83D68" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MembersCapital" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MembersCapital_D90AA9FB8CF20D25BF2CA098EAE86BD7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="30" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_C287EE86A5B0F6EDA7BDA098EADADCF9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MembersCapital_D90AA9FB8CF20D25BF2CA098EAE86BD7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit_8678B49A8FE026484C55A098EAE86263" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="31" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_C287EE86A5B0F6EDA7BDA098EADADCF9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit_8678B49A8FE026484C55A098EAE86263" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_0659635BAE46F4FE8CB4A098EAE8D50C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="32" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_C287EE86A5B0F6EDA7BDA098EADADCF9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_0659635BAE46F4FE8CB4A098EAE8D50C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinorityInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinorityInterest_D4EB79D433E2F326309AA098EAE814C0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="33" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_C287EE86A5B0F6EDA7BDA098EADADCF9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinorityInterest_D4EB79D433E2F326309AA098EAE814C0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MembersEquity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MembersEquity_0AB54F4CC10678025098A098EAE9F17C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="34" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_C287EE86A5B0F6EDA7BDA098EADADCF9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MembersEquity_0AB54F4CC10678025098A098EAE9F17C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_99F31F8A875563380CC2A098EAE9F8C1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="35" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_C287EE86A5B0F6EDA7BDA098EADADCF9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_99F31F8A875563380CC2A098EAE9F8C1" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationCpCashFlowsCondensedConsolidatingCpCashFlowsNotes" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_CondensedFinancialInformationAbstract" xlink:label="loc_nrg_CondensedFinancialInformationAbstract_964570E5BD8E7F9CCB20824661FE0F37" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsTextBlock_58938764F6D8A35DEE1B824661FEA2F6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_CondensedFinancialInformationAbstract_964570E5BD8E7F9CCB20824661FE0F37" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsTextBlock_58938764F6D8A35DEE1B824661FEA2F6" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationCpCashFlowsCondensedConsolidatingCpCashFlowsTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_CondensedFinancialInformationAbstract" xlink:label="loc_nrg_CondensedFinancialInformationAbstract_F7A4E2CBB6D79C49064C824661FEE992" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfCondensedCashFlowStatementTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCondensedCashFlowStatementTableTextBlock_2D50BF15D49822F1876F824661FE39C2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_CondensedFinancialInformationAbstract_F7A4E2CBB6D79C49064C824661FEE992" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCondensedCashFlowStatementTableTextBlock_2D50BF15D49822F1876F824661FE39C2" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationCpCashFlowsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_CPComprehensiveIncomeAbstract" xlink:label="loc_nrg_CPComprehensiveIncomeAbstract_50ABB4E0B21F7CDE9B09B40F064B85E1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CondensedCashFlowStatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CondensedCashFlowStatementTable_4EC5EA7D381FEE27B9FCB40F064BEA2A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_CPComprehensiveIncomeAbstract_50ABB4E0B21F7CDE9B09B40F064B85E1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CondensedCashFlowStatementTable_4EC5EA7D381FEE27B9FCB40F064BEA2A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis_80CC0A5D93764A2DBEE3B40F064BDE72" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedCashFlowStatementTable_4EC5EA7D381FEE27B9FCB40F064BEA2A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis_80CC0A5D93764A2DBEE3B40F064BDE72" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_EEE3ED86C38C5B14CCAAB40F064BF864" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis_80CC0A5D93764A2DBEE3B40F064BDE72" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_EEE3ED86C38C5B14CCAAB40F064BF864" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember_AC672A8A30ADCFFB71ABB40F064BFCC4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_EEE3ED86C38C5B14CCAAB40F064BF864" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember_AC672A8A30ADCFFB71ABB40F064BFCC4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_C19D96A363250F6320CCB40F064B07CD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedCashFlowStatementTable_4EC5EA7D381FEE27B9FCB40F064BEA2A" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_C19D96A363250F6320CCB40F064B07CD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_715F20E7D0D48C2ACEE9B40F064BB3C0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_C19D96A363250F6320CCB40F064B07CD" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_715F20E7D0D48C2ACEE9B40F064BB3C0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_NRGYieldLLCMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NRGYieldLLCMember_84C049E4CD1B022E5607B40F064C43A6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_715F20E7D0D48C2ACEE9B40F064BB3C0" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NRGYieldLLCMember_84C049E4CD1B022E5607B40F064C43A6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_NRGYieldOperatingLLCMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NRGYieldOperatingLLCMember_BA7646434515F06C78BBB40F064C9630" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_715F20E7D0D48C2ACEE9B40F064BB3C0" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NRGYieldOperatingLLCMember_BA7646434515F06C78BBB40F064C9630" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_20CCA964BE8ACE08E2ADB40F064CAA15" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedCashFlowStatementTable_4EC5EA7D381FEE27B9FCB40F064BEA2A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_20CCA964BE8ACE08E2ADB40F064CAA15" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_EE30201C4287483BC27DB40F064C4DFC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_20CCA964BE8ACE08E2ADB40F064CAA15" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_EE30201C4287483BC27DB40F064C4DFC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember_3911BD5EAF24AFDA4F9CB40F064C2789" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_EE30201C4287483BC27DB40F064C4DFC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember_3911BD5EAF24AFDA4F9CB40F064C2789" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember_4907CC0235C8E6161B29B40F064CF1E1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_EE30201C4287483BC27DB40F064C4DFC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember_4907CC0235C8E6161B29B40F064CF1E1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_F908A2A62ADEE8D1A222B40F064C4EB4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedCashFlowStatementTable_4EC5EA7D381FEE27B9FCB40F064BEA2A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_F908A2A62ADEE8D1A222B40F064C4EB4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_A040B4410DC2367E4B0CB40F064CD9AC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_F908A2A62ADEE8D1A222B40F064C4EB4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_A040B4410DC2367E4B0CB40F064CD9AC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_IntercompanyPaymentstoReceiptsfromConsolidatedSubsidiaries" xlink:label="loc_nrg_IntercompanyPaymentstoReceiptsfromConsolidatedSubsidiaries_B3E51E914F69AE49F11DB40F064DC35A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_F908A2A62ADEE8D1A222B40F064C4EB4" xlink:to="loc_nrg_IntercompanyPaymentstoReceiptsfromConsolidatedSubsidiaries_B3E51E914F69AE49F11DB40F064DC35A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired_E1F0F1F8D5FD685F9F9FB40F064D2635" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_F908A2A62ADEE8D1A222B40F064C4EB4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired_E1F0F1F8D5FD685F9F9FB40F064D2635" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1_C7E5B513EBB19D5C359BB40F064DE8B0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_F908A2A62ADEE8D1A222B40F064C4EB4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1_C7E5B513EBB19D5C359BB40F064DE8B0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_PaymenttoAcquireBusinessunderCommonControl" xlink:label="loc_nrg_PaymenttoAcquireBusinessunderCommonControl_4780130D1A7DCB304C29B40F064D6B6D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_F908A2A62ADEE8D1A222B40F064C4EB4" xlink:to="loc_nrg_PaymenttoAcquireBusinessunderCommonControl_4780130D1A7DCB304C29B40F064D6B6D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment_23E2323D0A6136407F8FB40F064DEE48" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_F908A2A62ADEE8D1A222B40F064C4EB4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment_23E2323D0A6136407F8FB40F064DEE48" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInRestrictedCash" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInRestrictedCash_5347682D42592B61B200B40F064D34EE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_F908A2A62ADEE8D1A222B40F064C4EB4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInRestrictedCash_5347682D42592B61B200B40F064D34EE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInNotesReceivables" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInNotesReceivables_0E4947547C4A550659C2B40F064DCC85" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_F908A2A62ADEE8D1A222B40F064C4EB4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInNotesReceivables_0E4947547C4A550659C2B40F064DCC85" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromEquityMethodInvestmentDividendsOrDistributionsReturnOfCapital" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromEquityMethodInvestmentDividendsOrDistributionsReturnOfCapital_1F4CC4DF4E5BDBCEA6D5B40F064DDEFC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_F908A2A62ADEE8D1A222B40F064C4EB4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromEquityMethodInvestmentDividendsOrDistributionsReturnOfCapital_1F4CC4DF4E5BDBCEA6D5B40F064DDEFC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesAndInterestInAffiliates" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesAndInterestInAffiliates_BB48344F3C35C1405F30B40F064DC87E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_F908A2A62ADEE8D1A222B40F064C4EB4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesAndInterestInAffiliates_BB48344F3C35C1405F30B40F064DC87E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities_1A72FC5BFE9F5ABC0541B40F064D08C7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_F908A2A62ADEE8D1A222B40F064C4EB4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities_1A72FC5BFE9F5ABC0541B40F064D08C7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities_E72DFA3BACE7417417AEB40F064D1361" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="12" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_F908A2A62ADEE8D1A222B40F064C4EB4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities_E72DFA3BACE7417417AEB40F064D1361" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsOfCapitalDistribution" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfCapitalDistribution_F8066B10B41778894139B40F064DF91B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="13" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_F908A2A62ADEE8D1A222B40F064C4EB4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfCapitalDistribution_F8066B10B41778894139B40F064DF91B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_ProceedsFromPaymentsToIntercompanyLoans" xlink:label="loc_nrg_ProceedsFromPaymentsToIntercompanyLoans_E37EC17F2872797D53B0B40F064E6EFC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="14" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_F908A2A62ADEE8D1A222B40F064C4EB4" xlink:to="loc_nrg_ProceedsFromPaymentsToIntercompanyLoans_E37EC17F2872797D53B0B40F064E6EFC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsToMinorityShareholders" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsToMinorityShareholders_2E8E3775B901F8AD6771B40F064E88D1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="15" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_F908A2A62ADEE8D1A222B40F064C4EB4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsToMinorityShareholders_2E8E3775B901F8AD6771B40F064E88D1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock_8B6C05EEDA29FFB0F831B40F064E8025" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="16" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_F908A2A62ADEE8D1A222B40F064C4EB4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock_8B6C05EEDA29FFB0F831B40F064E8025" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_PaymentsofProceedsfromdistributions" xlink:label="loc_nrg_PaymentsofProceedsfromdistributions_F59C2CD80557B8CB0C48B40F064E3460" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="17" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_F908A2A62ADEE8D1A222B40F064C4EB4" xlink:to="loc_nrg_PaymentsofProceedsfromdistributions_F59C2CD80557B8CB0C48B40F064E3460" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromLinesOfCredit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromLinesOfCredit_D376456D94359FCF5FA0B40F064EA301" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="18" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_F908A2A62ADEE8D1A222B40F064C4EB4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromLinesOfCredit_D376456D94359FCF5FA0B40F064EA301" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLinesOfCredit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLinesOfCredit_E21E3D84E4AA50C74B5CB40F064E3AC4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="19" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_F908A2A62ADEE8D1A222B40F064C4EB4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLinesOfCredit_E21E3D84E4AA50C74B5CB40F064E3AC4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt_670F1D03E0AC6539EE2DB40F064E79FE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="20" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_F908A2A62ADEE8D1A222B40F064C4EB4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt_670F1D03E0AC6539EE2DB40F064E79FE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromRelatedPartyDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromRelatedPartyDebt_4191C42A43A3227F6580B40F064E072E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="21" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_F908A2A62ADEE8D1A222B40F064C4EB4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromRelatedPartyDebt_4191C42A43A3227F6580B40F064E072E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtIssuanceCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtIssuanceCosts_53156DDA4763EA38D8FCB40F064E9C4A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="22" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_F908A2A62ADEE8D1A222B40F064C4EB4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtIssuanceCosts_53156DDA4763EA38D8FCB40F064E9C4A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt_D9605C582BDA9A86D77EB40F064E7EC7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="23" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_F908A2A62ADEE8D1A222B40F064C4EB4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt_D9605C582BDA9A86D77EB40F064E7EC7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities_CD0D626F5266AA7837A1B40F064EB959" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="24" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_F908A2A62ADEE8D1A222B40F064C4EB4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities_CD0D626F5266AA7837A1B40F064EB959" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_D5775B29FDADC0485415B40F064E2FE3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="25" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_F908A2A62ADEE8D1A222B40F064C4EB4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_D5775B29FDADC0485415B40F064E2FE3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseExcludingExchangeRateEffect" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseExcludingExchangeRateEffect_57F9AEB34B148E21925EB40F064E58EB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="26" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_F908A2A62ADEE8D1A222B40F064C4EB4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseExcludingExchangeRateEffect_57F9AEB34B148E21925EB40F064E58EB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents_186DA0122F1BF9CBF1ECB40F064FDFB1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="27" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_F908A2A62ADEE8D1A222B40F064C4EB4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents_186DA0122F1BF9CBF1ECB40F064FDFB1" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationCpComprehensiveIncomeCondensedConsolidatingCpComprehensiveIncomeTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_CondensedFinancialInformationAbstract" xlink:label="loc_nrg_CondensedFinancialInformationAbstract_BC8558BE98BB91F0AA7D82465F5FE2D5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable_F85EC31330BE9345E18982465F5FDC93" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_CondensedFinancialInformationAbstract_BC8558BE98BB91F0AA7D82465F5FE2D5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable_F85EC31330BE9345E18982465F5FDC93" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_4C774A125DF99807C44382465F5F2403" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable_F85EC31330BE9345E18982465F5FDC93" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_4C774A125DF99807C44382465F5F2403" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_718938DF1395F5677A5782465F5FF7CA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_4C774A125DF99807C44382465F5F2403" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_718938DF1395F5677A5782465F5FF7CA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis_9C022F043CA981E2CBF682465F5FC1E8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable_F85EC31330BE9345E18982465F5FDC93" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis_9C022F043CA981E2CBF682465F5FC1E8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_AF07BE4FA375B399A07382465F5F7969" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis_9C022F043CA981E2CBF682465F5FC1E8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_AF07BE4FA375B399A07382465F5F7969" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems_578DECB0703873C876A882465F5F57A8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable_F85EC31330BE9345E18982465F5FDC93" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems_578DECB0703873C876A882465F5F57A8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CondensedStatementOfComprehensiveIncomeTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CondensedStatementOfComprehensiveIncomeTableTextBlock_1F1461C727503E1DE88E82465F5FA945" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems_578DECB0703873C876A882465F5F57A8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CondensedStatementOfComprehensiveIncomeTableTextBlock_1F1461C727503E1DE88E82465F5FA945" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationCpComprehensiveIncomeCondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationCpComprehensiveIncomeNotes" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_CondensedFinancialInformationAbstract" xlink:label="loc_nrg_CondensedFinancialInformationAbstract_F5B22E8C3E0678FAC33B824661143CA3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsTextBlock_3A012E7E28ED51BDB8CB82466114AB24" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_CondensedFinancialInformationAbstract_F5B22E8C3E0678FAC33B824661143CA3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsTextBlock_3A012E7E28ED51BDB8CB82466114AB24" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationCpComprehensiveIncomeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_CPComprehensiveIncomeAbstract" xlink:label="loc_nrg_CPComprehensiveIncomeAbstract_A275BBC8CF30A7849C4182466181CDCF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CondensedStatementOfComprehensiveIncomeTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CondensedStatementOfComprehensiveIncomeTable_50E27D117D1F9106CDE982466181B55C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_CPComprehensiveIncomeAbstract_A275BBC8CF30A7849C4182466181CDCF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CondensedStatementOfComprehensiveIncomeTable_50E27D117D1F9106CDE982466181B55C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis_7A869DE11761274CAD4E824661819758" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedStatementOfComprehensiveIncomeTable_50E27D117D1F9106CDE982466181B55C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis_7A869DE11761274CAD4E824661819758" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_D3A42CBDE75F92D41994824661813932" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis_7A869DE11761274CAD4E824661819758" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_D3A42CBDE75F92D41994824661813932" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember_0D83E7A371D397BB0017824661812D12" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_D3A42CBDE75F92D41994824661813932" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember_0D83E7A371D397BB0017824661812D12" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_D7F5E445538D9334C67E824661817DE5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedStatementOfComprehensiveIncomeTable_50E27D117D1F9106CDE982466181B55C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_D7F5E445538D9334C67E824661817DE5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_62688FEE3BD55C8162F58246618159CF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_D7F5E445538D9334C67E824661817DE5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_62688FEE3BD55C8162F58246618159CF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember_5118383DDD1E5B01534182466181A319" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_62688FEE3BD55C8162F58246618159CF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember_5118383DDD1E5B01534182466181A319" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_D760F312AF3B282F32328246618151AC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedStatementOfComprehensiveIncomeTable_50E27D117D1F9106CDE982466181B55C" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_D760F312AF3B282F32328246618151AC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_629991B5C2EB6A7565DE8246618110BD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_D760F312AF3B282F32328246618151AC" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_629991B5C2EB6A7565DE8246618110BD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_NRGYieldLLCMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NRGYieldLLCMember_47D4D923A6BDF04191BA8246618199DD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_629991B5C2EB6A7565DE8246618110BD" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NRGYieldLLCMember_47D4D923A6BDF04191BA8246618199DD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_NRGYieldOperatingLLCMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NRGYieldOperatingLLCMember_933CE295955FAB69F4FB82466181C65F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_629991B5C2EB6A7565DE8246618110BD" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NRGYieldOperatingLLCMember_933CE295955FAB69F4FB82466181C65F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_A4611E1DABF9ED7EF35E824661814C24" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedStatementOfComprehensiveIncomeTable_50E27D117D1F9106CDE982466181B55C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_A4611E1DABF9ED7EF35E824661814C24" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_4AE97B65E2CEE41D6EE9824661819CB9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_A4611E1DABF9ED7EF35E824661814C24" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_4AE97B65E2CEE41D6EE9824661819CB9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember_F72900C68121D8D1EDDC82466181B237" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_4AE97B65E2CEE41D6EE9824661819CB9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember_F72900C68121D8D1EDDC82466181B237" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember_C528898435FC47D6EB56824661814CD5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_4AE97B65E2CEE41D6EE9824661819CB9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember_C528898435FC47D6EB56824661814CD5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CondensedStatementOfIncomeCaptionsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CondensedStatementOfIncomeCaptionsLineItems_A5D5C2BF5F724F31808D82466181A031" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedStatementOfComprehensiveIncomeTable_50E27D117D1F9106CDE982466181B55C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CondensedStatementOfIncomeCaptionsLineItems_A5D5C2BF5F724F31808D82466181A031" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProfitLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_5C0633E84439F07FB1E7824661816A91" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedStatementOfIncomeCaptionsLineItems_A5D5C2BF5F724F31808D82466181A031" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_5C0633E84439F07FB1E7824661816A91" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDerivativesQualifyingAsHedgesNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDerivativesQualifyingAsHedgesNetOfTax_1AED730BE44F99B20E09824661816CF7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedStatementOfIncomeCaptionsLineItems_A5D5C2BF5F724F31808D82466181A031" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDerivativesQualifyingAsHedgesNetOfTax_1AED730BE44F99B20E09824661816CF7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_4887613DFCB1957305A182466181B576" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedStatementOfIncomeCaptionsLineItems_A5D5C2BF5F724F31808D82466181A031" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_4887613DFCB1957305A182466181B576" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_97DFF1CD7D47EC77EE988246618183C9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedStatementOfIncomeCaptionsLineItems_A5D5C2BF5F724F31808D82466181A031" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_97DFF1CD7D47EC77EE988246618183C9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_6E7C0A28EA186AF28BA082466181B0EC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedStatementOfIncomeCaptionsLineItems_A5D5C2BF5F724F31808D82466181A031" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_6E7C0A28EA186AF28BA082466181B0EC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax_B607ED2A81CDF456D4DC82466181A9EC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedStatementOfIncomeCaptionsLineItems_A5D5C2BF5F724F31808D82466181A031" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax_B607ED2A81CDF456D4DC82466181A9EC" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationCpIncomeStatementCondensedIncomeStatementTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_OperatingLeasesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_nrg_OperatingLeasesAbstract_0794259F328BACE877838246618189E4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfCondensedIncomeStatementTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCondensedIncomeStatementTableTextBlock_6CC117DD22ACBD86DDAC824661814015" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_OperatingLeasesAbstract_0794259F328BACE877838246618189E4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCondensedIncomeStatementTableTextBlock_6CC117DD22ACBD86DDAC824661814015" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationCpIncomeStatementCpIncomeStatementNotes" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_OperatingLeasesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_nrg_OperatingLeasesAbstract_601C10F9119B9FED26BD82465FAD7B7A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable_8D3814D3776A3CBAB47D82465FAD7210" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_OperatingLeasesAbstract_601C10F9119B9FED26BD82465FAD7B7A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable_8D3814D3776A3CBAB47D82465FAD7210" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_F0CFF655BE596B026B8782465FAD9F1B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable_8D3814D3776A3CBAB47D82465FAD7210" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_F0CFF655BE596B026B8782465FAD9F1B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_2D2FCC7FA19FD9BF667282465FAD0526" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_F0CFF655BE596B026B8782465FAD9F1B" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_2D2FCC7FA19FD9BF667282465FAD0526" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis_CBC9A2FB5EF69969A62182465FADDD7B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable_8D3814D3776A3CBAB47D82465FAD7210" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis_CBC9A2FB5EF69969A62182465FADDD7B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_B99871ADD92796F4FE0D82465FAD1981" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis_CBC9A2FB5EF69969A62182465FADDD7B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_B99871ADD92796F4FE0D82465FAD1981" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems_357A04D40EF1373DDD4682465FAD993A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable_8D3814D3776A3CBAB47D82465FAD7210" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems_357A04D40EF1373DDD4682465FAD993A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsTextBlock_A57553083102A22155E782465FADF6A0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems_357A04D40EF1373DDD4682465FAD993A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsTextBlock_A57553083102A22155E782465FADF6A0" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationCpIncomeStatementDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_CPIncomeStatementAbstract" xlink:label="loc_nrg_CPIncomeStatementAbstract_6CB2FB42778C325561BE9FFB04AEC44B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementTable_2A5A3AC4761267D7CFDD9FFB04B49A81" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_CPIncomeStatementAbstract_6CB2FB42778C325561BE9FFB04AEC44B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementTable_2A5A3AC4761267D7CFDD9FFB04B49A81" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis_141F52983C7DD9022DC79FFB04B59032" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementTable_2A5A3AC4761267D7CFDD9FFB04B49A81" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis_141F52983C7DD9022DC79FFB04B59032" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_9090E9FF872DB63345E09FFB04B5C529" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis_141F52983C7DD9022DC79FFB04B59032" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_9090E9FF872DB63345E09FFB04B5C529" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember_AA919000AFE6CE42D4499FFB04B5437C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_9090E9FF872DB63345E09FFB04B5C529" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember_AA919000AFE6CE42D4499FFB04B5437C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_71AA93C0C55931D237C89FFB04B56911" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementTable_2A5A3AC4761267D7CFDD9FFB04B49A81" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_71AA93C0C55931D237C89FFB04B56911" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_2077BAAEB7A5A40511059FFB04B5FBA8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_71AA93C0C55931D237C89FFB04B56911" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_2077BAAEB7A5A40511059FFB04B5FBA8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_NRGYieldLLCMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NRGYieldLLCMember_7572BB4135D9EB8A66289FFB04B583E4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_2077BAAEB7A5A40511059FFB04B5FBA8" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NRGYieldLLCMember_7572BB4135D9EB8A66289FFB04B583E4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_NRGYieldOperatingLLCMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NRGYieldOperatingLLCMember_885F6F1538BD74F4390F9FFB04B6DA41" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_2077BAAEB7A5A40511059FFB04B5FBA8" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NRGYieldOperatingLLCMember_885F6F1538BD74F4390F9FFB04B6DA41" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_37CA6F93BA21E901EFFD9FFB04B600A5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementTable_2A5A3AC4761267D7CFDD9FFB04B49A81" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_37CA6F93BA21E901EFFD9FFB04B600A5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_EF9AD8A7D70C829CE7A49FFB04B67C0A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_37CA6F93BA21E901EFFD9FFB04B600A5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_EF9AD8A7D70C829CE7A49FFB04B67C0A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember_81A46053A25A540412949FFB04B6DD7A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_EF9AD8A7D70C829CE7A49FFB04B67C0A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember_81A46053A25A540412949FFB04B6DD7A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember_3B9F369D30A864694F6B9FFB04B6B160" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_EF9AD8A7D70C829CE7A49FFB04B67C0A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember_3B9F369D30A864694F6B9FFB04B6B160" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_FF877E6884BEB83B56229FFB04B6E298" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementTable_2A5A3AC4761267D7CFDD9FFB04B49A81" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_FF877E6884BEB83B56229FFB04B6E298" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Revenues" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_CA14A7CDB4E732D79F199FFB04B6A5AD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_FF877E6884BEB83B56229FFB04B6E298" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_CA14A7CDB4E732D79F199FFB04B6A5AD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingCostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingCostsAndExpensesAbstract_5AAD94A9ED51FC30821B9FFB04B6AF5E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_FF877E6884BEB83B56229FFB04B6E298" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingCostsAndExpensesAbstract_5AAD94A9ED51FC30821B9FFB04B6AF5E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostOfRevenue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CostOfRevenue_1FCD307AAA8152D1906B9FFB04B62A00" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_FF877E6884BEB83B56229FFB04B6E298" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CostOfRevenue_1FCD307AAA8152D1906B9FFB04B62A00" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_498B820FEB26CC8C84979FFB04B6DBA5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_FF877E6884BEB83B56229FFB04B6E298" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_498B820FEB26CC8C84979FFB04B6DBA5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges_641ED2371D0F0EEC4FBA9FFB04B65998" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_FF877E6884BEB83B56229FFB04B6E298" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges_641ED2371D0F0EEC4FBA9FFB04B65998" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_784C4F545C9D87926ACE9FFB04B768F9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_FF877E6884BEB83B56229FFB04B6E298" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_784C4F545C9D87926ACE9FFB04B768F9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts_0E53F5B001FDC48B47CB9FFB04B7D51D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_FF877E6884BEB83B56229FFB04B6E298" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts_0E53F5B001FDC48B47CB9FFB04B7D51D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses_04BBFA2D6F6F358B638B9FFB04B71DBE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_FF877E6884BEB83B56229FFB04B6E298" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses_04BBFA2D6F6F358B638B9FFB04B71DBE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_4129766742C99E94FA919FFB04B78DE8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_FF877E6884BEB83B56229FFB04B6E298" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_4129766742C99E94FA919FFB04B78DE8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_B7D58FD601A8EB7305F19FFB04B7DCAA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_FF877E6884BEB83B56229FFB04B6E298" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_B7D58FD601A8EB7305F19FFB04B7DCAA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_EquityInEarningsOfConsolidatedSubsidiaries" xlink:label="loc_nrg_EquityInEarningsOfConsolidatedSubsidiaries_E16B15ED4A0372DB4AC59FFB04B7AA50" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_FF877E6884BEB83B56229FFB04B6E298" xlink:to="loc_nrg_EquityInEarningsOfConsolidatedSubsidiaries_E16B15ED4A0372DB4AC59FFB04B7AA50" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_26587D079A2E44A772109FFB04B7AA6B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="12" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_FF877E6884BEB83B56229FFB04B6E298" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_26587D079A2E44A772109FFB04B7AA6B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense_3EC60A991D8E02BB5C969FFB04B7E9E9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="13" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_FF877E6884BEB83B56229FFB04B6E298" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense_3EC60A991D8E02BB5C969FFB04B7E9E9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt_EAE68B86A27A69633BAE9FFB04B7C914" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="14" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_FF877E6884BEB83B56229FFB04B6E298" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt_EAE68B86A27A69633BAE9FFB04B7C914" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpense_C8B7E59D9FAA896FF65D9FFB04B87349" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="15" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_FF877E6884BEB83B56229FFB04B6E298" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpense_C8B7E59D9FAA896FF65D9FFB04B87349" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense_27BF85634E6AD98B175F9FFB04B84B1A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="16" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_FF877E6884BEB83B56229FFB04B6E298" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense_27BF85634E6AD98B175F9FFB04B84B1A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProfitLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_ABB171979F50614024B19FFB04B813A4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="17" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_FF877E6884BEB83B56229FFB04B6E298" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_ABB171979F50614024B19FFB04B813A4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_6914523CA02DA08666159FFB04B843F1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="18" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_FF877E6884BEB83B56229FFB04B6E298" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_6914523CA02DA08666159FFB04B843F1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_41DAA3052F9732A0DCBD9FFB04B83329" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="19" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_FF877E6884BEB83B56229FFB04B6E298" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_41DAA3052F9732A0DCBD9FFB04B83329" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationPp2CashFlowsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_7B232BCB3B2FC2D8B8D4B420BCE2E749" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_A45B61936842118E1429B420BCE34AF3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_7B232BCB3B2FC2D8B8D4B420BCE2E749" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_A45B61936842118E1429B420BCE34AF3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_8F64216A677FB0D96C57B420BCE4AC54" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_A45B61936842118E1429B420BCE34AF3" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_8F64216A677FB0D96C57B420BCE4AC54" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_BE14BA9CD6AE19C741C3B420BCE4FC34" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_8F64216A677FB0D96C57B420BCE4AC54" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_BE14BA9CD6AE19C741C3B420BCE4FC34" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_NRGYieldOperatingLLCMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NRGYieldOperatingLLCMember_98141F7975BA3D4B0EB0B420BCE47723" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_BE14BA9CD6AE19C741C3B420BCE4FC34" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NRGYieldOperatingLLCMember_98141F7975BA3D4B0EB0B420BCE47723" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_NRGYieldLLCMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NRGYieldLLCMember_726D3444276E1809C553B420BCE4B5C8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_BE14BA9CD6AE19C741C3B420BCE4FC34" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NRGYieldLLCMember_726D3444276E1809C553B420BCE4B5C8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_54560412DBC6015B578FB420BCE48D68" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_A45B61936842118E1429B420BCE34AF3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_54560412DBC6015B578FB420BCE48D68" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_68E206CCA928BEF5D939B420BCE4A21E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_54560412DBC6015B578FB420BCE48D68" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_68E206CCA928BEF5D939B420BCE4A21E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember_D78BAED6CF7EBE859E0DB420BCE49423" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_68E206CCA928BEF5D939B420BCE4A21E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember_D78BAED6CF7EBE859E0DB420BCE49423" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember_8098266CB0118B92BF9EB420BCE53A7C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_68E206CCA928BEF5D939B420BCE4A21E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember_8098266CB0118B92BF9EB420BCE53A7C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_9A86891DD978DB079BA8B420BCE56B4F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_A45B61936842118E1429B420BCE34AF3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_9A86891DD978DB079BA8B420BCE56B4F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_3026704446959F0266BAB420BCE58DEF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_9A86891DD978DB079BA8B420BCE56B4F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_3026704446959F0266BAB420BCE58DEF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_2E75B5D8FD725BF2A5EDB420BCE5C727" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_A45B61936842118E1429B420BCE34AF3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_2E75B5D8FD725BF2A5EDB420BCE5C727" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_119CA04C0CF53A93244FB420BCE5862B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_2E75B5D8FD725BF2A5EDB420BCE5C727" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_119CA04C0CF53A93244FB420BCE5862B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_IntercompanyPaymentstoReceiptsfromConsolidatedSubsidiaries" xlink:label="loc_nrg_IntercompanyPaymentstoReceiptsfromConsolidatedSubsidiaries_1500773E6CD583E70C57B420BCE5F8A9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_2E75B5D8FD725BF2A5EDB420BCE5C727" xlink:to="loc_nrg_IntercompanyPaymentstoReceiptsfromConsolidatedSubsidiaries_1500773E6CD583E70C57B420BCE5F8A9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1_F087E6D00BE97A4453D7B420BCE5D6C8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_2E75B5D8FD725BF2A5EDB420BCE5C727" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1_F087E6D00BE97A4453D7B420BCE5D6C8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired_88A4ADE7E8C60B8A05AEB420BCE5C7AB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_2E75B5D8FD725BF2A5EDB420BCE5C727" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired_88A4ADE7E8C60B8A05AEB420BCE5C7AB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_PaymenttoAcquireBusinessunderCommonControl" xlink:label="loc_nrg_PaymenttoAcquireBusinessunderCommonControl_E0595585345D998EC5DBB420BCE5A925" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_2E75B5D8FD725BF2A5EDB420BCE5C727" xlink:to="loc_nrg_PaymenttoAcquireBusinessunderCommonControl_E0595585345D998EC5DBB420BCE5A925" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment_D93378901541F52741ECB420BCE542D6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_2E75B5D8FD725BF2A5EDB420BCE5C727" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment_D93378901541F52741ECB420BCE542D6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInRestrictedCash" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInRestrictedCash_AC0BA01B311DE4CEECE3B420BCE57F69" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_2E75B5D8FD725BF2A5EDB420BCE5C727" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInRestrictedCash_AC0BA01B311DE4CEECE3B420BCE57F69" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInNotesReceivables" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInNotesReceivables_89441A3665BFA0B5E25FB420BCE50C32" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_2E75B5D8FD725BF2A5EDB420BCE5C727" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInNotesReceivables_89441A3665BFA0B5E25FB420BCE50C32" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromEquityMethodInvestmentDividendsOrDistributionsReturnOfCapital" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromEquityMethodInvestmentDividendsOrDistributionsReturnOfCapital_FA02098292D807D35987B420BCE677EF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_2E75B5D8FD725BF2A5EDB420BCE5C727" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromEquityMethodInvestmentDividendsOrDistributionsReturnOfCapital_FA02098292D807D35987B420BCE677EF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesAndInterestInAffiliates" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesAndInterestInAffiliates_7FAC962736661232A7D0B420BCE6DC2A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_2E75B5D8FD725BF2A5EDB420BCE5C727" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesAndInterestInAffiliates_7FAC962736661232A7D0B420BCE6DC2A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities_F0966EA63B9DC474C265B420BCE62850" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_2E75B5D8FD725BF2A5EDB420BCE5C727" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities_F0966EA63B9DC474C265B420BCE62850" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities_BECCD22188C28D43D077B420BCE64D18" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="12" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_2E75B5D8FD725BF2A5EDB420BCE5C727" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities_BECCD22188C28D43D077B420BCE64D18" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_ProceedsFromPaymentsToIntercompanyLoans" xlink:label="loc_nrg_ProceedsFromPaymentsToIntercompanyLoans_752E9BF52E98A0D2CBCBB420BCE6C8A6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="13" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_2E75B5D8FD725BF2A5EDB420BCE5C727" xlink:to="loc_nrg_ProceedsFromPaymentsToIntercompanyLoans_752E9BF52E98A0D2CBCBB420BCE6C8A6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromMinorityShareholders" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromMinorityShareholders_ABFDF006CF0501B3C48DB420BCE6C523" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="14" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_2E75B5D8FD725BF2A5EDB420BCE5C727" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromMinorityShareholders_ABFDF006CF0501B3C48DB420BCE6C523" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock_4D1BFD3A105CE11B46A7B420BCE63844" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="15" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_2E75B5D8FD725BF2A5EDB420BCE5C727" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock_4D1BFD3A105CE11B46A7B420BCE63844" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsOfCapitalDistribution" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfCapitalDistribution_22E91A1C0EB0F4EE0B6DB420BCE6D82A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="16" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_2E75B5D8FD725BF2A5EDB420BCE5C727" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfCapitalDistribution_22E91A1C0EB0F4EE0B6DB420BCE6D82A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_PaymentsofProceedsfromdistributions" xlink:label="loc_nrg_PaymentsofProceedsfromdistributions_0FFF15B26564B6916189B420BCE61C89" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="17" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_2E75B5D8FD725BF2A5EDB420BCE5C727" xlink:to="loc_nrg_PaymentsofProceedsfromdistributions_0FFF15B26564B6916189B420BCE61C89" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfLinesOfCredit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfLinesOfCredit_98646155E6938B07BCADB420BCE64689" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="18" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_2E75B5D8FD725BF2A5EDB420BCE5C727" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfLinesOfCredit_98646155E6938B07BCADB420BCE64689" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLinesOfCredit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLinesOfCredit_002F4137B4BDE8D442C9B420BCE666EE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="19" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_2E75B5D8FD725BF2A5EDB420BCE5C727" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLinesOfCredit_002F4137B4BDE8D442C9B420BCE666EE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromRelatedPartyDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromRelatedPartyDebt_EC8748CE77F8188D1A79B420BCE6C96C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="20" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_2E75B5D8FD725BF2A5EDB420BCE5C727" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromRelatedPartyDebt_EC8748CE77F8188D1A79B420BCE6C96C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt_EC22C1B8C2D7B64EFDF2B420BCE77F4F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="21" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_2E75B5D8FD725BF2A5EDB420BCE5C727" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt_EC22C1B8C2D7B64EFDF2B420BCE77F4F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfDebt_493D159E98BFDC46BE9EB420BCE7F25D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="22" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_2E75B5D8FD725BF2A5EDB420BCE5C727" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfDebt_493D159E98BFDC46BE9EB420BCE7F25D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsOfFinancingCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfFinancingCosts_4CE98BC0A750DEE82A6BB420BCE75709" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="23" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_2E75B5D8FD725BF2A5EDB420BCE5C727" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfFinancingCosts_4CE98BC0A750DEE82A6BB420BCE75709" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities_057964515EE12A24D722B420BCE774BB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="24" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_2E75B5D8FD725BF2A5EDB420BCE5C727" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities_057964515EE12A24D722B420BCE774BB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseExcludingExchangeRateEffect" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseExcludingExchangeRateEffect_017D1D40F3478B7C7B2DB4325433E743" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="25" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_2E75B5D8FD725BF2A5EDB420BCE5C727" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseExcludingExchangeRateEffect_017D1D40F3478B7C7B2DB4325433E743" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents_9D18066E8C87E42C4E5AB420BCE74070" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="26" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_2E75B5D8FD725BF2A5EDB420BCE5C727" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents_9D18066E8C87E42C4E5AB420BCE74070" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationPp2CashFlowsNotes" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_B2DA0FF21280A6AB904182466133C513" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsTextBlock_D25AA781F70AA4F47E068246613383EF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_B2DA0FF21280A6AB904182466133C513" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsTextBlock_D25AA781F70AA4F47E068246613383EF" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationPp2CashFlowsTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_9074C400FCDC37A4D954824660497870" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfCondensedCashFlowStatementTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCondensedCashFlowStatementTableTextBlock_EC34E4FF33EEBAB662418246604934EF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_9074C400FCDC37A4D954824660497870" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCondensedCashFlowStatementTableTextBlock_EC34E4FF33EEBAB662418246604934EF" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationPp2ComprehensiveIncomeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeAbstract_83DEE1D4C26DB4C74DB38246622D4DE5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_8DBB7D80058A33BCB8898246622DC6F7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeAbstract_83DEE1D4C26DB4C74DB38246622D4DE5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_8DBB7D80058A33BCB8898246622DC6F7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis_29A5951CEB0CCAFB2BF28246622D1DF5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_8DBB7D80058A33BCB8898246622DC6F7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis_29A5951CEB0CCAFB2BF28246622D1DF5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_2A87D6D0D535BBE7BC648246622D51B8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis_29A5951CEB0CCAFB2BF28246622D1DF5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_2A87D6D0D535BBE7BC648246622D51B8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember_3E1253EF07DF6F63191D8246622D263D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_2A87D6D0D535BBE7BC648246622D51B8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember_3E1253EF07DF6F63191D8246622D263D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_5F3F4C0FC3B26604A24E8246622DB23D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_8DBB7D80058A33BCB8898246622DC6F7" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_5F3F4C0FC3B26604A24E8246622DB23D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_64E6CB8DC269276AA7AF8246622D1E7C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_5F3F4C0FC3B26604A24E8246622DB23D" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_64E6CB8DC269276AA7AF8246622D1E7C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_NRGYieldOperatingLLCMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NRGYieldOperatingLLCMember_34499DAB4286780535538246622D648A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_64E6CB8DC269276AA7AF8246622D1E7C" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NRGYieldOperatingLLCMember_34499DAB4286780535538246622D648A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_NRGYieldLLCMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NRGYieldLLCMember_039B8F4347C9BE3F6B9E8246622D838E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_64E6CB8DC269276AA7AF8246622D1E7C" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NRGYieldLLCMember_039B8F4347C9BE3F6B9E8246622D838E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_AD3EDAAD7AEF6CB155948246622DFB96" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_8DBB7D80058A33BCB8898246622DC6F7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_AD3EDAAD7AEF6CB155948246622DFB96" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_4F42D224DF9D044735CA8246622D8559" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_AD3EDAAD7AEF6CB155948246622DFB96" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_4F42D224DF9D044735CA8246622D8559" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember_ABDB387DD64F193D71C78246622D53C4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_4F42D224DF9D044735CA8246622D8559" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember_ABDB387DD64F193D71C78246622D53C4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember_C98975AFEE15A2C18CAD8246622DC658" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_4F42D224DF9D044735CA8246622D8559" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember_C98975AFEE15A2C18CAD8246622DC658" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_DB456F3FE9986EB57A818246622D6380" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_8DBB7D80058A33BCB8898246622DC6F7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_DB456F3FE9986EB57A818246622D6380" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_1DC8E12CB7532AA06A678246622D59E8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_DB456F3FE9986EB57A818246622D6380" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_1DC8E12CB7532AA06A678246622D59E8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_B355CB31B1CADB00F1E38246622D91A8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_8DBB7D80058A33BCB8898246622DC6F7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_B355CB31B1CADB00F1E38246622D91A8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProfitLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_92D021C225F429ED0E998246622DDCDB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_B355CB31B1CADB00F1E38246622D91A8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_92D021C225F429ED0E998246622DDCDB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDerivativesQualifyingAsHedgesNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDerivativesQualifyingAsHedgesNetOfTax_AD76AEEC2D60AB050EE38246622DCE74" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_B355CB31B1CADB00F1E38246622D91A8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDerivativesQualifyingAsHedgesNetOfTax_AD76AEEC2D60AB050EE38246622DCE74" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_1FB803924C35673781A78246622D2373" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_B355CB31B1CADB00F1E38246622D91A8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_1FB803924C35673781A78246622D2373" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_8CBA6DFFDEEF704E4D6F8246622DB29B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_B355CB31B1CADB00F1E38246622D91A8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_8CBA6DFFDEEF704E4D6F8246622DB29B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_282DD28CB67B0380157D8246622D1643" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_B355CB31B1CADB00F1E38246622D91A8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_282DD28CB67B0380157D8246622D1643" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax_35D15F709EE96EA175AE8246622D1435" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_B355CB31B1CADB00F1E38246622D91A8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax_35D15F709EE96EA175AE8246622D1435" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationPp2ComprehensiveIncomeNotes" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeAbstract_5F93885EAEC142FB3665824660E5C7EC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsTextBlock_3201E95A93500041738E824660E53115" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeAbstract_5F93885EAEC142FB3665824660E5C7EC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsTextBlock_3201E95A93500041738E824660E53115" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationPp2ComprehensiveIncomeTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeAbstract_DCF355CFDC34A2A89914824661A0F756" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CondensedStatementOfComprehensiveIncomeTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CondensedStatementOfComprehensiveIncomeTableTextBlock_D93B3EF25B401374171E824661A0622B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeAbstract_DCF355CFDC34A2A89914824661A0F756" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CondensedStatementOfComprehensiveIncomeTableTextBlock_D93B3EF25B401374171E824661A0622B" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationPp2IncomeStatementDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_3BA3DF75DFA350DF0ACE9FEB75A7541B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_ABEA099FD0FEF2162C989FEB75A77D9C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_3BA3DF75DFA350DF0ACE9FEB75A7541B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_ABEA099FD0FEF2162C989FEB75A77D9C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis_9D4B9D8CBDB8E2511CDE9FEB75A75B1E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_ABEA099FD0FEF2162C989FEB75A77D9C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis_9D4B9D8CBDB8E2511CDE9FEB75A75B1E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_7BBB04D7A4E95E206DB79FEB75A7F392" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis_9D4B9D8CBDB8E2511CDE9FEB75A75B1E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_7BBB04D7A4E95E206DB79FEB75A7F392" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember_7477769D34BDA3B3AA369FEB75A705AC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_7BBB04D7A4E95E206DB79FEB75A7F392" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember_7477769D34BDA3B3AA369FEB75A705AC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_E908FA973261A6D78F0B9FEB75A79D43" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_ABEA099FD0FEF2162C989FEB75A77D9C" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_E908FA973261A6D78F0B9FEB75A79D43" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_E2D6C231A9DAB717FF359FEB75A8967D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_E908FA973261A6D78F0B9FEB75A79D43" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_E2D6C231A9DAB717FF359FEB75A8967D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_NRGYieldLLCMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NRGYieldLLCMember_3B0839E80D14CDE6D9119FEB75A8D2EC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_E2D6C231A9DAB717FF359FEB75A8967D" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NRGYieldLLCMember_3B0839E80D14CDE6D9119FEB75A8D2EC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_NRGYieldOperatingLLCMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NRGYieldOperatingLLCMember_B33FBCE356CC5F2414DD9FEB75A806B7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_E2D6C231A9DAB717FF359FEB75A8967D" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NRGYieldOperatingLLCMember_B33FBCE356CC5F2414DD9FEB75A806B7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_C2E619D156F6D6DF43B79FEB75A84686" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_ABEA099FD0FEF2162C989FEB75A77D9C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_C2E619D156F6D6DF43B79FEB75A84686" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_9146265F3EBAD73CEB599FEB75A86D69" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_C2E619D156F6D6DF43B79FEB75A84686" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_9146265F3EBAD73CEB599FEB75A86D69" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember_D52C216C99FA2E2D1B4F9FEB75A8FE11" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_9146265F3EBAD73CEB599FEB75A86D69" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember_D52C216C99FA2E2D1B4F9FEB75A8FE11" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember_A743291C5B4AD9F360ED9FEB75A83151" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_9146265F3EBAD73CEB599FEB75A86D69" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember_A743291C5B4AD9F360ED9FEB75A83151" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_EA82661A577A8435513E9FEB75A8A4BE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_ABEA099FD0FEF2162C989FEB75A77D9C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_EA82661A577A8435513E9FEB75A8A4BE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_7A050F71DE8834FB56389FEB75A8409D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_EA82661A577A8435513E9FEB75A8A4BE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_7A050F71DE8834FB56389FEB75A8409D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_F0EE91B330AFD5894F3E9FEB75A890F1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_ABEA099FD0FEF2162C989FEB75A77D9C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_F0EE91B330AFD5894F3E9FEB75A890F1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Revenues" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_70DAB728DCC75C3E32D99FEB75A8C451" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_F0EE91B330AFD5894F3E9FEB75A890F1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_70DAB728DCC75C3E32D99FEB75A8C451" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostOfRevenue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CostOfRevenue_7C3E52790456A0D120379FEB75A8AB30" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_F0EE91B330AFD5894F3E9FEB75A890F1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CostOfRevenue_7C3E52790456A0D120379FEB75A8AB30" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_40B1D80EA3C3D6E9FF5C9FEB75A9E0C2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_F0EE91B330AFD5894F3E9FEB75A890F1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_40B1D80EA3C3D6E9FF5C9FEB75A9E0C2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges_4C3B89360A378142ADFC9FEB75A97BEF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_F0EE91B330AFD5894F3E9FEB75A890F1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges_4C3B89360A378142ADFC9FEB75A97BEF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_A1EA7D2AF63BCE67E1159FEB75A9B1D9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_F0EE91B330AFD5894F3E9FEB75A890F1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_A1EA7D2AF63BCE67E1159FEB75A9B1D9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts_936D24317BFAF7A936469FEB75A9EF19" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_F0EE91B330AFD5894F3E9FEB75A890F1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts_936D24317BFAF7A936469FEB75A9EF19" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses_9B556F9CE4180763EFD79FEB75A95691" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_F0EE91B330AFD5894F3E9FEB75A890F1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses_9B556F9CE4180763EFD79FEB75A95691" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_81A6604A4601F319A2069FEB75A97825" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_F0EE91B330AFD5894F3E9FEB75A890F1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_81A6604A4601F319A2069FEB75A97825" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_EquityInEarningsOfConsolidatedSubsidiaries" xlink:label="loc_nrg_EquityInEarningsOfConsolidatedSubsidiaries_0EDF029DB30D8E18D0DF9FEB75A971B6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_F0EE91B330AFD5894F3E9FEB75A890F1" xlink:to="loc_nrg_EquityInEarningsOfConsolidatedSubsidiaries_0EDF029DB30D8E18D0DF9FEB75A971B6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_3BA5371631B31EEBE1A99FEB75A942BC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_F0EE91B330AFD5894F3E9FEB75A890F1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_3BA5371631B31EEBE1A99FEB75A942BC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense_A1EAAEF7E6BD03EB528B9FEB75A965D7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_F0EE91B330AFD5894F3E9FEB75A890F1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense_A1EAAEF7E6BD03EB528B9FEB75A965D7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt_D5BEA318087F272F20F69FEB75A9AB46" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="12" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_F0EE91B330AFD5894F3E9FEB75A890F1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt_D5BEA318087F272F20F69FEB75A9AB46" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpense_CB50DFB2CB1DD3EFEB7D9FEB75A96E90" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="13" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_F0EE91B330AFD5894F3E9FEB75A890F1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpense_CB50DFB2CB1DD3EFEB7D9FEB75A96E90" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense_AE7E8B6F289A4D4C454D9FEB75A947DF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="14" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_F0EE91B330AFD5894F3E9FEB75A890F1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense_AE7E8B6F289A4D4C454D9FEB75A947DF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest_BDA039B511A3EF0E44369FEB75AA5B56" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="15" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_F0EE91B330AFD5894F3E9FEB75A890F1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest_BDA039B511A3EF0E44369FEB75AA5B56" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProfitLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_D3766A2F182B0EA33CFF9FEB75AA1B14" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="16" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_F0EE91B330AFD5894F3E9FEB75A890F1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_D3766A2F182B0EA33CFF9FEB75AA1B14" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_DD08C869BCC752ADACAC9FEB75AA5D89" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="17" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_F0EE91B330AFD5894F3E9FEB75A890F1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_DD08C869BCC752ADACAC9FEB75AA5D89" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_8562AECD22F3E4C1CD109FEB75AA5F7D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="18" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_F0EE91B330AFD5894F3E9FEB75A890F1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_8562AECD22F3E4C1CD109FEB75AA5F7D" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationPp2IncomeStatementNotes" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_4FAF6FF1714B79D047D882465FADF840" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsTextBlock_CA6351A60949EC2D403A82465FAD651F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_4FAF6FF1714B79D047D882465FADF840" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsTextBlock_CA6351A60949EC2D403A82465FAD651F" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationPp2IncomeStatementTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_D108E427891D407FE190824660E55ABF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_C1AB8EC374E860FF3F22824660E5C677" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_D108E427891D407FE190824660E55ABF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_C1AB8EC374E860FF3F22824660E5C677" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_F432176E61D84E436D5C824660E50EC3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_C1AB8EC374E860FF3F22824660E5C677" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_F432176E61D84E436D5C824660E50EC3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_3C479F7C075B83C6E66D824660E5171C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_F432176E61D84E436D5C824660E50EC3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_3C479F7C075B83C6E66D824660E5171C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_283CA50ABE85F1DCD2A9824660E55D38" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_C1AB8EC374E860FF3F22824660E5C677" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_283CA50ABE85F1DCD2A9824660E55D38" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfCondensedIncomeStatementTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCondensedIncomeStatementTableTextBlock_DD7D8ABE0FD90E30BDDA824660E56942" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_283CA50ABE85F1DCD2A9824660E55D38" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCondensedIncomeStatementTableTextBlock_DD7D8ABE0FD90E30BDDA824660E56942" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationPpBalanceSheetCondensedConsolidatingPpBalanceSheetNotes" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_CondensedFinancialInformationAbstract" xlink:label="loc_nrg_CondensedFinancialInformationAbstract_9090023774763D41733882465F8EE429" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsTextBlock_7EBD0DDF7AC841120E4F82465F9D109C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_CondensedFinancialInformationAbstract_9090023774763D41733882465F8EE429" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsTextBlock_7EBD0DDF7AC841120E4F82465F9D109C" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationPpBalanceSheetCondensedConsolidatingPpBalanceSheetTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_CondensedFinancialInformationAbstract" xlink:label="loc_nrg_CondensedFinancialInformationAbstract_67932137E8ED140671DC8246615264AA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfCondensedBalanceSheetTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCondensedBalanceSheetTableTextBlock_9BB5479AA8DC24A0ED8782466152BB73" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_CondensedFinancialInformationAbstract_67932137E8ED140671DC8246615264AA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCondensedBalanceSheetTableTextBlock_9BB5479AA8DC24A0ED8782466152BB73" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationPpBalanceSheetDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_CPComprehensiveIncomeAbstract" xlink:label="loc_nrg_CPComprehensiveIncomeAbstract_9EA126CE3F8340C3A965A0996BB53849" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementTable_2A608F6BB83031D0DE7AA0996BB5A7BC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_CPComprehensiveIncomeAbstract_9EA126CE3F8340C3A965A0996BB53849" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementTable_2A608F6BB83031D0DE7AA0996BB5A7BC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis_F1C0294F6D2CA274C888A0996BB576E4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementTable_2A608F6BB83031D0DE7AA0996BB5A7BC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis_F1C0294F6D2CA274C888A0996BB576E4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_9E925B28AA40ABE35ED0A0996BB59FA2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis_F1C0294F6D2CA274C888A0996BB576E4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_9E925B28AA40ABE35ED0A0996BB59FA2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember_A04680CE6BE570B6634BA0996BB61327" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_9E925B28AA40ABE35ED0A0996BB59FA2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember_A04680CE6BE570B6634BA0996BB61327" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_1CB227DF0B598A84765FA0996BB6CF76" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementTable_2A608F6BB83031D0DE7AA0996BB5A7BC" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_1CB227DF0B598A84765FA0996BB6CF76" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_282AB7D04183A3E5389EA0996BB65F75" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_1CB227DF0B598A84765FA0996BB6CF76" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_282AB7D04183A3E5389EA0996BB65F75" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_NRGYieldLLCMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NRGYieldLLCMember_1F82B84EFD8F76597259A0996BB673A6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_282AB7D04183A3E5389EA0996BB65F75" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NRGYieldLLCMember_1F82B84EFD8F76597259A0996BB673A6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_NRGYieldOperatingLLCMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NRGYieldOperatingLLCMember_A6B1E1D3158F128469C4A0996BB64227" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_282AB7D04183A3E5389EA0996BB65F75" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NRGYieldOperatingLLCMember_A6B1E1D3158F128469C4A0996BB64227" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_E01CCB0660775897C12AA0996BB63F31" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementTable_2A608F6BB83031D0DE7AA0996BB5A7BC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_E01CCB0660775897C12AA0996BB63F31" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_D09E006939B7701D83D0A0996BB6AA4F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_E01CCB0660775897C12AA0996BB63F31" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_D09E006939B7701D83D0A0996BB6AA4F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember_FE5CA91E3F98395759B7A0996BB73C1B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_D09E006939B7701D83D0A0996BB6AA4F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember_FE5CA91E3F98395759B7A0996BB73C1B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember_3A1E1A2995858EB91FBFA0996BB7CB55" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_D09E006939B7701D83D0A0996BB6AA4F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember_3A1E1A2995858EB91FBFA0996BB7CB55" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_34B83B01B4A1345D1712A0996BB76339" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementTable_2A608F6BB83031D0DE7AA0996BB5A7BC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_34B83B01B4A1345D1712A0996BB76339" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_7BAA6F15A4BC0FAE5CDFA0996BB7B711" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_34B83B01B4A1345D1712A0996BB76339" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_7BAA6F15A4BC0FAE5CDFA0996BB7B711" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_BCCADC3F45D111D103DDA0996BB75D98" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_34B83B01B4A1345D1712A0996BB76339" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_BCCADC3F45D111D103DDA0996BB75D98" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent_0329D2A8816F6339078EA0996BB79E1A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_34B83B01B4A1345D1712A0996BB76339" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent_0329D2A8816F6339078EA0996BB79E1A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InventoryNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InventoryNet_7AFFAB7BDA8EF29C737CA0996BB72972" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_34B83B01B4A1345D1712A0996BB76339" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InventoryNet_7AFFAB7BDA8EF29C737CA0996BB72972" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NotesAndLoansReceivableNetCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NotesAndLoansReceivableNetCurrent_FB8A39B2B1EF59842849A0996BB89C97" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_34B83B01B4A1345D1712A0996BB76339" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NotesAndLoansReceivableNetCurrent_FB8A39B2B1EF59842849A0996BB89C97" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssetsCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssetsCurrent_A126DFB737D10313A28CA0996BB89791" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_34B83B01B4A1345D1712A0996BB76339" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssetsCurrent_A126DFB737D10313A28CA0996BB89791" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrent_A01484EC79F4B19BAEADA0996BB824FA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_34B83B01B4A1345D1712A0996BB76339" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrent_A01484EC79F4B19BAEADA0996BB824FA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_972BCE5E48AD89A7C29CA0996BB8AC10" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_34B83B01B4A1345D1712A0996BB76339" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_972BCE5E48AD89A7C29CA0996BB8AC10" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentsInAffiliatesSubsidiariesAssociatesAndJointVentures" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsInAffiliatesSubsidiariesAssociatesAndJointVentures_E713246C2F3D5ED8A513A0996BB833CA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_34B83B01B4A1345D1712A0996BB76339" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsInAffiliatesSubsidiariesAssociatesAndJointVentures_E713246C2F3D5ED8A513A0996BB833CA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments_32F81351D37BF056EDFBA0996BB814D6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_34B83B01B4A1345D1712A0996BB76339" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments_32F81351D37BF056EDFBA0996BB814D6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet_168C60BAC93B83AB1968A0996BB85863" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_34B83B01B4A1345D1712A0996BB76339" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet_168C60BAC93B83AB1968A0996BB85863" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent_C40E4FE315FF376A5297A0996BB971B5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="12" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_34B83B01B4A1345D1712A0996BB76339" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent_C40E4FE315FF376A5297A0996BB971B5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssets_FCAA8985EB053E2B2290A0996BB99999" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="13" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_34B83B01B4A1345D1712A0996BB76339" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssets_FCAA8985EB053E2B2290A0996BB99999" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Assets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Assets_FA5A269ABB1245DDD945A0996BB91A3D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="14" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_34B83B01B4A1345D1712A0996BB76339" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Assets_FA5A269ABB1245DDD945A0996BB91A3D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsCurrent_5FB6BB2CABE432DC7F42A0996BB9C4F4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="15" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_34B83B01B4A1345D1712A0996BB76339" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsCurrent_5FB6BB2CABE432DC7F42A0996BB9C4F4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent_BBA93BD01D6C1F61327FA0996BB93468" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="16" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_34B83B01B4A1345D1712A0996BB76339" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent_BBA93BD01D6C1F61327FA0996BB93468" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DueToAffiliateCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DueToAffiliateCurrent_7BD941CB42F90A12ADABA0996BB907AF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="17" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_34B83B01B4A1345D1712A0996BB76339" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DueToAffiliateCurrent_7BD941CB42F90A12ADABA0996BB907AF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesCurrent_FF21F6A356D1F787F4B4A0996BB91C37" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="18" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_34B83B01B4A1345D1712A0996BB76339" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesCurrent_FF21F6A356D1F787F4B4A0996BB91C37" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent_DDC0989937EC51459BDBA0996BB978D5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="19" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_34B83B01B4A1345D1712A0996BB76339" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent_DDC0989937EC51459BDBA0996BB978D5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_EDFC49CF5944B35663D8A0996BB946FA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="20" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_34B83B01B4A1345D1712A0996BB76339" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_EDFC49CF5944B35663D8A0996BB946FA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract_B68C796EF97BB146BE7CA0996BBAA8D5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="21" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_34B83B01B4A1345D1712A0996BB76339" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract_B68C796EF97BB146BE7CA0996BBAA8D5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations_8B6FF7746EC76628E2CBA0996BBA2792" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="22" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_34B83B01B4A1345D1712A0996BB76339" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations_8B6FF7746EC76628E2CBA0996BBA2792" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DueToAffiliateNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DueToAffiliateNoncurrent_C4CBDE63EA822D1CF47DA0996BBAAE54" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="23" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_34B83B01B4A1345D1712A0996BB76339" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DueToAffiliateNoncurrent_C4CBDE63EA822D1CF47DA0996BBAAE54" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DueToRelatedPartiesNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DueToRelatedPartiesNoncurrent_BDDDF1BD1CF0A895C6B7A0996BBA53CD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="24" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_34B83B01B4A1345D1712A0996BB76339" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DueToRelatedPartiesNoncurrent_BDDDF1BD1CF0A895C6B7A0996BBA53CD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesNoncurrent_A5760B61F68F280D8D81A0996BBA0D86" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="25" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_34B83B01B4A1345D1712A0996BB76339" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesNoncurrent_A5760B61F68F280D8D81A0996BBA0D86" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent_BE78CF87B5EA4EF27423A0996BBA5C45" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="26" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_34B83B01B4A1345D1712A0996BB76339" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent_BE78CF87B5EA4EF27423A0996BBA5C45" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrent_505DAAAC68C55869CC8AA0996BBA0220" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="27" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_34B83B01B4A1345D1712A0996BB76339" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrent_505DAAAC68C55869CC8AA0996BBA0220" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Liabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Liabilities_07196F86280B26567077A0996BBA39F0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="28" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_34B83B01B4A1345D1712A0996BB76339" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Liabilities_07196F86280B26567077A0996BBA39F0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MembersCapital" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MembersCapital_43327DD296EC512F18EEA0996BBA2323" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="29" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_34B83B01B4A1345D1712A0996BB76339" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MembersCapital_43327DD296EC512F18EEA0996BBA2323" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit_3BA294DC8CB507B8F8D4A0996BBBC39B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="30" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_34B83B01B4A1345D1712A0996BB76339" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit_3BA294DC8CB507B8F8D4A0996BBBC39B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_F503D44625D9307730CBA0996BBBCEE7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="31" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_34B83B01B4A1345D1712A0996BB76339" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_F503D44625D9307730CBA0996BBBCEE7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinorityInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinorityInterest_8335BE3E31960EAB9F69A0996BBB68D9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="32" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_34B83B01B4A1345D1712A0996BB76339" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinorityInterest_8335BE3E31960EAB9F69A0996BBB68D9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MembersEquity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MembersEquity_FCC3DDF949DBC7984364A0996BBBDE8F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="33" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_34B83B01B4A1345D1712A0996BB76339" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MembersEquity_FCC3DDF949DBC7984364A0996BBBDE8F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_1A577BC4A65421C7276BA0996BBB967C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="34" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_34B83B01B4A1345D1712A0996BB76339" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_1A577BC4A65421C7276BA0996BBB967C" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationPpCashFlowsCondensedConsolidatingPpCashFlowsNotes" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_CondensedFinancialInformationAbstract" xlink:label="loc_nrg_CondensedFinancialInformationAbstract_B588AE67B0EEF076C6408246601A1040" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsTextBlock_7ACE0D1DE982FB70184D8246601A5A14" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_CondensedFinancialInformationAbstract_B588AE67B0EEF076C6408246601A1040" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsTextBlock_7ACE0D1DE982FB70184D8246601A5A14" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationPpCashFlowsCondensedConsolidatingPpCashFlowsTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_CondensedFinancialInformationAbstract" xlink:label="loc_nrg_CondensedFinancialInformationAbstract_2E84A646864388CE0DE5824661143ABB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfCondensedCashFlowStatementTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCondensedCashFlowStatementTableTextBlock_01B3BF5138BC63AD89C782466114A437" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_CondensedFinancialInformationAbstract_2E84A646864388CE0DE5824661143ABB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCondensedCashFlowStatementTableTextBlock_01B3BF5138BC63AD89C782466114A437" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationPpCashFlowsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_CPComprehensiveIncomeAbstract" xlink:label="loc_nrg_CPComprehensiveIncomeAbstract_1BABFC866677A1D85A99B416663DDC67" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CondensedCashFlowStatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CondensedCashFlowStatementTable_9C62264F96A761E2F64DB416663D5FCF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_CPComprehensiveIncomeAbstract_1BABFC866677A1D85A99B416663DDC67" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CondensedCashFlowStatementTable_9C62264F96A761E2F64DB416663D5FCF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_0CDEED819A7A43F77724B416663ED829" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedCashFlowStatementTable_9C62264F96A761E2F64DB416663D5FCF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_0CDEED819A7A43F77724B416663ED829" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_84088357377E40B84E9DB416663E2B91" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_0CDEED819A7A43F77724B416663ED829" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_84088357377E40B84E9DB416663E2B91" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_DropDownAssetsMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_DropDownAssetsMember_51BE392242B4A2D65B7BB416663E496C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_84088357377E40B84E9DB416663E2B91" xlink:to="loc_nrg_DropDownAssetsMember_51BE392242B4A2D65B7BB416663E496C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_4CF7A2FFDC02BB3059FCB416663EFD0A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedCashFlowStatementTable_9C62264F96A761E2F64DB416663D5FCF" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_4CF7A2FFDC02BB3059FCB416663EFD0A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_F63A063A97ED48D59DF3B416663E59BA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_4CF7A2FFDC02BB3059FCB416663EFD0A" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_F63A063A97ED48D59DF3B416663E59BA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_NRGYieldLLCMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NRGYieldLLCMember_C36B8BA59526898F600AB416663F76A8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_F63A063A97ED48D59DF3B416663E59BA" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NRGYieldLLCMember_C36B8BA59526898F600AB416663F76A8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_NRGYieldOperatingLLCMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NRGYieldOperatingLLCMember_6EC1237712BD9EE83EC1B416663F1F6B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_F63A063A97ED48D59DF3B416663E59BA" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NRGYieldOperatingLLCMember_6EC1237712BD9EE83EC1B416663F1F6B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_445E01C56CBD9484ECB8B416663F2FC0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedCashFlowStatementTable_9C62264F96A761E2F64DB416663D5FCF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_445E01C56CBD9484ECB8B416663F2FC0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_DB1C099A9A6E2786D77DB416663F78DB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_445E01C56CBD9484ECB8B416663F2FC0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_DB1C099A9A6E2786D77DB416663F78DB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember_783BFA68FD75D504B2E1B416663F9C6C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_DB1C099A9A6E2786D77DB416663F78DB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember_783BFA68FD75D504B2E1B416663F9C6C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember_8925153A814F1D05A1C2B416663F1308" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_DB1C099A9A6E2786D77DB416663F78DB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember_8925153A814F1D05A1C2B416663F1308" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_FA28425497E4B40721B6B4166640C098" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedCashFlowStatementTable_9C62264F96A761E2F64DB416663D5FCF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_FA28425497E4B40721B6B4166640C098" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_070805C8B311FE7AD829B416664041EA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_FA28425497E4B40721B6B4166640C098" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_070805C8B311FE7AD829B416664041EA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired_1893221B5D5514DAFDDAB416664088F4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_FA28425497E4B40721B6B4166640C098" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired_1893221B5D5514DAFDDAB416664088F4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_IntercompanyPaymentstoReceiptsfromConsolidatedSubsidiaries" xlink:label="loc_nrg_IntercompanyPaymentstoReceiptsfromConsolidatedSubsidiaries_14A3FFF4F659AF0B7BA1B4166640C875" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_FA28425497E4B40721B6B4166640C098" xlink:to="loc_nrg_IntercompanyPaymentstoReceiptsfromConsolidatedSubsidiaries_14A3FFF4F659AF0B7BA1B4166640C875" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_PaymenttoAcquireBusinessunderCommonControl" xlink:label="loc_nrg_PaymenttoAcquireBusinessunderCommonControl_F1505388F21C562B46F8B41666400824" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_FA28425497E4B40721B6B4166640C098" xlink:to="loc_nrg_PaymenttoAcquireBusinessunderCommonControl_F1505388F21C562B46F8B41666400824" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment_91FC0E77EC31C856A143B4166640C471" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_FA28425497E4B40721B6B4166640C098" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment_91FC0E77EC31C856A143B4166640C471" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInRestrictedCash" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInRestrictedCash_C7D2CEFBEFA74FB8F221B416664019A8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_FA28425497E4B40721B6B4166640C098" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInRestrictedCash_C7D2CEFBEFA74FB8F221B416664019A8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInNotesReceivables" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInNotesReceivables_DFCCAE99BE3F778DBEEFB41666404FA5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_FA28425497E4B40721B6B4166640C098" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInNotesReceivables_DFCCAE99BE3F778DBEEFB41666404FA5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromEquityMethodInvestmentDividendsOrDistributionsReturnOfCapital" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromEquityMethodInvestmentDividendsOrDistributionsReturnOfCapital_7B5930ED463636122C98B4166640AD01" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_FA28425497E4B40721B6B4166640C098" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromEquityMethodInvestmentDividendsOrDistributionsReturnOfCapital_7B5930ED463636122C98B4166640AD01" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesAndInterestInAffiliates" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesAndInterestInAffiliates_676BE7E518A91E66635BB416664084BC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_FA28425497E4B40721B6B4166640C098" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesAndInterestInAffiliates_676BE7E518A91E66635BB416664084BC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities_04D7A5A8A48ADAA9571CB41666416C9A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_FA28425497E4B40721B6B4166640C098" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities_04D7A5A8A48ADAA9571CB41666416C9A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities_7B9E9B85CCA65EC541B3B4166641954B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_FA28425497E4B40721B6B4166640C098" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities_7B9E9B85CCA65EC541B3B4166641954B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromMinorityShareholders" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromMinorityShareholders_F4E805C9C1432A084CE2B416664101F7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="12" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_FA28425497E4B40721B6B4166640C098" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromMinorityShareholders_F4E805C9C1432A084CE2B416664101F7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsOfCapitalDistribution" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfCapitalDistribution_38D08366F7C32BF6DB8FB41666413DDE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="13" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_FA28425497E4B40721B6B4166640C098" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfCapitalDistribution_38D08366F7C32BF6DB8FB41666413DDE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock_FEE56C718EBA28010AFCB4166641B583" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="14" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_FA28425497E4B40721B6B4166640C098" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock_FEE56C718EBA28010AFCB4166641B583" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_ProceedsFromPaymentsToIntercompanyLoans" xlink:label="loc_nrg_ProceedsFromPaymentsToIntercompanyLoans_BC80DE95F6D3855E0353B41666412F1E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="15" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_FA28425497E4B40721B6B4166640C098" xlink:to="loc_nrg_ProceedsFromPaymentsToIntercompanyLoans_BC80DE95F6D3855E0353B41666412F1E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_PaymentsofProceedsfromdistributions" xlink:label="loc_nrg_PaymentsofProceedsfromdistributions_3F9599A4CFD2E89D321AB4166641847D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="16" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_FA28425497E4B40721B6B4166640C098" xlink:to="loc_nrg_PaymentsofProceedsfromdistributions_3F9599A4CFD2E89D321AB4166641847D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromLinesOfCredit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromLinesOfCredit_34D06495A73A6E58F163B41666414FD7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="17" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_FA28425497E4B40721B6B4166640C098" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromLinesOfCredit_34D06495A73A6E58F163B41666414FD7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLinesOfCredit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLinesOfCredit_FC9B078E50D7BFDC3E74B416664168C6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="18" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_FA28425497E4B40721B6B4166640C098" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLinesOfCredit_FC9B078E50D7BFDC3E74B416664168C6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt_D77067539CCB18390C74B4166642DF6C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="19" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_FA28425497E4B40721B6B4166640C098" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt_D77067539CCB18390C74B4166642DF6C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfDebt_43632D358E38AC18F323B4166642D31E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="20" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_FA28425497E4B40721B6B4166640C098" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfDebt_43632D358E38AC18F323B4166642D31E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromRelatedPartyDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromRelatedPartyDebt_196DF08A604C9ECF632DB41666427365" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="21" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_FA28425497E4B40721B6B4166640C098" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromRelatedPartyDebt_196DF08A604C9ECF632DB41666427365" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsOfFinancingCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfFinancingCosts_1D91CCF0166449C770A7B4166642268A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="22" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_FA28425497E4B40721B6B4166640C098" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfFinancingCosts_1D91CCF0166449C770A7B4166642268A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities_65F6F3D15E3D58799589B416664230C5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="23" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_FA28425497E4B40721B6B4166640C098" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities_65F6F3D15E3D58799589B416664230C5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseExcludingExchangeRateEffect" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseExcludingExchangeRateEffect_D0715A01AEFCE7400DE8B431F2AE85B8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="24" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_FA28425497E4B40721B6B4166640C098" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseExcludingExchangeRateEffect_D0715A01AEFCE7400DE8B431F2AE85B8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents_2E39D8EBADA10D584379B41666421874" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="25" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_FA28425497E4B40721B6B4166640C098" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents_2E39D8EBADA10D584379B41666421874" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtIssuanceCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtIssuanceCosts_556A24A7EC142E9B8A95B41666423187" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="26" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_FA28425497E4B40721B6B4166640C098" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtIssuanceCosts_556A24A7EC142E9B8A95B41666423187" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfLinesOfCredit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfLinesOfCredit_2718E3B1D98BDBD388A1B41666430EF5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="27" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_FA28425497E4B40721B6B4166640C098" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfLinesOfCredit_2718E3B1D98BDBD388A1B41666430EF5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt_9FBA2CCD3729CC9AAB3BB41666437458" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="28" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_FA28425497E4B40721B6B4166640C098" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt_9FBA2CCD3729CC9AAB3BB41666437458" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_FED3C87FFD4644AF93E9B41666437160" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="29" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_FA28425497E4B40721B6B4166640C098" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_FED3C87FFD4644AF93E9B41666437160" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedPropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedPropertyPlantAndEquipment_B7FE456790C70CB07278B4166643089D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_CPComprehensiveIncomeAbstract_1BABFC866677A1D85A99B416663DDC67" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedPropertyPlantAndEquipment_B7FE456790C70CB07278B4166643089D" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationPpComprehensiveIncomeCondensedConsolidatingPpComprehensiveIncomeNotes" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_CondensedFinancialInformationAbstract" xlink:label="loc_nrg_CondensedFinancialInformationAbstract_5009253D4894EC51DFDC824661EE767A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsTextBlock_424EB53895BA0F4D798F824661EE13BA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_CondensedFinancialInformationAbstract_5009253D4894EC51DFDC824661EE767A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsTextBlock_424EB53895BA0F4D798F824661EE13BA" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationPpComprehensiveIncomeCondensedConsolidatingPpComprehensiveIncomeTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_CondensedFinancialInformationAbstract" xlink:label="loc_nrg_CondensedFinancialInformationAbstract_A750F006A526B2535C77824661B02863" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CondensedStatementOfComprehensiveIncomeTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CondensedStatementOfComprehensiveIncomeTableTextBlock_5475D8F2DA94CEFE6751824661B06F05" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_CondensedFinancialInformationAbstract_A750F006A526B2535C77824661B02863" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CondensedStatementOfComprehensiveIncomeTableTextBlock_5475D8F2DA94CEFE6751824661B06F05" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationPpComprehensiveIncomeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_CPComprehensiveIncomeAbstract" xlink:label="loc_nrg_CPComprehensiveIncomeAbstract_4A997CFEA6099C4F39B582465F5F2A6B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CondensedStatementOfComprehensiveIncomeTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CondensedStatementOfComprehensiveIncomeTable_FACB4B8E21F6B565696182465F5F2B76" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_CPComprehensiveIncomeAbstract_4A997CFEA6099C4F39B582465F5F2A6B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CondensedStatementOfComprehensiveIncomeTable_FACB4B8E21F6B565696182465F5F2B76" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis_D59DA313AC72F9187C7A82465F5F9951" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedStatementOfComprehensiveIncomeTable_FACB4B8E21F6B565696182465F5F2B76" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis_D59DA313AC72F9187C7A82465F5F9951" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_B178CE41867BA0C961D382465F5F30B4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis_D59DA313AC72F9187C7A82465F5F9951" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_B178CE41867BA0C961D382465F5F30B4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember_A7BB479D548E58680D2D82465F5F9C63" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_B178CE41867BA0C961D382465F5F30B4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember_A7BB479D548E58680D2D82465F5F9C63" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_0BA26E3FA3D2D514ABFD82465F5F4367" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedStatementOfComprehensiveIncomeTable_FACB4B8E21F6B565696182465F5F2B76" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_0BA26E3FA3D2D514ABFD82465F5F4367" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_5900A6573115C3D25F3E82465F5F57EB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_0BA26E3FA3D2D514ABFD82465F5F4367" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_5900A6573115C3D25F3E82465F5F57EB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_NRGYieldLLCMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NRGYieldLLCMember_42BFC8659F9C4257870282465F5F4929" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_5900A6573115C3D25F3E82465F5F57EB" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NRGYieldLLCMember_42BFC8659F9C4257870282465F5F4929" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_NRGYieldOperatingLLCMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NRGYieldOperatingLLCMember_6CD2EB7D2C8C35356DBB82465F5F23C0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_5900A6573115C3D25F3E82465F5F57EB" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NRGYieldOperatingLLCMember_6CD2EB7D2C8C35356DBB82465F5F23C0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_7F85AF8D68FA97DEDA4B82465F5F567E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedStatementOfComprehensiveIncomeTable_FACB4B8E21F6B565696182465F5F2B76" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_7F85AF8D68FA97DEDA4B82465F5F567E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_4DB7C936858593F567CB82465F5F646B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_7F85AF8D68FA97DEDA4B82465F5F567E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_4DB7C936858593F567CB82465F5F646B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember_DE98DF8DDF71B26E6D9F82465F5F884D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_4DB7C936858593F567CB82465F5F646B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember_DE98DF8DDF71B26E6D9F82465F5F884D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember_C3BB4BE7522FBBF6885582465F5F1C4B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_4DB7C936858593F567CB82465F5F646B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember_C3BB4BE7522FBBF6885582465F5F1C4B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CondensedStatementOfIncomeCaptionsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CondensedStatementOfIncomeCaptionsLineItems_A0BD3D580940DAD70B4282465F5FF378" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedStatementOfComprehensiveIncomeTable_FACB4B8E21F6B565696182465F5F2B76" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CondensedStatementOfIncomeCaptionsLineItems_A0BD3D580940DAD70B4282465F5FF378" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProfitLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_52664EA156B1D8F434FC82465F5F3E84" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedStatementOfIncomeCaptionsLineItems_A0BD3D580940DAD70B4282465F5FF378" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_52664EA156B1D8F434FC82465F5F3E84" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDerivativesQualifyingAsHedgesNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDerivativesQualifyingAsHedgesNetOfTax_94DE22314AD87C2CD14D82465F5F4682" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedStatementOfIncomeCaptionsLineItems_A0BD3D580940DAD70B4282465F5FF378" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDerivativesQualifyingAsHedgesNetOfTax_94DE22314AD87C2CD14D82465F5F4682" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_85BEEA1DCCD01685BA1B82465F5FB9E4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedStatementOfIncomeCaptionsLineItems_A0BD3D580940DAD70B4282465F5FF378" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_85BEEA1DCCD01685BA1B82465F5FB9E4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_99085BF16B5E18ED1D4382465F5F2DB5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedStatementOfIncomeCaptionsLineItems_A0BD3D580940DAD70B4282465F5FF378" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_99085BF16B5E18ED1D4382465F5F2DB5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_012A699EAE746BD41BC282465F5F0A38" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedStatementOfIncomeCaptionsLineItems_A0BD3D580940DAD70B4282465F5FF378" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_012A699EAE746BD41BC282465F5F0A38" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax_B2DD18C14C137EE570CE82465F5F1F85" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedStatementOfIncomeCaptionsLineItems_A0BD3D580940DAD70B4282465F5FF378" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax_B2DD18C14C137EE570CE82465F5F1F85" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationPpIncomeStatementCondensedConsolidatingPpIncomeStatementNotes" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_CondensedFinancialInformationAbstract" xlink:label="loc_nrg_CondensedFinancialInformationAbstract_8EEE5FB9E83FFBE670818246625B1F45" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsTextBlock_F64B17734EA275C7B7CE8246625B0169" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_CondensedFinancialInformationAbstract_8EEE5FB9E83FFBE670818246625B1F45" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsTextBlock_F64B17734EA275C7B7CE8246625B0169" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationPpIncomeStatementCondensedConsolidatingPpIncomeStatementTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_CondensedFinancialInformationAbstract" xlink:label="loc_nrg_CondensedFinancialInformationAbstract_49779413BFB27B80AEAC824661149B2A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable_75928E3AC963EDB174F58246611439D1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_CondensedFinancialInformationAbstract_49779413BFB27B80AEAC824661149B2A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable_75928E3AC963EDB174F58246611439D1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_FC6AC1B5144619E7BB49824661142769" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable_75928E3AC963EDB174F58246611439D1" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_FC6AC1B5144619E7BB49824661142769" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_297F68A20E643A055BA182466114ADF9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_FC6AC1B5144619E7BB49824661142769" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_297F68A20E643A055BA182466114ADF9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis_303D16B88DD05511FFE382466114FC75" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable_75928E3AC963EDB174F58246611439D1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis_303D16B88DD05511FFE382466114FC75" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_6E463AB34A82B669E232824661145A5C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis_303D16B88DD05511FFE382466114FC75" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_6E463AB34A82B669E232824661145A5C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems_E3942E40E82E0886E4D482466114DF9E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable_75928E3AC963EDB174F58246611439D1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems_E3942E40E82E0886E4D482466114DF9E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfCondensedIncomeStatementTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCondensedIncomeStatementTableTextBlock_F78842BD641B2E928A6C82466114DF03" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems_E3942E40E82E0886E4D482466114DF9E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCondensedIncomeStatementTableTextBlock_F78842BD641B2E928A6C82466114DF03" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationPpIncomeStatementDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_CPComprehensiveIncomeAbstract" xlink:label="loc_nrg_CPComprehensiveIncomeAbstract_01DF2ABB60BC5EE3645D9FEA37947978" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementTable_CF5E57D3BD33792A97769FEA3795A412" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_CPComprehensiveIncomeAbstract_01DF2ABB60BC5EE3645D9FEA37947978" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementTable_CF5E57D3BD33792A97769FEA3795A412" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis_05A77033C575AF2CD8629FEA3795F97D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementTable_CF5E57D3BD33792A97769FEA3795A412" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis_05A77033C575AF2CD8629FEA3795F97D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_77116866AE0D8C43E8C09FEA3795F4F7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis_05A77033C575AF2CD8629FEA3795F97D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_77116866AE0D8C43E8C09FEA3795F4F7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember_78D11B1AAE44298FECDD9FEA37953E38" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_77116866AE0D8C43E8C09FEA3795F4F7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember_78D11B1AAE44298FECDD9FEA37953E38" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_061D1A72578EEDE9BCB69FEA37956CF4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementTable_CF5E57D3BD33792A97769FEA3795A412" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_061D1A72578EEDE9BCB69FEA37956CF4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_D2E1DB61EE46B45D28299FEA3795E3F4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_061D1A72578EEDE9BCB69FEA37956CF4" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_D2E1DB61EE46B45D28299FEA3795E3F4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_NRGYieldLLCMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NRGYieldLLCMember_4182C81FA85BB061090D9FEA37959C5C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_D2E1DB61EE46B45D28299FEA3795E3F4" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NRGYieldLLCMember_4182C81FA85BB061090D9FEA37959C5C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_NRGYieldOperatingLLCMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NRGYieldOperatingLLCMember_1876A1184D6F85484EAE9FEA3795DEA0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_D2E1DB61EE46B45D28299FEA3795E3F4" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NRGYieldOperatingLLCMember_1876A1184D6F85484EAE9FEA3795DEA0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_0A920B967A7309FDC1D69FEA37964F33" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementTable_CF5E57D3BD33792A97769FEA3795A412" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_0A920B967A7309FDC1D69FEA37964F33" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_82F20325B67CD10E50AA9FEA37967116" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_0A920B967A7309FDC1D69FEA37964F33" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_82F20325B67CD10E50AA9FEA37967116" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember_582172438D5ACDA587CF9FEA3796C249" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_82F20325B67CD10E50AA9FEA37967116" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember_582172438D5ACDA587CF9FEA3796C249" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember_D5D95CBD7406B6F02AE39FEA37968C96" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_82F20325B67CD10E50AA9FEA37967116" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember_D5D95CBD7406B6F02AE39FEA37968C96" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_5E297BF93B42D072549F9FEA3796C20E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementTable_CF5E57D3BD33792A97769FEA3795A412" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_5E297BF93B42D072549F9FEA3796C20E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Revenues" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_8B0C34387C8D2C4A52A49FEA3796F94B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_5E297BF93B42D072549F9FEA3796C20E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_8B0C34387C8D2C4A52A49FEA3796F94B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingCostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingCostsAndExpensesAbstract_F733FC5E76C2489AB3989FEA37966600" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_5E297BF93B42D072549F9FEA3796C20E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingCostsAndExpensesAbstract_F733FC5E76C2489AB3989FEA37966600" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostOfRevenue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CostOfRevenue_CFB93F88E18CFF2573BF9FEA379662E4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_5E297BF93B42D072549F9FEA3796C20E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CostOfRevenue_CFB93F88E18CFF2573BF9FEA379662E4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_1AB592D6ABBD9B67C0979FEA3796879F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_5E297BF93B42D072549F9FEA3796C20E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_1AB592D6ABBD9B67C0979FEA3796879F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges_0C85DC03C2C60AD924079FEA37965652" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_5E297BF93B42D072549F9FEA3796C20E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges_0C85DC03C2C60AD924079FEA37965652" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_8415EC2FB3025818003C9FEA379773AB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_5E297BF93B42D072549F9FEA3796C20E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_8415EC2FB3025818003C9FEA379773AB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts_4B0685E271D6BC3FF3519FEA37978A44" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_5E297BF93B42D072549F9FEA3796C20E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts_4B0685E271D6BC3FF3519FEA37978A44" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses_59C50F3688AEBEBE2A569FEA3797BE52" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_5E297BF93B42D072549F9FEA3796C20E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses_59C50F3688AEBEBE2A569FEA3797BE52" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_0CCC171341104C22A7A19FEA37972471" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_5E297BF93B42D072549F9FEA3796C20E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_0CCC171341104C22A7A19FEA37972471" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_EquityInEarningsOfConsolidatedSubsidiaries" xlink:label="loc_nrg_EquityInEarningsOfConsolidatedSubsidiaries_58AAB6955548EA4CF18D9FEA3797A5F3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_5E297BF93B42D072549F9FEA3796C20E" xlink:to="loc_nrg_EquityInEarningsOfConsolidatedSubsidiaries_58AAB6955548EA4CF18D9FEA3797A5F3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_A120BF831B0828B7B97D9FEA3797858B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_5E297BF93B42D072549F9FEA3796C20E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_A120BF831B0828B7B97D9FEA3797858B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt_19A8BD9116CA3E3B77259FEA37973225" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="12" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_5E297BF93B42D072549F9FEA3796C20E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt_19A8BD9116CA3E3B77259FEA37973225" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense_80FC8F51BBB9565EE3A59FEA37970D88" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="13" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_5E297BF93B42D072549F9FEA3796C20E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense_80FC8F51BBB9565EE3A59FEA37970D88" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpense_925C1B55969A26CD2DF89FEA3797550C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="14" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_5E297BF93B42D072549F9FEA3796C20E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpense_925C1B55969A26CD2DF89FEA3797550C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense_A5FFF94370B2876A09649FEA3798BC0E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="15" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_5E297BF93B42D072549F9FEA3796C20E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense_A5FFF94370B2876A09649FEA3798BC0E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProfitLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_2BBE7827EFE75FC32FC09FEA3798D483" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="16" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_5E297BF93B42D072549F9FEA3796C20E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_2BBE7827EFE75FC32FC09FEA3798D483" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_491D0784F9083BAAEA5A9FEA3798702B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="17" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_5E297BF93B42D072549F9FEA3796C20E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_491D0784F9083BAAEA5A9FEA3798702B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_85559050D29C1D6842F39FEA3798060F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="18" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_5E297BF93B42D072549F9FEA3796C20E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_85559050D29C1D6842F39FEA3798060F" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheets" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_4228CF27C9887DDC8C80DF227BB63DDB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_41F525B5CA2652598C60DF227BB699D2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_4228CF27C9887DDC8C80DF227BB63DDB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_41F525B5CA2652598C60DF227BB699D2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_72395437990DC13899ECDF227BB66A69" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_41F525B5CA2652598C60DF227BB699D2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_72395437990DC13899ECDF227BB66A69" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_7CE644F4268312D03FAADF227BB69ED4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_72395437990DC13899ECDF227BB66A69" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_7CE644F4268312D03FAADF227BB69ED4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AffiliatedEntityMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AffiliatedEntityMember_0ABB8AA6D2D18E362097DF227BB6E4ED" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_7CE644F4268312D03FAADF227BB69ED4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AffiliatedEntityMember_0ABB8AA6D2D18E362097DF227BB6E4ED" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_8DC7660E63E6226DC97DDF227BB7B37D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_41F525B5CA2652598C60DF227BB699D2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_8DC7660E63E6226DC97DDF227BB7B37D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_7A8079699F4D12541175DF227BB76D2A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_8DC7660E63E6226DC97DDF227BB7B37D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_7A8079699F4D12541175DF227BB76D2A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_7A8079699F4D12541175DF227BB76D2A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AffiliatedEntityMember_0ABB8AA6D2D18E362097DF227BB6E4ED" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_3D68672CE8CA7FA90DEFDF227BB7A9E5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_41F525B5CA2652598C60DF227BB699D2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_3D68672CE8CA7FA90DEFDF227BB7A9E5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_753A3C7C5E09783FD277DF227BB7FD3B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_3D68672CE8CA7FA90DEFDF227BB7A9E5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_753A3C7C5E09783FD277DF227BB7FD3B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_2F2E646A47F14A8F795EDF227BB8CA96" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_753A3C7C5E09783FD277DF227BB7FD3B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_2F2E646A47F14A8F795EDF227BB8CA96" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_C2E8CB8F2A777AF5A77BDF227BB84623" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_2F2E646A47F14A8F795EDF227BB8CA96" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_C2E8CB8F2A777AF5A77BDF227BB84623" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_583EAE5D9C567ADE6315DF227BB8249E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_2F2E646A47F14A8F795EDF227BB8CA96" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_583EAE5D9C567ADE6315DF227BB8249E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent_45A8FB789855C2B309E8DF227BB8884C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_2F2E646A47F14A8F795EDF227BB8CA96" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent_45A8FB789855C2B309E8DF227BB8884C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InventoryNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InventoryNet_077EED41F81B15AA496ADF227BB8E6A0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_2F2E646A47F14A8F795EDF227BB8CA96" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InventoryNet_077EED41F81B15AA496ADF227BB8E6A0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NotesAndLoansReceivableNetCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NotesAndLoansReceivableNetCurrent_E3CE75B8666C72522674DF227BB91533" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_2F2E646A47F14A8F795EDF227BB8CA96" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NotesAndLoansReceivableNetCurrent_E3CE75B8666C72522674DF227BB91533" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssetsCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssetsCurrent_3E3E4C0DE46AB00A92BADF227BB96CCD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_2F2E646A47F14A8F795EDF227BB8CA96" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssetsCurrent_3E3E4C0DE46AB00A92BADF227BB96CCD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrent_811C93B4E3DD793831D8DF227BB90B7C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_2F2E646A47F14A8F795EDF227BB8CA96" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrent_811C93B4E3DD793831D8DF227BB90B7C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAbstract_18E84FDBB48F7C3170FADF227BB95536" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_753A3C7C5E09783FD277DF227BB7FD3B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAbstract_18E84FDBB48F7C3170FADF227BB95536" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConstructionInProgressGross" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConstructionInProgressGross_F7C6D75543DD8832542EDF227BB9B214" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAbstract_18E84FDBB48F7C3170FADF227BB95536" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConstructionInProgressGross_F7C6D75543DD8832542EDF227BB9B214" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross_515F1B8076691BFE927BDF227BB9133D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAbstract_18E84FDBB48F7C3170FADF227BB95536" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross_515F1B8076691BFE927BDF227BB9133D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment_BF473056E4573C39AB8BDF227BB928B9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAbstract_18E84FDBB48F7C3170FADF227BB95536" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment_BF473056E4573C39AB8BDF227BB928B9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_254DC1F6CC62B1C1F5F7DF227BB9B500" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAbstract_18E84FDBB48F7C3170FADF227BB95536" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_254DC1F6CC62B1C1F5F7DF227BB9B500" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrentAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrentAbstract_3F38A86FCA5355BB8415DF227BB96250" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_753A3C7C5E09783FD277DF227BB7FD3B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrentAbstract_3F38A86FCA5355BB8415DF227BB96250" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments_DB6313E76B5A5D2CC8E9DF227BB95328" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrentAbstract_3F38A86FCA5355BB8415DF227BB96250" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments_DB6313E76B5A5D2CC8E9DF227BB95328" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet_D6611DAC2B9FD4CF64DFDF227BB924B1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrentAbstract_3F38A86FCA5355BB8415DF227BB96250" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet_D6611DAC2B9FD4CF64DFDF227BB924B1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent_70E10D68A55DA7E16CE2DF227BBA6D2C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrentAbstract_3F38A86FCA5355BB8415DF227BB96250" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent_70E10D68A55DA7E16CE2DF227BBA6D2C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssets_94A7A7489C4B68342F95DF227BBAEC6A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrentAbstract_3F38A86FCA5355BB8415DF227BB96250" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssets_94A7A7489C4B68342F95DF227BBAEC6A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Assets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Assets_CC5D8027F1A4B3953052DF227BBAE82D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_753A3C7C5E09783FD277DF227BB7FD3B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Assets_CC5D8027F1A4B3953052DF227BBAE82D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_2412794B2B3D8B21DF0ADF227BBA004D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_3D68672CE8CA7FA90DEFDF227BB7A9E5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_2412794B2B3D8B21DF0ADF227BBA004D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_B70A35B6DABABA56AFC6DF227BBAFEAC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_2412794B2B3D8B21DF0ADF227BBA004D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_B70A35B6DABABA56AFC6DF227BBAFEAC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsCurrent_54C7F28FD3C02A1426D8DF227BBBE969" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_B70A35B6DABABA56AFC6DF227BBAFEAC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsCurrent_54C7F28FD3C02A1426D8DF227BBBE969" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent_D975EFB9DF2F5BD43B48DF227BBBBC92" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_B70A35B6DABABA56AFC6DF227BBAFEAC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent_D975EFB9DF2F5BD43B48DF227BBBBC92" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DueToAffiliateCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DueToAffiliateCurrent_10E194B73868871DC468DF227BBBDBEC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_B70A35B6DABABA56AFC6DF227BBAFEAC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DueToAffiliateCurrent_10E194B73868871DC468DF227BBBDBEC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesCurrent_0D430375FC7CD1ECFFAEDF227BBB1A1A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_B70A35B6DABABA56AFC6DF227BBAFEAC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesCurrent_0D430375FC7CD1ECFFAEDF227BBB1A1A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent_BB5EF9CA2D6DD9B6D76CDF227BBB1085" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_B70A35B6DABABA56AFC6DF227BBAFEAC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent_BB5EF9CA2D6DD9B6D76CDF227BBB1085" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_56226E2681001492AD2EDF227BBB44C1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_B70A35B6DABABA56AFC6DF227BBAFEAC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_56226E2681001492AD2EDF227BBB44C1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract_711496E561AB77AE157CDF227BBB5426" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_2412794B2B3D8B21DF0ADF227BBA004D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract_711496E561AB77AE157CDF227BBB5426" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations_C7882E3BCE35B3497973DF227BBB40B3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract_711496E561AB77AE157CDF227BBB5426" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations_C7882E3BCE35B3497973DF227BBB40B3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DueToAffiliateNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DueToAffiliateNoncurrent_D21A1D8D144CA4B3C476DF227BBB9B44" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract_711496E561AB77AE157CDF227BBB5426" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DueToAffiliateNoncurrent_D21A1D8D144CA4B3C476DF227BBB9B44" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DueToRelatedPartiesNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DueToRelatedPartiesNoncurrent_82B0137205D545099624DF227BBC9104" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract_711496E561AB77AE157CDF227BBB5426" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DueToRelatedPartiesNoncurrent_82B0137205D545099624DF227BBC9104" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesNoncurrent_EC6157067445FFC3B82CDF227BBC1E59" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract_711496E561AB77AE157CDF227BBB5426" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesNoncurrent_EC6157067445FFC3B82CDF227BBC1E59" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent_CC45D7DF7CB628152311DF227BBC93EF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract_711496E561AB77AE157CDF227BBB5426" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent_CC45D7DF7CB628152311DF227BBC93EF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrent_E458FA9E16F911315DFDDF227BBC1EE2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract_711496E561AB77AE157CDF227BBB5426" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrent_E458FA9E16F911315DFDDF227BBC1EE2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Liabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Liabilities_31BE181EE5F2BF2B3C30DF227BBC5025" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_2412794B2B3D8B21DF0ADF227BBA004D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Liabilities_31BE181EE5F2BF2B3C30DF227BBC5025" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_0F11008C5184DBFBDDFDDF227BBCBA9C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_2412794B2B3D8B21DF0ADF227BBA004D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_0F11008C5184DBFBDDFDDF227BBCBA9C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MembersCapital" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MembersCapital_E674A90D38DF5BE37E26DF227BBC2BA3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_0F11008C5184DBFBDDFDDF227BBCBA9C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MembersCapital_E674A90D38DF5BE37E26DF227BBC2BA3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit_0DF51673D99FE7C82D00DF227BBCD33D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_0F11008C5184DBFBDDFDDF227BBCBA9C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit_0DF51673D99FE7C82D00DF227BBCD33D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_4ECCEE85DAA3D4B0D853DF227BBC0DF5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_0F11008C5184DBFBDDFDDF227BBCBA9C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_4ECCEE85DAA3D4B0D853DF227BBC0DF5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MembersEquityAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MembersEquityAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_305ED19A190C6B67F3CFDF227BBC5124" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_0F11008C5184DBFBDDFDDF227BBCBA9C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MembersEquityAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_305ED19A190C6B67F3CFDF227BBC5124" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MembersEquity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MembersEquity_7C2ED0EFC25C88D73EB8DF227BBCCA66" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_0F11008C5184DBFBDDFDDF227BBCBA9C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MembersEquity_7C2ED0EFC25C88D73EB8DF227BBCCA66" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_DF4C9F1634AC8515C6CCDF227BBDA6DD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_2412794B2B3D8B21DF0ADF227BBA004D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_DF4C9F1634AC8515C6CCDF227BBDA6DD" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_982946CCCE8598D72529824661810065" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization_8F6E61B4F379DE9B2FEE824661813705" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_982946CCCE8598D72529824661810065" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization_8F6E61B4F379DE9B2FEE824661813705" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_11BAABE0CAD5E74C10B9B4021F95BA80" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_3122D9C7B0655956234FB4021F956A9E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_11BAABE0CAD5E74C10B9B4021F95BA80" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_3122D9C7B0655956234FB4021F956A9E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_40826FC3A00F7C591081B4021F95A17C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_3122D9C7B0655956234FB4021F956A9E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_40826FC3A00F7C591081B4021F95A17C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_330A3CDF1E3E4F8583AFB4021F95DADC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_40826FC3A00F7C591081B4021F95A17C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_330A3CDF1E3E4F8583AFB4021F95DADC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember_DFABBDFCD96B5F4CEDCEB4021F95DF12" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_330A3CDF1E3E4F8583AFB4021F95DADC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember_DFABBDFCD96B5F4CEDCEB4021F95DF12" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember_22956E882038E8B50D29B4021F957034" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_330A3CDF1E3E4F8583AFB4021F95DADC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember_22956E882038E8B50D29B4021F957034" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_811E960D17C269961BA5B4021F95E012" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_3122D9C7B0655956234FB4021F956A9E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_811E960D17C269961BA5B4021F95E012" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_3F0A5E036E2740F0F4AEB4021F95B4F5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_811E960D17C269961BA5B4021F95E012" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_3F0A5E036E2740F0F4AEB4021F95B4F5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProfitLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_73B1A2894DBB8133DE8AB4021F96FE54" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_3F0A5E036E2740F0F4AEB4021F95B4F5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_73B1A2894DBB8133DE8AB4021F96FE54" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_4AA42F61033178363F86B4021F96E872" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_3F0A5E036E2740F0F4AEB4021F95B4F5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_4AA42F61033178363F86B4021F96E872" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_3E192BD5997681047823B4021F962102" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_4AA42F61033178363F86B4021F96E872" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_3E192BD5997681047823B4021F962102" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentDividendsOrDistributions" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentDividendsOrDistributions_919BD32D042D6832B1B2B4021F981CD0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_4AA42F61033178363F86B4021F96E872" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentDividendsOrDistributions_919BD32D042D6832B1B2B4021F981CD0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DepreciationAmortizationAndAccretionNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationAmortizationAndAccretionNet_BF4A1FD1D102C3712576B4021F9871C9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_4AA42F61033178363F86B4021F96E872" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationAmortizationAndAccretionNet_BF4A1FD1D102C3712576B4021F9871C9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AmortizationOfFinancingCostsAndDiscounts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfFinancingCostsAndDiscounts_AE7FB3530E406627E845B4021F98260C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_4AA42F61033178363F86B4021F96E872" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfFinancingCostsAndDiscounts_AE7FB3530E406627E845B4021F98260C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_AmortizationOfIntangiblesAndOutOfMarketContracts" xlink:label="loc_nrg_AmortizationOfIntangiblesAndOutOfMarketContracts_9F741761D62699173C21B4021F98A44E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_4AA42F61033178363F86B4021F96E872" xlink:to="loc_nrg_AmortizationOfIntangiblesAndOutOfMarketContracts_9F741761D62699173C21B4021F98A44E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt_B7F682C3E3FD00E720FDB4021F980CCF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_4AA42F61033178363F86B4021F96E872" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt_B7F682C3E3FD00E720FDB4021F980CCF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges_A5812F4D78F677B49210B4021F9DEB12" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_4AA42F61033178363F86B4021F96E872" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges_A5812F4D78F677B49210B4021F9DEB12" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInDerivativeAssetsAndLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInDerivativeAssetsAndLiabilities_200E95EB6E5FDC36DD32B4021F9DAB45" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_4AA42F61033178363F86B4021F96E872" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInDerivativeAssetsAndLiabilities_200E95EB6E5FDC36DD32B4021F9DAB45" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfPropertyPlantEquipment" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfPropertyPlantEquipment_742D5A3AAFCBF98EC60CB4021F9E3FA0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_4AA42F61033178363F86B4021F96E872" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfPropertyPlantEquipment_742D5A3AAFCBF98EC60CB4021F9E3FA0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_ChangesinPrepaidandAccruedCapacityPayments" xlink:label="loc_nrg_ChangesinPrepaidandAccruedCapacityPayments_F6A5F80D81B5A37C456AB4021F9E0226" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_4AA42F61033178363F86B4021F96E872" xlink:to="loc_nrg_ChangesinPrepaidandAccruedCapacityPayments_F6A5F80D81B5A37C456AB4021F9E0226" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingCapitalNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingCapitalNet_2644079FE0F8AC4D35DEB4021F9E6A55" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_4AA42F61033178363F86B4021F96E872" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingCapitalNet_2644079FE0F8AC4D35DEB4021F9E6A55" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_61822BD1CF1EC4856B46B4021F9E6E61" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_3F0A5E036E2740F0F4AEB4021F95B4F5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_61822BD1CF1EC4856B46B4021F9E6E61" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_627D0B64BBF5EF410221B4021F9E491C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_811E960D17C269961BA5B4021F95E012" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_627D0B64BBF5EF410221B4021F9E491C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired_C2B39C78EA6B98DF5A53B4021F9E7652" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_627D0B64BBF5EF410221B4021F9E491C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired_C2B39C78EA6B98DF5A53B4021F9E7652" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_PaymenttoAcquireBusinessunderCommonControl" xlink:label="loc_nrg_PaymenttoAcquireBusinessunderCommonControl_2AAB2AC8B9EF4BA00EDCB4021F9EDF7D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_627D0B64BBF5EF410221B4021F9E491C" xlink:to="loc_nrg_PaymenttoAcquireBusinessunderCommonControl_2AAB2AC8B9EF4BA00EDCB4021F9EDF7D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment_F277D08DF45607D9BB33B4021F9F9192" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_627D0B64BBF5EF410221B4021F9E491C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment_F277D08DF45607D9BB33B4021F9F9192" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInRestrictedCash" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInRestrictedCash_7A8C2C3B8C27D702819DB4021F9FCCBD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_627D0B64BBF5EF410221B4021F9E491C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInRestrictedCash_7A8C2C3B8C27D702819DB4021F9FCCBD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInNotesReceivables" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInNotesReceivables_6EA69357E1A66F45C441B4021F9F0875" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_627D0B64BBF5EF410221B4021F9E491C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInNotesReceivables_6EA69357E1A66F45C441B4021F9F0875" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromEquityMethodInvestmentDividendsOrDistributionsReturnOfCapital" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromEquityMethodInvestmentDividendsOrDistributionsReturnOfCapital_FFDC6FF775A8440B4F84B4021F9F2B2F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_627D0B64BBF5EF410221B4021F9E491C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromEquityMethodInvestmentDividendsOrDistributionsReturnOfCapital_FFDC6FF775A8440B4F84B4021F9F2B2F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesAndInterestInAffiliates" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesAndInterestInAffiliates_CBE157A17F5715F69F95B4021F9FEA62" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_627D0B64BBF5EF410221B4021F9E491C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesAndInterestInAffiliates_CBE157A17F5715F69F95B4021F9FEA62" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities_A1C76229930D237348D6B4021F9FD98E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_627D0B64BBF5EF410221B4021F9E491C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities_A1C76229930D237348D6B4021F9FD98E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities_3B2138822A667CE205EDB4021F9F2BE5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_627D0B64BBF5EF410221B4021F9E491C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities_3B2138822A667CE205EDB4021F9F2BE5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_35AE375A72D5628404F4B4021FA0160B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_811E960D17C269961BA5B4021F95E012" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_35AE375A72D5628404F4B4021FA0160B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsToMinorityShareholders" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsToMinorityShareholders_ED40C84110BA2C79528FB4021FA051B6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_35AE375A72D5628404F4B4021FA0160B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsToMinorityShareholders_ED40C84110BA2C79528FB4021FA051B6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsOfCapitalDistribution" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfCapitalDistribution_F65D9071E7360FE58135B4021FA0AA28" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_35AE375A72D5628404F4B4021FA0160B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfCapitalDistribution_F65D9071E7360FE58135B4021FA0AA28" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock_2C4ABAC48B0EDA2BCE99B4021FA0B3FD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_35AE375A72D5628404F4B4021FA0160B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock_2C4ABAC48B0EDA2BCE99B4021FA0B3FD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividends" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividends_88C23CC4EF8DD57C2943B4021FA0A8BD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_35AE375A72D5628404F4B4021FA0160B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividends_88C23CC4EF8DD57C2943B4021FA0A8BD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromLinesOfCredit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromLinesOfCredit_E9B34D1A4B1052997FC3B4021FA02D94" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_35AE375A72D5628404F4B4021FA0160B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromLinesOfCredit_E9B34D1A4B1052997FC3B4021FA02D94" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLinesOfCredit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLinesOfCredit_9EA925AC5AFA1A872BF8B4021FA0E6AE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_35AE375A72D5628404F4B4021FA0160B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLinesOfCredit_9EA925AC5AFA1A872BF8B4021FA0E6AE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt_A21EE888D455EC2C4E09B4021FA0FBC7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_35AE375A72D5628404F4B4021FA0160B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt_A21EE888D455EC2C4E09B4021FA0FBC7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromRelatedPartyDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromRelatedPartyDebt_F17A4F90864F4F642EE6B4021FA09DF9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_35AE375A72D5628404F4B4021FA0160B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromRelatedPartyDebt_F17A4F90864F4F642EE6B4021FA09DF9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtIssuanceCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtIssuanceCosts_73F56877A4E2E663E494B4021FA0E354" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_35AE375A72D5628404F4B4021FA0160B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtIssuanceCosts_73F56877A4E2E663E494B4021FA0E354" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt_89215F668543A3324041B4021FA07ECA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_35AE375A72D5628404F4B4021FA0160B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt_89215F668543A3324041B4021FA07ECA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities_FC84614CE4860017B445B4021FA137A7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_35AE375A72D5628404F4B4021FA0160B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities_FC84614CE4860017B445B4021FA137A7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseIncludingExchangeRateEffect" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseIncludingExchangeRateEffect_8419E1BA2483093B0E18B42E82C2CBB6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_811E960D17C269961BA5B4021F95E012" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseIncludingExchangeRateEffect_8419E1BA2483093B0E18B42E82C2CBB6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_A90F5170675FCA1282FAB4021FA1D6D6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_811E960D17C269961BA5B4021F95E012" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_A90F5170675FCA1282FAB4021FA1D6D6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestPaidNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestPaidNet_592643660D621B15FE8BB4021FA1E115" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_811E960D17C269961BA5B4021F95E012" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestPaidNet_592643660D621B15FE8BB4021FA1E115" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_Additionsreductionstofixedassetsforaccruedcapitalexpenditures" xlink:label="loc_nrg_Additionsreductionstofixedassetsforaccruedcapitalexpenditures_85D6EFC534ACE58EC5D1B4021FA13E58" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_811E960D17C269961BA5B4021F95E012" xlink:to="loc_nrg_Additionsreductionstofixedassetsforaccruedcapitalexpenditures_85D6EFC534ACE58EC5D1B4021FA13E58" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_Paymentofcapitaldistributionsandreturnsofcapitalnetofcapitaldistributionsnoncash" xlink:label="loc_nrg_Paymentofcapitaldistributionsandreturnsofcapitalnetofcapitaldistributionsnoncash_47F893F2B49EB8B055DDB4021FA12892" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_811E960D17C269961BA5B4021F95E012" xlink:to="loc_nrg_Paymentofcapitaldistributionsandreturnsofcapitalnetofcapitaldistributionsnoncash_47F893F2B49EB8B055DDB4021FA12892" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents_4841F357DE8826CDBD51B4021FA15B06" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_811E960D17C269961BA5B4021F95E012" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents_4841F357DE8826CDBD51B4021FA15B06" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncome" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeAbstract_D80B4E35F158FB0B56E4824661629B43" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProfitLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_ED80C623EC0D7501925682466162CBE0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeAbstract_D80B4E35F158FB0B56E4824661629B43" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_ED80C623EC0D7501925682466162CBE0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAbstract_4BFAE9A4E698357A01AD82466162DE3C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeAbstract_D80B4E35F158FB0B56E4824661629B43" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAbstract_4BFAE9A4E698357A01AD82466162DE3C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDerivativesQualifyingAsHedgesNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDerivativesQualifyingAsHedgesNetOfTax_985B3443DC42FFCA6DF18246616283C8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAbstract_4BFAE9A4E698357A01AD82466162DE3C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDerivativesQualifyingAsHedgesNetOfTax_985B3443DC42FFCA6DF18246616283C8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_1EE66724B7DFC1FE4779824661624590" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAbstract_4BFAE9A4E698357A01AD82466162DE3C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_1EE66724B7DFC1FE4779824661624590" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_8917EBBDC1A1EC0D8C8482466162E3F9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAbstract_4BFAE9A4E698357A01AD82466162DE3C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_8917EBBDC1A1EC0D8C8482466162E3F9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_B7590921A9011724AE39824661623243" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeAbstract_D80B4E35F158FB0B56E4824661629B43" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_B7590921A9011724AE39824661623243" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax_2EF38B7493FB6AD708A782466162BD7F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeAbstract_D80B4E35F158FB0B56E4824661629B43" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax_2EF38B7493FB6AD708A782466162BD7F" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfMembersEquityStatement" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_ContributedCapitalAbstract" xlink:label="loc_nrg_ContributedCapitalAbstract_A7BC707367250E440C7DB4189760BC60" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_713792359363488AC976B41897602243" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_ContributedCapitalAbstract_A7BC707367250E440C7DB4189760BC60" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_713792359363488AC976B41897602243" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_69DA2D3306F48204F4FDB4189761CB70" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_713792359363488AC976B41897602243" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_69DA2D3306F48204F4FDB4189761CB70" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_5B4810ECEF2F1748300DB41897610C6C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_69DA2D3306F48204F4FDB4189761CB70" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_5B4810ECEF2F1748300DB41897610C6C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_NrgYieldIncMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NrgYieldIncMember_D389DA49C1CDD46F608AB418976125BA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_5B4810ECEF2F1748300DB41897610C6C" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NrgYieldIncMember_D389DA49C1CDD46F608AB418976125BA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis_2A46150DBF5F68A427E3B4189761ACBD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_713792359363488AC976B41897602243" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis_2A46150DBF5F68A427E3B4189761ACBD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_1E47EFA0AE38B5559B9BB4189761F739" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis_2A46150DBF5F68A427E3B4189761ACBD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_1E47EFA0AE38B5559B9BB4189761F739" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_NrgMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NrgMember_BC16A926CEA6BE5B846EB4189761289D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_1E47EFA0AE38B5559B9BB4189761F739" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NrgMember_BC16A926CEA6BE5B846EB4189761289D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_1E47EFA0AE38B5559B9BB4189761F739" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NrgYieldIncMember_D389DA49C1CDD46F608AB418976125BA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_4EA4FE11AA96FF2AE517B4189761FF18" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_713792359363488AC976B41897602243" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_4EA4FE11AA96FF2AE517B4189761FF18" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_31801633B3C4E75A86E3B418976285EA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_4EA4FE11AA96FF2AE517B4189761FF18" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_31801633B3C4E75A86E3B418976285EA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember_79D3D333CC4E10DB8AF8B4189762C52C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_31801633B3C4E75A86E3B418976285EA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember_79D3D333CC4E10DB8AF8B4189762C52C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_8BF9862BDA1700AC2BA8B41897620FCD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_31801633B3C4E75A86E3B418976285EA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_8BF9862BDA1700AC2BA8B41897620FCD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember_EEC1DBB1595041DF251FB41897624B92" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_31801633B3C4E75A86E3B418976285EA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember_EEC1DBB1595041DF251FB41897624B92" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember_F8507D308EEF3664886EB4189762B0AD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_31801633B3C4E75A86E3B418976285EA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember_F8507D308EEF3664886EB4189762B0AD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_44911415018EA0D01D0BB418976249E1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_713792359363488AC976B41897602243" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_44911415018EA0D01D0BB418976249E1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_88D3E9FA8499D7D421E4B41897625AA3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_44911415018EA0D01D0BB418976249E1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_88D3E9FA8499D7D421E4B41897625AA3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioPreviouslyReportedMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioPreviouslyReportedMember_C38A9003877BE3E697E9B41897628155" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_88D3E9FA8499D7D421E4B41897625AA3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioPreviouslyReportedMember_C38A9003877BE3E697E9B41897628155" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_B87956C4195D3CE08032B4189763C590" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_713792359363488AC976B41897602243" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_B87956C4195D3CE08032B4189763C590" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_33D233A772E885352E66B4189763EB59" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_B87956C4195D3CE08032B4189763C590" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_33D233A772E885352E66B4189763EB59" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_NetAssetsAcquiredDropDownAssets" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NetAssetsAcquiredDropDownAssets_0B3F09170246E300ECA7B4189763463E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_B87956C4195D3CE08032B4189763C590" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NetAssetsAcquiredDropDownAssets_0B3F09170246E300ECA7B4189763463E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProfitLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_592036B2D6E2E84F80F4B418976326EC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_B87956C4195D3CE08032B4189763C590" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_592036B2D6E2E84F80F4B418976326EC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives_7B266F7A14D26C232674B4189763664C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_B87956C4195D3CE08032B4189763C590" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives_7B266F7A14D26C232674B4189763664C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_GrossPaymenttoAcquireBusinessunderCommonControl" xlink:label="loc_nrg_GrossPaymenttoAcquireBusinessunderCommonControl_49CBD87C6244FC2C4701B4189763BA49" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_B87956C4195D3CE08032B4189763C590" xlink:to="loc_nrg_GrossPaymenttoAcquireBusinessunderCommonControl_49CBD87C6244FC2C4701B4189763BA49" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_PaymenttoAcquireBusinessunderCommonControl" xlink:label="loc_nrg_PaymenttoAcquireBusinessunderCommonControl_93B142618C064E9EAAD7B418976310A4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_B87956C4195D3CE08032B4189763C590" xlink:to="loc_nrg_PaymenttoAcquireBusinessunderCommonControl_93B142618C064E9EAAD7B418976310A4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationArrangementsChangeInAmountOfContingentConsiderationLiability1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationArrangementsChangeInAmountOfContingentConsiderationLiability1_506AF7456C90A655C031B41897634EBA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_B87956C4195D3CE08032B4189763C590" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationArrangementsChangeInAmountOfContingentConsiderationLiability1_506AF7456C90A655C031B41897634EBA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_Paymentofcapitaldistributionsandreturnsofcapitalnetofcapitaldistributionsnoncash" xlink:label="loc_nrg_Paymentofcapitaldistributionsandreturnsofcapitalnetofcapitaldistributionsnoncash_9A78F6817780DF1DF189B4189763EC69" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_B87956C4195D3CE08032B4189763C590" xlink:to="loc_nrg_Paymentofcapitaldistributionsandreturnsofcapitalnetofcapitaldistributionsnoncash_9A78F6817780DF1DF189B4189763EC69" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestIncreaseFromBusinessCombination" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestIncreaseFromBusinessCombination_DF0AD322EE1E1BA6BEFFB4189763447D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_B87956C4195D3CE08032B4189763C590" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestIncreaseFromBusinessCombination_DF0AD322EE1E1BA6BEFFB4189763447D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock_8079149EA9B1E29624D7B4189763275E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_B87956C4195D3CE08032B4189763C590" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock_8079149EA9B1E29624D7B4189763275E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_Paymentofcapitaldistributionsandreturnsofcapitalnetofcapitalcontributions" xlink:label="loc_nrg_Paymentofcapitaldistributionsandreturnsofcapitalnetofcapitalcontributions_62058BAB7217B42DE483B4189764116B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_B87956C4195D3CE08032B4189763C590" xlink:to="loc_nrg_Paymentofcapitaldistributionsandreturnsofcapitalnetofcapitalcontributions_62058BAB7217B42DE483B4189764116B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsToMinorityShareholders" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsToMinorityShareholders_7E6CE2AA96D90A3BE3D3B4189764A921" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="12" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_B87956C4195D3CE08032B4189763C590" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsToMinorityShareholders_7E6CE2AA96D90A3BE3D3B4189764A921" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromMinorityShareholders" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromMinorityShareholders_34A5CF0EAA0DC1E6586DB418976451BA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="13" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_B87956C4195D3CE08032B4189763C590" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromMinorityShareholders_34A5CF0EAA0DC1E6586DB418976451BA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DistributionMadeToLimitedLiabilityCompanyLLCMemberCashDistributionsPaid" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DistributionMadeToLimitedLiabilityCompanyLLCMemberCashDistributionsPaid_301D80DF02A8B11FCEEFB418976417DF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="14" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_B87956C4195D3CE08032B4189763C590" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DistributionMadeToLimitedLiabilityCompanyLLCMemberCashDistributionsPaid_301D80DF02A8B11FCEEFB418976417DF" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfOperations" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_59A51C0BF4464076A1F985902C660AAD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_512F669E34854561606485902C66C461" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_59A51C0BF4464076A1F985902C660AAD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_512F669E34854561606485902C66C461" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_2D1CB9E7351842E04FD185902C666635" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_512F669E34854561606485902C66C461" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_2D1CB9E7351842E04FD185902C666635" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_F4AE464624327A2D17F185902C6961C6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_2D1CB9E7351842E04FD185902C666635" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_F4AE464624327A2D17F185902C6961C6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember_91553AF2E01D9CDC343785902C695AB1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_F4AE464624327A2D17F185902C6961C6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember_91553AF2E01D9CDC343785902C695AB1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_2248499F70C803EA1DE685902C69430B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_512F669E34854561606485902C66C461" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_2248499F70C803EA1DE685902C69430B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_A9D86462B2B06BA719F185902C6954A8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_2248499F70C803EA1DE685902C69430B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_A9D86462B2B06BA719F185902C6954A8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_9328F59ECE1D2A1322CD85902C6990C3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_512F669E34854561606485902C66C461" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_9328F59ECE1D2A1322CD85902C6990C3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_DDDE6A2A33F8C8B579DD85902C696225" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_59A51C0BF4464076A1F985902C660AAD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_DDDE6A2A33F8C8B579DD85902C696225" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Revenues" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_4C5D01C6731A0A14BE3C85902C696FA3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_DDDE6A2A33F8C8B579DD85902C696225" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_4C5D01C6731A0A14BE3C85902C696FA3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingCostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingCostsAndExpensesAbstract_C8D879FE4F5EA9E158EF85902C69FC0A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_59A51C0BF4464076A1F985902C660AAD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingCostsAndExpensesAbstract_C8D879FE4F5EA9E158EF85902C69FC0A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostOfRevenue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CostOfRevenue_365E19DE7D4977E5704385902C69C435" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingCostsAndExpensesAbstract_C8D879FE4F5EA9E158EF85902C69FC0A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CostOfRevenue_365E19DE7D4977E5704385902C69C435" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_16DB37BE200F1B7DAE8385902C692228" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingCostsAndExpensesAbstract_C8D879FE4F5EA9E158EF85902C69FC0A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_16DB37BE200F1B7DAE8385902C692228" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges_312E5E29666498E2D23F85902C696594" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingCostsAndExpensesAbstract_C8D879FE4F5EA9E158EF85902C69FC0A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges_312E5E29666498E2D23F85902C696594" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_37D1C2687690EDBD783A85902C6916FA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingCostsAndExpensesAbstract_C8D879FE4F5EA9E158EF85902C69FC0A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_37D1C2687690EDBD783A85902C6916FA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts_C590D1A5E91A90E8518085902C69491B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingCostsAndExpensesAbstract_C8D879FE4F5EA9E158EF85902C69FC0A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts_C590D1A5E91A90E8518085902C69491B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses_ED9EED2B3130FD81032885902C6995C6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingCostsAndExpensesAbstract_C8D879FE4F5EA9E158EF85902C69FC0A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses_ED9EED2B3130FD81032885902C6995C6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_E7277134D3384D3B589785902C691ACD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_59A51C0BF4464076A1F985902C660AAD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_E7277134D3384D3B589785902C691ACD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_8EF466D7BB0685B7314885902C698730" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_59A51C0BF4464076A1F985902C660AAD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_8EF466D7BB0685B7314885902C698730" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_BAE7CACCCF2525CB7F8285902C697E52" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_8EF466D7BB0685B7314885902C698730" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_BAE7CACCCF2525CB7F8285902C697E52" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense_2CFF2E0523DC458EACAC85902C692C68" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_8EF466D7BB0685B7314885902C698730" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense_2CFF2E0523DC458EACAC85902C692C68" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt_7E92D17B61FC23AC8B8685902C69B95B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_8EF466D7BB0685B7314885902C698730" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt_7E92D17B61FC23AC8B8685902C69B95B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpense_0FCDF30A15E617CD93DB85902C691E16" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_8EF466D7BB0685B7314885902C698730" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpense_0FCDF30A15E617CD93DB85902C691E16" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense_84135A0D125DBFF093BE85902C6BA135" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_8EF466D7BB0685B7314885902C698730" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense_84135A0D125DBFF093BE85902C6BA135" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProfitLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_3BF2348C927E6B1CDE2385902C6BA098" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_59A51C0BF4464076A1F985902C660AAD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_3BF2348C927E6B1CDE2385902C6BA098" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_A4E51E1F7B9B6DCC371885902C6BF718" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_59A51C0BF4464076A1F985902C660AAD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_A4E51E1F7B9B6DCC371885902C6BF718" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_5D5BD96A9B319EA76A6585902C6BF0D7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_59A51C0BF4464076A1F985902C660AAD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_5D5BD96A9B319EA76A6585902C6BF0D7" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/DocumentAndEntityInformation" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract" xlink:label="loc_nrg_DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract_3205AF889F23F8639D57824661A014FC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_D9E9F082DC0A14C31187824661A0129A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract_3205AF889F23F8639D57824661A014FC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_D9E9F082DC0A14C31187824661A0129A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_6C3A4AAB4DC180DA3E20824661A0080D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_D9E9F082DC0A14C31187824661A0129A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_6C3A4AAB4DC180DA3E20824661A0080D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_3FE63C5969DA1F649D1E824661A0C965" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_6C3A4AAB4DC180DA3E20824661A0080D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_3FE63C5969DA1F649D1E824661A0C965" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassAMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassAMember_F27649C8285094B803A3824661A023BD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_3FE63C5969DA1F649D1E824661A0C965" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassAMember_F27649C8285094B803A3824661A023BD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassBMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassBMember_35E761B5187F5C63683C824661A0AEF8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_3FE63C5969DA1F649D1E824661A0C965" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassBMember_35E761B5187F5C63683C824661A0AEF8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassCMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassCMember_E123831DB5AF095B4F53824661A0AF6C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_3FE63C5969DA1F649D1E824661A0C965" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassCMember_E123831DB5AF095B4F53824661A0AF6C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_CommonClassDMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_CommonClassDMember_4319B8DA1F1CB0901B0D824661A0B94A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_3FE63C5969DA1F649D1E824661A0C965" xlink:to="loc_nrg_CommonClassDMember_4319B8DA1F1CB0901B0D824661A0B94A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_95C841724D8D6C23825B824661A0247F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_D9E9F082DC0A14C31187824661A0129A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_95C841724D8D6C23825B824661A0247F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityRegistrantName" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityRegistrantName_EE432BC85375224DC026824661A04931" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_95C841724D8D6C23825B824661A0247F" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityRegistrantName_EE432BC85375224DC026824661A04931" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityCentralIndexKey" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityCentralIndexKey_75097A78F92151295FAB824661A021F3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_95C841724D8D6C23825B824661A0247F" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityCentralIndexKey_75097A78F92151295FAB824661A021F3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentType" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentType_6CA2E0F508C619EA1F6C824661A00856" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_95C841724D8D6C23825B824661A0247F" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentType_6CA2E0F508C619EA1F6C824661A00856" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate_E6B380BFB75748E3354B824661A0B37B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_95C841724D8D6C23825B824661A0247F" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate_E6B380BFB75748E3354B824661A0B37B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_AmendmentFlag" xlink:label="loc_dei_AmendmentFlag_CC2E11BA13EB9BD612AB824661A076D1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_95C841724D8D6C23825B824661A0247F" xlink:to="loc_dei_AmendmentFlag_CC2E11BA13EB9BD612AB824661A076D1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate" xlink:label="loc_dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate_31D6AAECBD52AA306F36824661A0AB9F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_95C841724D8D6C23825B824661A0247F" xlink:to="loc_dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate_31D6AAECBD52AA306F36824661A0AB9F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityCurrentReportingStatus" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityCurrentReportingStatus_E621E9F3F9C3966EF8C4824661A0A0A0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_95C841724D8D6C23825B824661A0247F" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityCurrentReportingStatus_E621E9F3F9C3966EF8C4824661A0A0A0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityFilerCategory" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityFilerCategory_8BB2C055C9FA2E688710824661A0D9EF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_95C841724D8D6C23825B824661A0247F" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityFilerCategory_8BB2C055C9FA2E688710824661A0D9EF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityVoluntaryFilers" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityVoluntaryFilers_BBEB834D68369AD15F46824661A0AC70" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_95C841724D8D6C23825B824661A0247F" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityVoluntaryFilers_BBEB834D68369AD15F46824661A0AC70" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityWellKnownSeasonedIssuer" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityWellKnownSeasonedIssuer_10CC89B3A2895C503234824661A09194" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_95C841724D8D6C23825B824661A0247F" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityWellKnownSeasonedIssuer_10CC89B3A2895C503234824661A09194" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus_126454367AF91DD5A107824661A07BF1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_95C841724D8D6C23825B824661A0247F" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus_126454367AF91DD5A107824661A07BF1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityPublicFloat" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityPublicFloat_0269E57E5147AF7F6DAA824661A0AA5B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="12" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_95C841724D8D6C23825B824661A0247F" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityPublicFloat_0269E57E5147AF7F6DAA824661A0AA5B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus_5E7166D7F22DEF44830A824661A01394" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="13" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_95C841724D8D6C23825B824661A0247F" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus_5E7166D7F22DEF44830A824661A01394" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding_1A0293F388CC189E5485824661A0D6AB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="14" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_95C841724D8D6C23825B824661A0247F" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding_1A0293F388CC189E5485824661A0D6AB" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/EquityMethodInvestmentsAndVies" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentsAndJointVenturesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentsAndJointVenturesAbstract_D1616F325417AEEC6E3A8246601AC906" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentsDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentsDisclosureTextBlock_A0C9B2EDED602DD8B3278246601A6F6A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentsAndJointVenturesAbstract_D1616F325417AEEC6E3A8246601AC906" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentsDisclosureTextBlock_A0C9B2EDED602DD8B3278246601A6F6A" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/EquityMethodInvestmentsAndViesEquityMethodInvestmentsAndViesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentsAndJointVenturesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentsAndJointVenturesAbstract_1461C6B9890413CF0D37B3E7BFA1487D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_E194ACE4F5923DF0010FB3E7BFA13C7F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentsAndJointVenturesAbstract_1461C6B9890413CF0D37B3E7BFA1487D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_E194ACE4F5923DF0010FB3E7BFA13C7F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_7122E150E58531A03A1BB3E7BFA11D81" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_E194ACE4F5923DF0010FB3E7BFA13C7F" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_7122E150E58531A03A1BB3E7BFA11D81" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_E3F27AD9021C0D6B7A69B3E7BFA17D20" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_7122E150E58531A03A1BB3E7BFA11D81" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_E3F27AD9021C0D6B7A69B3E7BFA17D20" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_NrgMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NrgMember_3974EECD77C0049504DFB3E7BFA20F6C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_E3F27AD9021C0D6B7A69B3E7BFA17D20" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NrgMember_3974EECD77C0049504DFB3E7BFA20F6C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_4615FD485871FF8A547EB3E7BFA24E47" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_E194ACE4F5923DF0010FB3E7BFA13C7F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_4615FD485871FF8A547EB3E7BFA24E47" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_EAB6B954093DCC54579EB3E7BFA299BF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_4615FD485871FF8A547EB3E7BFA24E47" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_EAB6B954093DCC54579EB3E7BFA299BF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_53482DB74A79A6D98DB0B3E7BFA28547" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_EAB6B954093DCC54579EB3E7BFA299BF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_53482DB74A79A6D98DB0B3E7BFA28547" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_A36B9260B3D6B44F543DB3E7BFA22B35" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_E194ACE4F5923DF0010FB3E7BFA13C7F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_A36B9260B3D6B44F543DB3E7BFA22B35" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_4CC9056E52C3EE73F933B3E7BFA24D98" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_A36B9260B3D6B44F543DB3E7BFA22B35" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_4CC9056E52C3EE73F933B3E7BFA24D98" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioPlanMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioPlanMember_0106CF518F7672128076B3E7BFA216AE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_4CC9056E52C3EE73F933B3E7BFA24D98" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioPlanMember_0106CF518F7672128076B3E7BFA216AE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_0C8310D75DC4386FEF30B3E7BFA3CB6E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_E194ACE4F5923DF0010FB3E7BFA13C7F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_0C8310D75DC4386FEF30B3E7BFA3CB6E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_A5CCDDB037D97132736BB3E7BFA3951B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_0C8310D75DC4386FEF30B3E7BFA3CB6E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_A5CCDDB037D97132736BB3E7BFA3951B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_AguaCalienteMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_AguaCalienteMember_8032BA417A3395DE29C0B3E7BFA30814" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_A5CCDDB037D97132736BB3E7BFA3951B" xlink:to="loc_nrg_AguaCalienteMember_8032BA417A3395DE29C0B3E7BFA30814" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_UtahPortfolioMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_UtahPortfolioMember_7F2142E79C6C4027B55DB3E7BFA33FA5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_A5CCDDB037D97132736BB3E7BFA3951B" xlink:to="loc_nrg_UtahPortfolioMember_7F2142E79C6C4027B55DB3E7BFA33FA5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_NRGDGPVHoldcoMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NRGDGPVHoldcoMember_A4FE1644617F29ECA573B3E7BFA3EA28" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_A5CCDDB037D97132736BB3E7BFA3951B" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NRGDGPVHoldcoMember_A4FE1644617F29ECA573B3E7BFA3EA28" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_NRGRPVHoldcoMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NRGRPVHoldcoMember_F1823F36736011426D72B3E7BFA3494A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_A5CCDDB037D97132736BB3E7BFA3951B" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NRGRPVHoldcoMember_F1823F36736011426D72B3E7BFA3494A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_FF89AC1EF88B10B7C693B3E7BFA3B2B4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_E194ACE4F5923DF0010FB3E7BFA13C7F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_FF89AC1EF88B10B7C693B3E7BFA3B2B4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrent_C2A51721A91D7C752BCDB3E7BFA37FBD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_FF89AC1EF88B10B7C693B3E7BFA3B2B4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrent_C2A51721A91D7C752BCDB3E7BFA37FBD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Revenues" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_E0C8B3240ECF4EF169E2B3E7BFA3CE00" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_FF89AC1EF88B10B7C693B3E7BFA3B2B4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_E0C8B3240ECF4EF169E2B3E7BFA3CE00" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage_C34598467CF4B0B593E9B3E7BFA3EA98" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_FF89AC1EF88B10B7C693B3E7BFA3B2B4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage_C34598467CF4B0B593E9B3E7BFA3EA98" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_PercentageofNRGsOwnership" xlink:label="loc_nrg_PercentageofNRGsOwnership_7D78E4FD93070194090EB3E7BFA427FF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_FF89AC1EF88B10B7C693B3E7BFA3B2B4" xlink:to="loc_nrg_PercentageofNRGsOwnership_7D78E4FD93070194090EB3E7BFA427FF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_PercentageOfOwnership" xlink:label="loc_nrg_PercentageOfOwnership_6F79EBEF70199C151662B3E7BFA49D85" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_FF89AC1EF88B10B7C693B3E7BFA3B2B4" xlink:to="loc_nrg_PercentageOfOwnership_6F79EBEF70199C151662B3E7BFA49D85" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_PowerGenerationCapacityMegawatts" xlink:label="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationCapacityMegawatts_C5221B6B81D226BA29C4B3E7BFA4603F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_FF89AC1EF88B10B7C693B3E7BFA3B2B4" xlink:to="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationCapacityMegawatts_C5221B6B81D226BA29C4B3E7BFA4603F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_PowerPurchaseAgreementPeriod" xlink:label="loc_nrg_PowerPurchaseAgreementPeriod_E0DA840C73EB959D9C32B3E7BFA48907" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_FF89AC1EF88B10B7C693B3E7BFA3B2B4" xlink:to="loc_nrg_PowerPurchaseAgreementPeriod_E0DA840C73EB959D9C32B3E7BFA48907" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_RemainingPowerPurchaseAgreementterm" xlink:label="loc_nrg_RemainingPowerPurchaseAgreementterm_D294D5D025B0D6FA3C35B3E7BFA4E456" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_FF89AC1EF88B10B7C693B3E7BFA3B2B4" xlink:to="loc_nrg_RemainingPowerPurchaseAgreementterm_D294D5D025B0D6FA3C35B3E7BFA4E456" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_PercentageofCashAvailableforDistributions" xlink:label="loc_nrg_PercentageofCashAvailableforDistributions_FB32EA1200A5C02631CDB3E7BFA48646" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_FF89AC1EF88B10B7C693B3E7BFA3B2B4" xlink:to="loc_nrg_PercentageofCashAvailableforDistributions_FB32EA1200A5C02631CDB3E7BFA48646" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1_ADE6F024499BD793C7CAB3E7BFA40105" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_FF89AC1EF88B10B7C693B3E7BFA3B2B4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1_ADE6F024499BD793C7CAB3E7BFA40105" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_A4CA6C85A39B6171736FB3E7BFA40A10" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_FF89AC1EF88B10B7C693B3E7BFA3B2B4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_A4CA6C85A39B6171736FB3E7BFA40A10" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProfitLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_B489CE890A396280DD52B3E7BFA45167" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="12" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_FF89AC1EF88B10B7C693B3E7BFA3B2B4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_B489CE890A396280DD52B3E7BFA45167" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrent_3FC42364EF5009B5658CB3E7BFA424CC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="13" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_FF89AC1EF88B10B7C693B3E7BFA3B2B4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrent_3FC42364EF5009B5658CB3E7BFA424CC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_DAF469D2821459D81746B3E7BFA4913D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="14" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_FF89AC1EF88B10B7C693B3E7BFA3B2B4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_DAF469D2821459D81746B3E7BFA4913D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrent_FF9749BC095032C47599B3E7BFA422C4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="15" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_FF89AC1EF88B10B7C693B3E7BFA3B2B4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrent_FF9749BC095032C47599B3E7BFA422C4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestEquityCarryingAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestEquityCarryingAmount_D8A98F66C34DD6F8F2B5B3E7BFA4C455" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="16" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_FF89AC1EF88B10B7C693B3E7BFA3B2B4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestEquityCarryingAmount_D8A98F66C34DD6F8F2B5B3E7BFA4C455" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/EquityMethodInvestmentsAndViesEquityMethodInvestmentsAndViesEntitiesThatAreNotConsolidatedDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentsAndJointVenturesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentsAndJointVenturesAbstract_B0B08B8A07F2899065B1B50CE45D63C8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_8986B0E1C9C9FEB39005B50CE45E1ED3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentsAndJointVenturesAbstract_B0B08B8A07F2899065B1B50CE45D63C8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_8986B0E1C9C9FEB39005B50CE45E1ED3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityInterestIssuedOrIssuableByTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityInterestIssuedOrIssuableByTypeAxis_35839CE7A7B7A2C386E5B50CE45ED7F6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_8986B0E1C9C9FEB39005B50CE45E1ED3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityInterestIssuedOrIssuableByTypeAxis_35839CE7A7B7A2C386E5B50CE45ED7F6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityInterestIssuedOrIssuableTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityInterestIssuedOrIssuableTypeDomain_A61129B2D21CC31D9292B50CE45E7FF6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityInterestIssuedOrIssuableByTypeAxis_35839CE7A7B7A2C386E5B50CE45ED7F6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityInterestIssuedOrIssuableTypeDomain_A61129B2D21CC31D9292B50CE45E7FF6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CapitalUnitClassBMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CapitalUnitClassBMember_4E14F5C512544AFE2DF2B50CE45EF7A3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityInterestIssuedOrIssuableTypeDomain_A61129B2D21CC31D9292B50CE45E7FF6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CapitalUnitClassBMember_4E14F5C512544AFE2DF2B50CE45EF7A3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CapitalUnitClassAMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CapitalUnitClassAMember_1632E40CE724BAD645AAB50CE45EEB2F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityInterestIssuedOrIssuableTypeDomain_A61129B2D21CC31D9292B50CE45E7FF6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CapitalUnitClassAMember_1632E40CE724BAD645AAB50CE45EEB2F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherOwnershipInterestsByNameAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherOwnershipInterestsByNameAxis_7F85E477459D82EBB40CB50CE45EC927" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_8986B0E1C9C9FEB39005B50CE45E1ED3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherOwnershipInterestsByNameAxis_7F85E477459D82EBB40CB50CE45EC927" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherOwnershipInterestsNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherOwnershipInterestsNameDomain_70F5550321D0D262EB46B50CE45ED7B2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherOwnershipInterestsByNameAxis_7F85E477459D82EBB40CB50CE45EC927" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherOwnershipInterestsNameDomain_70F5550321D0D262EB46B50CE45ED7B2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_FinancialInstitutionsMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_FinancialInstitutionsMember_341071C95DD2983A196EB50CE45F4E98" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherOwnershipInterestsNameDomain_70F5550321D0D262EB46B50CE45ED7B2" xlink:to="loc_nrg_FinancialInstitutionsMember_341071C95DD2983A196EB50CE45F4E98" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_090C1559039A200AAAAAB50CE45F1430" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_8986B0E1C9C9FEB39005B50CE45E1ED3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_090C1559039A200AAAAAB50CE45F1430" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_635780BF9C5DF018DF62B50CE45F1100" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_090C1559039A200AAAAAB50CE45F1430" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_635780BF9C5DF018DF62B50CE45F1100" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_AE9EA06A1103D1EE5C48B50CE45FFF10" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_8986B0E1C9C9FEB39005B50CE45E1ED3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_AE9EA06A1103D1EE5C48B50CE45FFF10" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_A5E14D5513E08C1C21B2B50CE45FF0C5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_AE9EA06A1103D1EE5C48B50CE45FFF10" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_A5E14D5513E08C1C21B2B50CE45FF0C5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityAxis_BBB8E6D1E84E1E15DEC5B50CE45F5703" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_8986B0E1C9C9FEB39005B50CE45E1ED3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityAxis_BBB8E6D1E84E1E15DEC5B50CE45F5703" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLenderDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLenderDomain_ED2A6E812271F76D05D7B50CE45F6F46" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityAxis_BBB8E6D1E84E1E15DEC5B50CE45F5703" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLenderDomain_ED2A6E812271F76D05D7B50CE45F6F46" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_4AD5AA25B7E024DBC1E3B50CE4605E99" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_8986B0E1C9C9FEB39005B50CE45E1ED3" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_4AD5AA25B7E024DBC1E3B50CE4605E99" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_1B96E6986A1750085168B50CE4600EFE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_4AD5AA25B7E024DBC1E3B50CE4605E99" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_1B96E6986A1750085168B50CE4600EFE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_5F5E6B66F941E14FDF03B50CE4600F43" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_8986B0E1C9C9FEB39005B50CE45E1ED3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_5F5E6B66F941E14FDF03B50CE4600F43" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_89FF82FBD3B1F4BD3C95B50CE46043B2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_5F5E6B66F941E14FDF03B50CE4600F43" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_89FF82FBD3B1F4BD3C95B50CE46043B2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_AvenalMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_AvenalMember_EEF917E08FDB40EF3A65B50CE4606909" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_89FF82FBD3B1F4BD3C95B50CE46043B2" xlink:to="loc_nrg_AvenalMember_EEF917E08FDB40EF3A65B50CE4606909" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_DesertSunlightMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_DesertSunlightMember_B394EAF706277B1AAAF1B50CE4608F7E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_89FF82FBD3B1F4BD3C95B50CE46043B2" xlink:to="loc_nrg_DesertSunlightMember_B394EAF706277B1AAAF1B50CE4608F7E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_UtahPortfolioMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_UtahPortfolioMember_2CF644235ED295FD9E78B50CE460BAF8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_89FF82FBD3B1F4BD3C95B50CE46043B2" xlink:to="loc_nrg_UtahPortfolioMember_2CF644235ED295FD9E78B50CE460BAF8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_GceHoldingLlcMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_GceHoldingLlcMember_D4E86229FAAFDF760B6AB50CE4603858" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_89FF82FBD3B1F4BD3C95B50CE46043B2" xlink:to="loc_nrg_GceHoldingLlcMember_D4E86229FAAFDF760B6AB50CE4603858" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_NRGDGPVHoldco2Member" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NRGDGPVHoldco2Member_8046441059BA9717B622B50CE4609B64" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_89FF82FBD3B1F4BD3C95B50CE46043B2" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NRGDGPVHoldco2Member_8046441059BA9717B622B50CE4609B64" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_NRGDGPVHoldcoMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NRGDGPVHoldcoMember_252D19E2583CB38095B5B50CE4606B5C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_89FF82FBD3B1F4BD3C95B50CE46043B2" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NRGDGPVHoldcoMember_252D19E2583CB38095B5B50CE4606B5C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_NRGRPVHoldcoMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NRGRPVHoldcoMember_ED29BF989E91BFC6227EB50CE46158F2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_89FF82FBD3B1F4BD3C95B50CE46043B2" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NRGRPVHoldcoMember_ED29BF989E91BFC6227EB50CE46158F2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_275BB65F2D118E150352B50CE4615730" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_8986B0E1C9C9FEB39005B50CE45E1ED3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_275BB65F2D118E150352B50CE4615730" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireEquityMethodInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireEquityMethodInvestments_E9D163E706F7EA7A2606B50CFEDD3681" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_275BB65F2D118E150352B50CE4615730" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireEquityMethodInvestments_E9D163E706F7EA7A2606B50CFEDD3681" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_BusinessAcquisitionConsiderationTransferredWorkingCapital" xlink:label="loc_nrg_BusinessAcquisitionConsiderationTransferredWorkingCapital_2B2CD57AF4FDC1E64E1FB50D239BCED1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_275BB65F2D118E150352B50CE4615730" xlink:to="loc_nrg_BusinessAcquisitionConsiderationTransferredWorkingCapital_2B2CD57AF4FDC1E64E1FB50D239BCED1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_PercentageOfOwnership" xlink:label="loc_nrg_PercentageOfOwnership_2DDC08E5969385528D16B50CE4614BB9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_275BB65F2D118E150352B50CE4615730" xlink:to="loc_nrg_PercentageOfOwnership_2DDC08E5969385528D16B50CE4614BB9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_TaxableIncomeAllocationPreFlip" xlink:label="loc_nrg_TaxableIncomeAllocationPreFlip_7447F12873D746A6A057B50CE461D97C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_275BB65F2D118E150352B50CE4615730" xlink:to="loc_nrg_TaxableIncomeAllocationPreFlip_7447F12873D746A6A057B50CE461D97C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Revenues" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_7726C3816C8397CAD260B50CE4610CBE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_275BB65F2D118E150352B50CE4615730" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_7726C3816C8397CAD260B50CE4610CBE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_ProRateShareofDebtHeldbyUnconsolidatedAffiliates" xlink:label="loc_nrg_ProRateShareofDebtHeldbyUnconsolidatedAffiliates_A8B8E2DF4BD185F25E10B50CE4616510" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_275BB65F2D118E150352B50CE4615730" xlink:to="loc_nrg_ProRateShareofDebtHeldbyUnconsolidatedAffiliates_A8B8E2DF4BD185F25E10B50CE4616510" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage_5AF2206CB6522F39ADFAB50CE46105F4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_275BB65F2D118E150352B50CE4615730" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage_5AF2206CB6522F39ADFAB50CE46105F4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_PowerGenerationCapacityMegawatts" xlink:label="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationCapacityMegawatts_7D3E37D35F5FCD469ABEB50CE461C44B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_275BB65F2D118E150352B50CE4615730" xlink:to="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationCapacityMegawatts_7D3E37D35F5FCD469ABEB50CE461C44B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_PowerPurchaseAgreementPeriod" xlink:label="loc_nrg_PowerPurchaseAgreementPeriod_74202FD6308A0D6605FFB50CE461B3F9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_275BB65F2D118E150352B50CE4615730" xlink:to="loc_nrg_PowerPurchaseAgreementPeriod_74202FD6308A0D6605FFB50CE461B3F9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_D80428F481CCECD9F76FB50CE46138F5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_275BB65F2D118E150352B50CE4615730" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_D80428F481CCECD9F76FB50CE46138F5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_5DECF11056FA17A33727B50CE4615B87" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_275BB65F2D118E150352B50CE4615730" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_5DECF11056FA17A33727B50CE4615B87" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity_8F34F43182DE7B578A9DB50CE461879C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="12" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_275BB65F2D118E150352B50CE4615730" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity_8F34F43182DE7B578A9DB50CE461879C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_2482F3002396CB923C83B50CE462E9D3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="13" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_275BB65F2D118E150352B50CE4615730" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_2482F3002396CB923C83B50CE462E9D3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProfitLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_CC3063C2197610E8A7C1B50CE4626504" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="14" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_275BB65F2D118E150352B50CE4615730" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_CC3063C2197610E8A7C1B50CE4626504" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrent_EE4CDD7B5E673722A38DB50CE46207C2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="15" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_275BB65F2D118E150352B50CE4615730" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrent_EE4CDD7B5E673722A38DB50CE46207C2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrent_AA1EF62B37503C9F6F93B50CE462B0B9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="16" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_275BB65F2D118E150352B50CE4615730" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrent_AA1EF62B37503C9F6F93B50CE462B0B9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_54F628F9AC206C9C20B0B50CE4624B5C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="17" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_275BB65F2D118E150352B50CE4615730" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_54F628F9AC206C9C20B0B50CE4624B5C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrent_35B14297FC5DF3BA7BF9B50CE462E9C9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="18" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_275BB65F2D118E150352B50CE4615730" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrent_35B14297FC5DF3BA7BF9B50CE462E9C9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestEquityCarryingAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestEquityCarryingAmount_904AC6B98208BE2E28F1B50CE4623B81" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="19" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_275BB65F2D118E150352B50CE4615730" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestEquityCarryingAmount_904AC6B98208BE2E28F1B50CE4623B81" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_TaxableIncomeAllocationPostFlip" xlink:label="loc_nrg_TaxableIncomeAllocationPostFlip_4DF645B6F72A501E6AE6B50CE462777D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="20" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_275BB65F2D118E150352B50CE4615730" xlink:to="loc_nrg_TaxableIncomeAllocationPostFlip_4DF645B6F72A501E6AE6B50CE462777D" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/EquityMethodInvestmentsAndViesEquityMethodInvestmentsAndViesSummaryTableDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentsAndJointVenturesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentsAndJointVenturesAbstract_E8EFE6C62B3D79E985A687BFB83B9127" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_A0E4BA539533DC32488987BFB83CF2C0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentsAndJointVenturesAbstract_E8EFE6C62B3D79E985A687BFB83B9127" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_A0E4BA539533DC32488987BFB83CF2C0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_3ABEA6C2B5781E31FE3387E2AEF022DB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_A0E4BA539533DC32488987BFB83CF2C0" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_3ABEA6C2B5781E31FE3387E2AEF022DB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_BF3454C096238722E8CB87E2AEF3B1A3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_3ABEA6C2B5781E31FE3387E2AEF022DB" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_BF3454C096238722E8CB87E2AEF3B1A3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_NrgMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NrgMember_73D5445AEE834E3EC5BB87E2AF8EAE5A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_BF3454C096238722E8CB87E2AEF3B1A3" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NrgMember_73D5445AEE834E3EC5BB87E2AF8EAE5A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_PowerGenerationFacilitiesByTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationFacilitiesByTypeAxis_CC20A7E52F7C5EB59C8387BFB83C0754" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_A0E4BA539533DC32488987BFB83CF2C0" xlink:to="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationFacilitiesByTypeAxis_CC20A7E52F7C5EB59C8387BFB83C0754" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_PowerGenerationFacilitiesTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationFacilitiesTypeDomain_785AF9A7619287D8653B87BFB83C9061" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationFacilitiesByTypeAxis_CC20A7E52F7C5EB59C8387BFB83C0754" xlink:to="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationFacilitiesTypeDomain_785AF9A7619287D8653B87BFB83C9061" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_UtilityScaleSolarMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_UtilityScaleSolarMember_BBD45B242DADEE00845C87BFB83C4424" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationFacilitiesTypeDomain_785AF9A7619287D8653B87BFB83C9061" xlink:to="loc_nrg_UtilityScaleSolarMember_BBD45B242DADEE00845C87BFB83C4424" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_44CD555053D752DBDCF687BFB83CBCBD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_A0E4BA539533DC32488987BFB83CF2C0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_44CD555053D752DBDCF687BFB83CBCBD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_BF415B95647988DEDF6587BFB83CDEAA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_44CD555053D752DBDCF687BFB83CBCBD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_BF415B95647988DEDF6587BFB83CDEAA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_UtahPortfolioMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_UtahPortfolioMember_D4FE8BE8574F6D84B82587E2AF5B30A8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_BF415B95647988DEDF6587BFB83CDEAA" xlink:to="loc_nrg_UtahPortfolioMember_D4FE8BE8574F6D84B82587E2AF5B30A8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_DesertSunlightMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_DesertSunlightMember_64DD765EFB8AD60F4F9787BFB83C0134" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_BF415B95647988DEDF6587BFB83CDEAA" xlink:to="loc_nrg_DesertSunlightMember_64DD765EFB8AD60F4F9787BFB83C0134" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_GceHoldingLlcMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_GceHoldingLlcMember_2C7E9F51C20CFCA2B64487BFB83CCFD5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_BF415B95647988DEDF6587BFB83CDEAA" xlink:to="loc_nrg_GceHoldingLlcMember_2C7E9F51C20CFCA2B64487BFB83CCFD5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_AguaCalienteBorrower2Member" xlink:label="loc_nrg_AguaCalienteBorrower2Member_90B7368BB6A499F10DBA87BFB83CD338" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_BF415B95647988DEDF6587BFB83CDEAA" xlink:to="loc_nrg_AguaCalienteBorrower2Member_90B7368BB6A499F10DBA87BFB83CD338" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_ElkhornRidgeWindLLCMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_ElkhornRidgeWindLLCMember_D615F89AA49F1A09119B87BFB83C7CD9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_BF415B95647988DEDF6587BFB83CDEAA" xlink:to="loc_nrg_ElkhornRidgeWindLLCMember_D615F89AA49F1A09119B87BFB83C7CD9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_SanJuanMesaWindProjectLLCMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_SanJuanMesaWindProjectLLCMember_199AB2B7658848F3822787BFB83C065B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_BF415B95647988DEDF6587BFB83CDEAA" xlink:to="loc_nrg_SanJuanMesaWindProjectLLCMember_199AB2B7658848F3822787BFB83C065B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_NRGDGPVHoldco1Member" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NRGDGPVHoldco1Member_ADE5E29D9DE050BD5C8B87BFB83CEABC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_BF415B95647988DEDF6587BFB83CDEAA" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NRGDGPVHoldco1Member_ADE5E29D9DE050BD5C8B87BFB83CEABC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_NRGDGPVHoldco2Member" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NRGDGPVHoldco2Member_53BC9413BF0BFCC6996787BFB83D0638" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_BF415B95647988DEDF6587BFB83CDEAA" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NRGDGPVHoldco2Member_53BC9413BF0BFCC6996787BFB83D0638" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_NRGDGPVHoldco3Member" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NRGDGPVHoldco3Member_5825198486ABFBB7CB0287BFB83DF0C2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_BF415B95647988DEDF6587BFB83CDEAA" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NRGDGPVHoldco3Member_5825198486ABFBB7CB0287BFB83DF0C2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_NRGRPVHoldcoMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NRGRPVHoldcoMember_2D465B7BF200F622620C87BFB83DAE45" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_BF415B95647988DEDF6587BFB83CDEAA" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NRGRPVHoldcoMember_2D465B7BF200F622620C87BFB83DAE45" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_AvenalMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_AvenalMember_28D77FDF2ED0B622957D87BFB83DF0F8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_BF415B95647988DEDF6587BFB83CDEAA" xlink:to="loc_nrg_AvenalMember_28D77FDF2ED0B622957D87BFB83DF0F8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_DABB7A3D1882C2D9152587BFB83D9D94" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_A0E4BA539533DC32488987BFB83CF2C0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_DABB7A3D1882C2D9152587BFB83D9D94" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_PercentageofCashAvailableforDistributions" xlink:label="loc_nrg_PercentageofCashAvailableforDistributions_DAE0A29B8EC89F26F07287E2AE99D058" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_DABB7A3D1882C2D9152587BFB83D9D94" xlink:to="loc_nrg_PercentageofCashAvailableforDistributions_DAE0A29B8EC89F26F07287E2AE99D058" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_BusinessAcquisitionConsiderationTransferredWorkingCapital" xlink:label="loc_nrg_BusinessAcquisitionConsiderationTransferredWorkingCapital_01486E6917E758FFEE6F87BFB83D251F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_DABB7A3D1882C2D9152587BFB83D9D94" xlink:to="loc_nrg_BusinessAcquisitionConsiderationTransferredWorkingCapital_01486E6917E758FFEE6F87BFB83D251F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage_C606C8EB71C74D01FA7987BFB83D464D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_DABB7A3D1882C2D9152587BFB83D9D94" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage_C606C8EB71C74D01FA7987BFB83D464D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments_069AA0C6E925F526D28A87BFB83DE624" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_DABB7A3D1882C2D9152587BFB83D9D94" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments_069AA0C6E925F526D28A87BFB83DE624" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_PercentageOfOwnership" xlink:label="loc_nrg_PercentageOfOwnership_38224DD6DAF4A416516587BFB83DEBC4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_DABB7A3D1882C2D9152587BFB83D9D94" xlink:to="loc_nrg_PercentageOfOwnership_38224DD6DAF4A416516587BFB83DEBC4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireInterestInSubsidiariesAndAffiliates" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireInterestInSubsidiariesAndAffiliates_AC3F5D1597B7C9747A3387BFB83DB9B0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_DABB7A3D1882C2D9152587BFB83D9D94" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireInterestInSubsidiariesAndAffiliates_AC3F5D1597B7C9747A3387BFB83DB9B0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsUndistributedEarningsFromEquityMethodInvestees" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsUndistributedEarningsFromEquityMethodInvestees_C6E331ED3A12649EDEAF87BFB83D9666" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_DABB7A3D1882C2D9152587BFB83D9D94" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsUndistributedEarningsFromEquityMethodInvestees_C6E331ED3A12649EDEAF87BFB83D9666" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/EquityMethodInvestmentsAndViesEquityMethodInvestmentsAndViesViesThatAreConsolidatedDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentsAndJointVenturesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentsAndJointVenturesAbstract_79F79BF3944AD35FECDEB426519FBADA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable_4AB82A60FAF01620366EB426519F8017" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentsAndJointVenturesAbstract_79F79BF3944AD35FECDEB426519FBADA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable_4AB82A60FAF01620366EB426519F8017" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_BD1A71FFC26FF07A40A4B426519F4A25" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable_4AB82A60FAF01620366EB426519F8017" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_BD1A71FFC26FF07A40A4B426519F4A25" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_4A6889605334D624A8CAB42651A0930B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_BD1A71FFC26FF07A40A4B426519F4A25" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_4A6889605334D624A8CAB42651A0930B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_August2017DropDownAssetsMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_August2017DropDownAssetsMember_7EA10E4EA579C07EBB83B42651A0C430" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_4A6889605334D624A8CAB42651A0930B" xlink:to="loc_nrg_August2017DropDownAssetsMember_7EA10E4EA579C07EBB83B42651A0C430" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_BCDA177FCD1F1036C03DB42651A02B6D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable_4AB82A60FAF01620366EB426519F8017" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_BCDA177FCD1F1036C03DB42651A02B6D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_04E8AFAA46CC26E0F489B42651A0B3F1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_BCDA177FCD1F1036C03DB42651A02B6D" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_04E8AFAA46CC26E0F489B42651A0B3F1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_November2015DropDownAssetsMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_November2015DropDownAssetsMember_380F613571EB67FEDCEAB42651A02596" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_04E8AFAA46CC26E0F489B42651A0B3F1" xlink:to="loc_nrg_November2015DropDownAssetsMember_380F613571EB67FEDCEAB42651A02596" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_AltaXandXITEHoldcoMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_AltaXandXITEHoldcoMember_E2CCA0F9973FA92B2FE5B42651A0AE86" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_04E8AFAA46CC26E0F489B42651A0B3F1" xlink:to="loc_nrg_AltaXandXITEHoldcoMember_E2CCA0F9973FA92B2FE5B42651A0AE86" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_SpringCanyonMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_SpringCanyonMember_D46A113CCC0E6E633890B42651A090CC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_04E8AFAA46CC26E0F489B42651A0B3F1" xlink:to="loc_nrg_SpringCanyonMember_D46A113CCC0E6E633890B42651A090CC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_PeriodAxis" xlink:label="loc_nrg_PeriodAxis_279FC461B95B3E2D9DABB42651A06F77" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable_4AB82A60FAF01620366EB426519F8017" xlink:to="loc_nrg_PeriodAxis_279FC461B95B3E2D9DABB42651A06F77" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_PeriodDomain" xlink:label="loc_nrg_PeriodDomain_BFEDE0BCD87F14D35FE2B42651A0029B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_PeriodAxis_279FC461B95B3E2D9DABB42651A06F77" xlink:to="loc_nrg_PeriodDomain_BFEDE0BCD87F14D35FE2B42651A0029B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_PreFlipPointMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_PreFlipPointMember_15B40A105F86DF596C38B42651A0C166" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_PeriodDomain_BFEDE0BCD87F14D35FE2B42651A0029B" xlink:to="loc_nrg_PreFlipPointMember_15B40A105F86DF596C38B42651A0C166" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_PostFlipPointMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_PostFlipPointMember_9DEF408075082149FAA2B42651A19E9B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_PeriodDomain_BFEDE0BCD87F14D35FE2B42651A0029B" xlink:to="loc_nrg_PostFlipPointMember_9DEF408075082149FAA2B42651A19E9B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_PredeterminedDateThroughFlipPointIfFlipHasNotOccuredMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_PredeterminedDateThroughFlipPointIfFlipHasNotOccuredMember_10D1AA92FB9FFBE18ADAB42651A19B62" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_PeriodDomain_BFEDE0BCD87F14D35FE2B42651A0029B" xlink:to="loc_nrg_PredeterminedDateThroughFlipPointIfFlipHasNotOccuredMember_10D1AA92FB9FFBE18ADAB42651A19B62" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_SecondYearthroughFlipPointMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_SecondYearthroughFlipPointMember_EB4722E7B5AEE6FCB282B42651A1DE12" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_PeriodDomain_BFEDE0BCD87F14D35FE2B42651A0029B" xlink:to="loc_nrg_SecondYearthroughFlipPointMember_EB4722E7B5AEE6FCB282B42651A1DE12" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherOwnershipInterestsByNameAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherOwnershipInterestsByNameAxis_BF4A15309A2309276603B42651A10A19" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable_4AB82A60FAF01620366EB426519F8017" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherOwnershipInterestsByNameAxis_BF4A15309A2309276603B42651A10A19" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherOwnershipInterestsNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherOwnershipInterestsNameDomain_A5BFB519331E95E9EAEEB42651A1B776" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherOwnershipInterestsByNameAxis_BF4A15309A2309276603B42651A10A19" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherOwnershipInterestsNameDomain_A5BFB519331E95E9EAEEB42651A1B776" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_FinancialInstitutionsMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_FinancialInstitutionsMember_7DE419B5282B08A5A06FB42651A148D1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherOwnershipInterestsNameDomain_A5BFB519331E95E9EAEEB42651A1B776" xlink:to="loc_nrg_FinancialInstitutionsMember_7DE419B5282B08A5A06FB42651A148D1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_PowerGenerationFacilitiesByTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationFacilitiesByTypeAxis_7FC22C08990A7F1A0883B42651A1FE7A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable_4AB82A60FAF01620366EB426519F8017" xlink:to="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationFacilitiesByTypeAxis_7FC22C08990A7F1A0883B42651A1FE7A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_PowerGenerationFacilitiesTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationFacilitiesTypeDomain_8DCBA73680AF12E9A053B42651A1C8AF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationFacilitiesByTypeAxis_7FC22C08990A7F1A0883B42651A1FE7A" xlink:to="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationFacilitiesTypeDomain_8DCBA73680AF12E9A053B42651A1C8AF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_WindFarmsMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_WindFarmsMember_96437A0E2D600182425FB42651A15A27" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationFacilitiesTypeDomain_8DCBA73680AF12E9A053B42651A1C8AF" xlink:to="loc_nrg_WindFarmsMember_96437A0E2D600182425FB42651A15A27" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_9FD9B793A9E41E720DC9B42651A29C4D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable_4AB82A60FAF01620366EB426519F8017" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_9FD9B793A9E41E720DC9B42651A29C4D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_81FDA429C3D9520C118EB42651A20303" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_9FD9B793A9E41E720DC9B42651A29C4D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_81FDA429C3D9520C118EB42651A20303" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_81FDA429C3D9520C118EB42651A20303" xlink:to="loc_nrg_November2015DropDownAssetsMember_380F613571EB67FEDCEAB42651A02596" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_81FDA429C3D9520C118EB42651A20303" xlink:to="loc_nrg_SpringCanyonMember_D46A113CCC0E6E633890B42651A090CC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_SpringCanyonIIMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_SpringCanyonIIMember_265AF14208F0F6AA9639B42651A20415" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_81FDA429C3D9520C118EB42651A20303" xlink:to="loc_nrg_SpringCanyonIIMember_265AF14208F0F6AA9639B42651A20415" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_SpringCanyonIIIMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_SpringCanyonIIIMember_3E53636076C7ECEE3637B42651A2AA79" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_81FDA429C3D9520C118EB42651A20303" xlink:to="loc_nrg_SpringCanyonIIIMember_3E53636076C7ECEE3637B42651A2AA79" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_8E0168BBD18167B13B1BB42651A22E31" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable_4AB82A60FAF01620366EB426519F8017" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_8E0168BBD18167B13B1BB42651A22E31" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments_BF296D43C95DAA37A99EB42651A2A686" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_8E0168BBD18167B13B1BB42651A22E31" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments_BF296D43C95DAA37A99EB42651A2A686" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssets_67820FF66677C7BFC429B42651A23D56" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_8E0168BBD18167B13B1BB42651A22E31" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssets_67820FF66677C7BFC429B42651A23D56" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPercentageOfVotingInterestsAcquired" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPercentageOfVotingInterestsAcquired_E5C608DB3366D52F8949B42651A2E886" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_8E0168BBD18167B13B1BB42651A22E31" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPercentageOfVotingInterestsAcquired_E5C608DB3366D52F8949B42651A2E886" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_NumberOfFacilities" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NumberOfFacilities_E64453EA7D33B983FCF0B42651A24B30" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_8E0168BBD18167B13B1BB42651A22E31" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NumberOfFacilities_E64453EA7D33B983FCF0B42651A24B30" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_PowerGenerationCapacityMegawatts" xlink:label="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationCapacityMegawatts_B1D23915A910E6C0338DB42651A2C8EA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_8E0168BBD18167B13B1BB42651A22E31" xlink:to="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationCapacityMegawatts_B1D23915A910E6C0338DB42651A2C8EA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_BusinessAcquisitionConsiderationTransferredWorkingCapital" xlink:label="loc_nrg_BusinessAcquisitionConsiderationTransferredWorkingCapital_206661949EF89676C6F1B42651A3659B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_8E0168BBD18167B13B1BB42651A22E31" xlink:to="loc_nrg_BusinessAcquisitionConsiderationTransferredWorkingCapital_206661949EF89676C6F1B42651A3659B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_TaxableIncomeAllocationPreFlip" xlink:label="loc_nrg_TaxableIncomeAllocationPreFlip_CA8CD0535D9A09A8EB57B42651A3E78C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_8E0168BBD18167B13B1BB42651A22E31" xlink:to="loc_nrg_TaxableIncomeAllocationPreFlip_CA8CD0535D9A09A8EB57B42651A3E78C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_TaxableIncomeAllocationPostFlip" xlink:label="loc_nrg_TaxableIncomeAllocationPostFlip_4E9A76E38DC884C55CD4B42651A3CAD1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_8E0168BBD18167B13B1BB42651A22E31" xlink:to="loc_nrg_TaxableIncomeAllocationPostFlip_4E9A76E38DC884C55CD4B42651A3CAD1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_PercentageofCashAvailableforDistributions" xlink:label="loc_nrg_PercentageofCashAvailableforDistributions_38C5C2E2CB8671CD03C6B42651A3DD89" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_8E0168BBD18167B13B1BB42651A22E31" xlink:to="loc_nrg_PercentageofCashAvailableforDistributions_38C5C2E2CB8671CD03C6B42651A3DD89" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromMinorityShareholders" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromMinorityShareholders_E1A20097B50F0CA69C60B42651A37FC3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_8E0168BBD18167B13B1BB42651A22E31" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromMinorityShareholders_E1A20097B50F0CA69C60B42651A37FC3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_1ACFB0314CC49E3AD2D8B42651A35D36" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_8E0168BBD18167B13B1BB42651A22E31" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_1ACFB0314CC49E3AD2D8B42651A35D36" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill_9BEE4499E71BB9F27918B42651A3C9C1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="12" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_8E0168BBD18167B13B1BB42651A22E31" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill_9BEE4499E71BB9F27918B42651A3C9C1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Assets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Assets_B58EB6AB68E560B9023FB42651A37AFF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="13" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_8E0168BBD18167B13B1BB42651A22E31" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Assets_B58EB6AB68E560B9023FB42651A37AFF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Liabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Liabilities_AA3812EA3279FC5256C3B42651A394D1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="14" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_8E0168BBD18167B13B1BB42651A22E31" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Liabilities_AA3812EA3279FC5256C3B42651A394D1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestInVariableInterestEntity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestInVariableInterestEntity_5D4FBC61D88DFD37D00BB42651A360FD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="15" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_8E0168BBD18167B13B1BB42651A22E31" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestInVariableInterestEntity_5D4FBC61D88DFD37D00BB42651A360FD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsNet_00709F1FD9DD7AB61BCCB42651A412B4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="16" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_8E0168BBD18167B13B1BB42651A22E31" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsNet_00709F1FD9DD7AB61BCCB42651A412B4" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/EquityMethodInvestmentsAndViesEquityMethodInvestmentsAndViesViesThatAreNotConsolidatedDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentsAndJointVenturesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentsAndJointVenturesAbstract_27EC503C322B6B216789B49EE1DBC9E4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable_D3F2B1B846BAF7FFBC91B49EE1DBED12" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentsAndJointVenturesAbstract_27EC503C322B6B216789B49EE1DBC9E4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable_D3F2B1B846BAF7FFBC91B49EE1DBED12" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_08A792A0CFEA370A664CB49EE1DBE60B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable_D3F2B1B846BAF7FFBC91B49EE1DBED12" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_08A792A0CFEA370A664CB49EE1DBE60B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_2FC34BCA73CC634162CEB49EE1DBB312" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_08A792A0CFEA370A664CB49EE1DBE60B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_2FC34BCA73CC634162CEB49EE1DBB312" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_NrgMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NrgMember_609CDAAED890214959A1B49EE1DC749D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_2FC34BCA73CC634162CEB49EE1DBB312" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NrgMember_609CDAAED890214959A1B49EE1DC749D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_8351234DC8E42B95625BB49EE1DC3A51" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable_D3F2B1B846BAF7FFBC91B49EE1DBED12" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_8351234DC8E42B95625BB49EE1DC3A51" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_53FBEFB62E34C2CF1A68B49EE1DC0D5B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_8351234DC8E42B95625BB49EE1DC3A51" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_53FBEFB62E34C2CF1A68B49EE1DC0D5B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_E7F2126303E007EBC915B49EE1DC975D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_53FBEFB62E34C2CF1A68B49EE1DC0D5B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_E7F2126303E007EBC915B49EE1DC975D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_48CA901FF9738D1DD533B49EE1DC5FD8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable_D3F2B1B846BAF7FFBC91B49EE1DBED12" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_48CA901FF9738D1DD533B49EE1DC5FD8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_1ABE955BCAE97D8EB780B49EE1DCD64A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_48CA901FF9738D1DD533B49EE1DC5FD8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_1ABE955BCAE97D8EB780B49EE1DCD64A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_NRGDGPVHoldco1Member" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NRGDGPVHoldco1Member_1A5F3BCBBEC9E312A946B49EE1DC3AE8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_1ABE955BCAE97D8EB780B49EE1DCD64A" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NRGDGPVHoldco1Member_1A5F3BCBBEC9E312A946B49EE1DC3AE8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_NRGDGPVHoldco2Member" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NRGDGPVHoldco2Member_3F984183C15F4F9F379CB49EE1DC50B7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_1ABE955BCAE97D8EB780B49EE1DCD64A" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NRGDGPVHoldco2Member_3F984183C15F4F9F379CB49EE1DC50B7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_NRGDGPVHoldco3Member" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NRGDGPVHoldco3Member_CED12AC16F1C7B9E8977B49EE1DD947E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_1ABE955BCAE97D8EB780B49EE1DCD64A" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NRGDGPVHoldco3Member_CED12AC16F1C7B9E8977B49EE1DD947E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_NRGDGPVHoldcoMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NRGDGPVHoldcoMember_C2205C93FD8EECA3B524B49EE1DD086C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_1ABE955BCAE97D8EB780B49EE1DCD64A" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NRGDGPVHoldcoMember_C2205C93FD8EECA3B524B49EE1DD086C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_NRGRPVHoldcoMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NRGRPVHoldcoMember_C0F7BD50740F664E0F7EB49EE1DD74C2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_1ABE955BCAE97D8EB780B49EE1DCD64A" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NRGRPVHoldcoMember_C0F7BD50740F664E0F7EB49EE1DD74C2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis_D14E9AD646CD95D21126B49EE1DD36FA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable_D3F2B1B846BAF7FFBC91B49EE1DBED12" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis_D14E9AD646CD95D21126B49EE1DD36FA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_533A5B032A647E1506FFB49EE1DDD301" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis_D14E9AD646CD95D21126B49EE1DD36FA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_533A5B032A647E1506FFB49EE1DDD301" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_TaxEquityFinancedPortfolioofLeasesCommercialPV1Member" xlink:label="loc_nrg_TaxEquityFinancedPortfolioofLeasesCommercialPV1Member_F7243480084F286EF51DB49EE1DD2C2D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_533A5B032A647E1506FFB49EE1DDD301" xlink:to="loc_nrg_TaxEquityFinancedPortfolioofLeasesCommercialPV1Member_F7243480084F286EF51DB49EE1DD2C2D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_TaxEquityFinancedPortfolioofLeasesMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_TaxEquityFinancedPortfolioofLeasesMember_3CB9713943B7E7B0483BB49EE1DD6F67" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_533A5B032A647E1506FFB49EE1DDD301" xlink:to="loc_nrg_TaxEquityFinancedPortfolioofLeasesMember_3CB9713943B7E7B0483BB49EE1DD6F67" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_ExistingPortfolioofLeasesMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_ExistingPortfolioofLeasesMember_705D3573B84B8F9BD39CB49EE1DDB91E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_533A5B032A647E1506FFB49EE1DDD301" xlink:to="loc_nrg_ExistingPortfolioofLeasesMember_705D3573B84B8F9BD39CB49EE1DDB91E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_DBF25FB544666E55F8B3B49EE1DE54BC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable_D3F2B1B846BAF7FFBC91B49EE1DBED12" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_DBF25FB544666E55F8B3B49EE1DE54BC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_NumberofSolarLeasesinPortfolio" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NumberofSolarLeasesinPortfolio_57E6B08FA5C04F31D18CB49EE1DEE3B6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_DBF25FB544666E55F8B3B49EE1DE54BC" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NumberofSolarLeasesinPortfolio_57E6B08FA5C04F31D18CB49EE1DEE3B6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_PowerGenerationCapacityMegawatts" xlink:label="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationCapacityMegawatts_8017DC02558A7D2B2657B49EE1DE5368" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_DBF25FB544666E55F8B3B49EE1DE54BC" xlink:to="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationCapacityMegawatts_8017DC02558A7D2B2657B49EE1DE5368" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_RemainingLeaseTerm" xlink:label="loc_nrg_RemainingLeaseTerm_E96A074D3BCACD403867B49EE1DEA881" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_DBF25FB544666E55F8B3B49EE1DE54BC" xlink:to="loc_nrg_RemainingLeaseTerm_E96A074D3BCACD403867B49EE1DEA881" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments_3CB5EB8C947978C96333B49EE1DE92DA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_DBF25FB544666E55F8B3B49EE1DE54BC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments_3CB5EB8C947978C96333B49EE1DE92DA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DueToAffiliateCurrentAndNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DueToAffiliateCurrentAndNoncurrent_EDCC4B742E895D8ABC90B49EE1DE7323" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_DBF25FB544666E55F8B3B49EE1DE54BC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DueToAffiliateCurrentAndNoncurrent_EDCC4B742E895D8ABC90B49EE1DE7323" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireInterestInSubsidiariesAndAffiliates" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireInterestInSubsidiariesAndAffiliates_2C0745FCE36532D805FFB49EE1DE7D45" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_DBF25FB544666E55F8B3B49EE1DE54BC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireInterestInSubsidiariesAndAffiliates_2C0745FCE36532D805FFB49EE1DE7D45" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/EquityMethodInvestmentsAndViesTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentsAndJointVenturesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentsAndJointVenturesAbstract_E465BBB78A330C72D9C582465FCCA04D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_C44D41E073FED449347082465FCC13C0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentsAndJointVenturesAbstract_E465BBB78A330C72D9C582465FCCA04D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_C44D41E073FED449347082465FCC13C0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_8E4EB4CFE3AACBE9E78582465FCCC715" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_C44D41E073FED449347082465FCC13C0" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_8E4EB4CFE3AACBE9E78582465FCCC715" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_37EB5FD69C2488DF202D82465FCC678F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_8E4EB4CFE3AACBE9E78582465FCCC715" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_37EB5FD69C2488DF202D82465FCC678F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_EntitiesthatarenotconsolidatedMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_EntitiesthatarenotconsolidatedMember_5A6CB04DE6916DD3931E82465FCCEB17" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_37EB5FD69C2488DF202D82465FCC678F" xlink:to="loc_nrg_EntitiesthatarenotconsolidatedMember_5A6CB04DE6916DD3931E82465FCCEB17" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_AltaXandXITEHoldcoMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_AltaXandXITEHoldcoMember_D36684E1B55348F2BBC582465FCC0538" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_37EB5FD69C2488DF202D82465FCC678F" xlink:to="loc_nrg_AltaXandXITEHoldcoMember_D36684E1B55348F2BBC582465FCC0538" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_62B889ED207D2D09C25882465FCC44C8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_C44D41E073FED449347082465FCC13C0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_62B889ED207D2D09C25882465FCC44C8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_E444E1A567A90F65476282465FCC0829" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_62B889ED207D2D09C25882465FCC44C8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_E444E1A567A90F65476282465FCC0829" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_NRGRPVHoldcoMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NRGRPVHoldcoMember_96E5F6DCAAB0479F2DE682465FCC9A62" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_E444E1A567A90F65476282465FCC0829" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NRGRPVHoldcoMember_96E5F6DCAAB0479F2DE682465FCC9A62" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_NRGDGPVHoldcoMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NRGDGPVHoldcoMember_891B537553DD10C7123D82465FCC4848" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_E444E1A567A90F65476282465FCC0829" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NRGDGPVHoldcoMember_891B537553DD10C7123D82465FCC4848" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_GceHoldingLlcMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_GceHoldingLlcMember_3F8B0FAE89CE828EA29A82465FCC618B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_E444E1A567A90F65476282465FCC0829" xlink:to="loc_nrg_GceHoldingLlcMember_3F8B0FAE89CE828EA29A82465FCC618B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_DesertSunlightMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_DesertSunlightMember_B2C58A7A34C628A8615582465FCCFB35" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_E444E1A567A90F65476282465FCC0829" xlink:to="loc_nrg_DesertSunlightMember_B2C58A7A34C628A8615582465FCCFB35" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_B3471B51E0423F259D7882465FCC6E7B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_C44D41E073FED449347082465FCC13C0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_B3471B51E0423F259D7882465FCC6E7B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTextBlock_7813E25F3ED5E16EB59082465FCC5867" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_B3471B51E0423F259D7882465FCC6E7B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTextBlock_7813E25F3ED5E16EB59082465FCC5867" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentsTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentsTextBlock_14FB1071D78143E2E89282465FCC5ADD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_B3471B51E0423F259D7882465FCC6E7B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentsTextBlock_14FB1071D78143E2E89282465FCC5ADD" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/FairValueOfFinancialInstruments" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_515AAE51025AC625B5B4824661CF58B6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresTextBlock_C400D7640EE9FD0AEA6B824661CF7EF2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_515AAE51025AC625B5B4824661CF58B6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresTextBlock_C400D7640EE9FD0AEA6B824661CF7EF2" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsFairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsBalanceSheetGroupingDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_CA6D69EA90AE0AB9AA3C824660785585" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable_B2DB9FF6887BE3B9553082466078A259" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_CA6D69EA90AE0AB9AA3C824660785585" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable_B2DB9FF6887BE3B9553082466078A259" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_73C952393C9463DDAD39824660789280" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable_B2DB9FF6887BE3B9553082466078A259" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_73C952393C9463DDAD39824660789280" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_C27BEBB7AD952A131199824660780911" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_73C952393C9463DDAD39824660789280" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_C27BEBB7AD952A131199824660780911" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_2D32EADBFE45A85CD1A58246607868D5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_C27BEBB7AD952A131199824660780911" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_2D32EADBFE45A85CD1A58246607868D5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_688C3629557C7B8C8A6882466078E93C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_C27BEBB7AD952A131199824660780911" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_688C3629557C7B8C8A6882466078E93C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis_96B2F4E7DB643E586CF182466078547B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable_B2DB9FF6887BE3B9553082466078A259" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis_96B2F4E7DB643E586CF182466078547B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain_3B55D53A5AC651AC925582466078D0D5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis_96B2F4E7DB643E586CF182466078547B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain_3B55D53A5AC651AC925582466078D0D5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_FFA67E8CF9DA83A577D1824660786D35" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain_3B55D53A5AC651AC925582466078D0D5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_FFA67E8CF9DA83A577D1824660786D35" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember_A1486B7F79B873247B13824660786D14" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain_3B55D53A5AC651AC925582466078D0D5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember_A1486B7F79B873247B13824660786D14" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_5EB57A8F03804C1BB6F382466078A6E1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain_3B55D53A5AC651AC925582466078D0D5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_5EB57A8F03804C1BB6F382466078A6E1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_C9DC84E86CF923AC59088246607803B1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable_B2DB9FF6887BE3B9553082466078A259" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_C9DC84E86CF923AC59088246607803B1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NotesReceivableNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NotesReceivableNet_806217A4745BC3700777824660780AD5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_C9DC84E86CF923AC59088246607803B1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NotesReceivableNet_806217A4745BC3700777824660780AD5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DueToAffiliateNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DueToAffiliateNoncurrent_73FDC4710B9FF0E3AA0982466078F5CA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_C9DC84E86CF923AC59088246607803B1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DueToAffiliateNoncurrent_73FDC4710B9FF0E3AA0982466078F5CA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsIncludingCurrentMaturities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsIncludingCurrentMaturities_73AFB3DA2CB31A14DDAD82466078DD44" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_C9DC84E86CF923AC59088246607803B1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsIncludingCurrentMaturities_73AFB3DA2CB31A14DDAD82466078DD44" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsFairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsCreditRiskAndDerivativeFvMeasurementsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_60241F4D8411B4B59B4682466097C967" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_F11B2D5144CD54C53F0182466097238C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_60241F4D8411B4B59B4682466097C967" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_F11B2D5144CD54C53F0182466097238C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_CF18309836348266CB5082466097D6F2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_F11B2D5144CD54C53F0182466097238C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_CF18309836348266CB5082466097D6F2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_00FCA1A6F55C1EAA52B5824660979785" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_CF18309836348266CB5082466097D6F2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_00FCA1A6F55C1EAA52B5824660979785" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_4BF3FB782F7BEA413EA08246609765C7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_00FCA1A6F55C1EAA52B5824660979785" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_4BF3FB782F7BEA413EA08246609765C7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_2C66FE3950E296D179B582466097DDFD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_00FCA1A6F55C1EAA52B5824660979785" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_2C66FE3950E296D179B582466097DDFD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_D90405473D3D2E0F253F824660977E2E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_00FCA1A6F55C1EAA52B5824660979785" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_D90405473D3D2E0F253F824660977E2E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_AD550E506FAC4D45F3EA82466097A7CD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_F11B2D5144CD54C53F0182466097238C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_AD550E506FAC4D45F3EA82466097A7CD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_6BB9CC839FF12635206182466097EC68" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_AD550E506FAC4D45F3EA82466097A7CD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_6BB9CC839FF12635206182466097EC68" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember_E2741393519F547A9D5B824660974C49" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_6BB9CC839FF12635206182466097EC68" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember_E2741393519F547A9D5B824660974C49" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLocationAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLocationAxis_6D92437822856B1CCA39824660976F11" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_F11B2D5144CD54C53F0182466097238C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLocationAxis_6D92437822856B1CCA39824660976F11" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLocationDomain_835C8E394F3C8E1304B2824660970856" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLocationAxis_6D92437822856B1CCA39824660976F11" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLocationDomain_835C8E394F3C8E1304B2824660970856" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_A22D31FA724A549745B88246609786D3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_F11B2D5144CD54C53F0182466097238C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_A22D31FA724A549745B88246609786D3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset_F4725DC741A87DD38669824660975B99" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_A22D31FA724A549745B88246609786D3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset_F4725DC741A87DD38669824660975B99" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsLiabilitiesAtFairValueNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsLiabilitiesAtFairValueNet_FE60C8CD031AE8340F3982466097C2F9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_A22D31FA724A549745B88246609786D3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsLiabilitiesAtFairValueNet_FE60C8CD031AE8340F3982466097C2F9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisValuationTechniquesImpactOfCreditReserveToFairValue" xlink:label="loc_nrg_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisValuationTechniquesImpactOfCreditReserveToFairValue_8FB52453FCE6EC6C57D482466097140F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_A22D31FA724A549745B88246609786D3" xlink:to="loc_nrg_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisValuationTechniquesImpactOfCreditReserveToFairValue_8FB52453FCE6EC6C57D482466097140F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskCreditRiskFinancialInstrumentMaximumExposure" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskCreditRiskFinancialInstrumentMaximumExposure_57E510FC32773B7828498246609731E3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_A22D31FA724A549745B88246609786D3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskCreditRiskFinancialInstrumentMaximumExposure_57E510FC32773B7828498246609731E3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_EstimatedCounterpartyCreditRiskExposureToCertainCounterpartiesPeriod" xlink:label="loc_nrg_EstimatedCounterpartyCreditRiskExposureToCertainCounterpartiesPeriod_3A7FDBB47F7DAA43E430824660979D5D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_A22D31FA724A549745B88246609786D3" xlink:to="loc_nrg_EstimatedCounterpartyCreditRiskExposureToCertainCounterpartiesPeriod_3A7FDBB47F7DAA43E430824660979D5D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability_02901BEC3B9717AFB128824660977D6E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_A22D31FA724A549745B88246609786D3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability_02901BEC3B9717AFB128824660977D6E" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsFairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsRecurringFairValueDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_81D212784DD97386632D1D516A20D3C1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_2E600E07B460ECA9928A1D516A20466F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_81D212784DD97386632D1D516A20D3C1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_2E600E07B460ECA9928A1D516A20466F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLocationAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLocationAxis_29F22DF56F4CD11568EA1D516A208033" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_2E600E07B460ECA9928A1D516A20466F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLocationAxis_29F22DF56F4CD11568EA1D516A208033" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLocationDomain_64FFCA0E6852F3FAC4A91D516A2044F8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLocationAxis_29F22DF56F4CD11568EA1D516A208033" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLocationDomain_64FFCA0E6852F3FAC4A91D516A2044F8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_F57AF36622842333A8471D516A21638B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_2E600E07B460ECA9928A1D516A20466F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_F57AF36622842333A8471D516A21638B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_F24C39FBEF58354C25F71D516A21E084" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_F57AF36622842333A8471D516A21638B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_F24C39FBEF58354C25F71D516A21E084" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpenseMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpenseMember_8A374C3D57F83E922BE31D516A21171F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_F24C39FBEF58354C25F71D516A21E084" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpenseMember_8A374C3D57F83E922BE31D516A21171F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_2AA75D52B169A20152691D516A21F086" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_2E600E07B460ECA9928A1D516A20466F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_2AA75D52B169A20152691D516A21F086" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_A6F135E6378373C118BD1D516A212827" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_2AA75D52B169A20152691D516A21F086" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_A6F135E6378373C118BD1D516A212827" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommodityContractMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommodityContractMember_B5D78F9A29EFDC45471A1D516A21C3C1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_A6F135E6378373C118BD1D516A212827" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommodityContractMember_B5D78F9A29EFDC45471A1D516A21C3C1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestRateContractMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateContractMember_3074A8DF182A68CD8C941D516A21F1E1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_A6F135E6378373C118BD1D516A212827" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateContractMember_3074A8DF182A68CD8C941D516A21F1E1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_48346A603299876D0C381D516A214393" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_2E600E07B460ECA9928A1D516A20466F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_48346A603299876D0C381D516A214393" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_F5D49C7293D7DC1A41DB1D516A21B9B7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_48346A603299876D0C381D516A214393" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_F5D49C7293D7DC1A41DB1D516A21B9B7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember_77EDB1645E11A9ABD7341D516A21ED1C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_F5D49C7293D7DC1A41DB1D516A21B9B7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember_77EDB1645E11A9ABD7341D516A21ED1C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_736242E5FFC5032036811D516A220C8F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_2E600E07B460ECA9928A1D516A20466F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_736242E5FFC5032036811D516A220C8F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_161E43CDE9425D2D6CA81D516A2212BC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_736242E5FFC5032036811D516A220C8F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_161E43CDE9425D2D6CA81D516A2212BC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_226BC8DB90EE384EE7E41D516A22AE24" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_161E43CDE9425D2D6CA81D516A2212BC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_226BC8DB90EE384EE7E41D516A22AE24" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_B9D6AA0AAB7264C74CA41D516A22D63E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_161E43CDE9425D2D6CA81D516A2212BC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_B9D6AA0AAB7264C74CA41D516A22D63E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_822C4D0854AB67FCE7211D516A220178" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_161E43CDE9425D2D6CA81D516A2212BC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_822C4D0854AB67FCE7211D516A220178" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_90F4E05AB2AC333515351D516A22C018" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_2E600E07B460ECA9928A1D516A20466F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_90F4E05AB2AC333515351D516A22C018" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsLiabilitiesAtFairValueNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsLiabilitiesAtFairValueNet_7CE71FF7FD47BB56F7F11D516A22C64A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_90F4E05AB2AC333515351D516A22C018" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsLiabilitiesAtFairValueNet_7CE71FF7FD47BB56F7F11D516A22C64A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset_7E986B5FD3CD841D4A841D516A2202B0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_90F4E05AB2AC333515351D516A22C018" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset_7E986B5FD3CD841D4A841D516A2202B0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability_EA7C5A805DAF940492E81D516A22237E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_90F4E05AB2AC333515351D516A22C018" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability_EA7C5A805DAF940492E81D516A22237E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisValuationTechniquesImpactOfCreditReserveToFairValue" xlink:label="loc_nrg_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisValuationTechniquesImpactOfCreditReserveToFairValue_FE40514C05C25FAC0AB21D516A22138A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_90F4E05AB2AC333515351D516A22C018" xlink:to="loc_nrg_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisValuationTechniquesImpactOfCreditReserveToFairValue_FE40514C05C25FAC0AB21D516A22138A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskCreditRiskFinancialInstrumentMaximumExposure" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskCreditRiskFinancialInstrumentMaximumExposure_89734B36D506C061D26C1D516A235DF8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_90F4E05AB2AC333515351D516A22C018" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskCreditRiskFinancialInstrumentMaximumExposure_89734B36D506C061D26C1D516A235DF8" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_73FC4F9581330DB1700F8246613338BF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTextBlock_591C6DF2C9C9360C05A882466133A563" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_73FC4F9581330DB1700F8246613338BF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTextBlock_591C6DF2C9C9360C05A882466133A563" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresTextBlock_CD98A4ED10FD72D447ED824661337ECB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_73FC4F9581330DB1700F8246613338BF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresTextBlock_CD98A4ED10FD72D447ED824661337ECB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfFairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisTableTextBlock_F4C54B5CC23AE89C45EA82466133BD9D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_73FC4F9581330DB1700F8246613338BF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisTableTextBlock_F4C54B5CC23AE89C45EA82466133BD9D" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/IntangibleAssetsIntangibleAssetsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_IntangibleAssetsDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_nrg_IntangibleAssetsDisclosureAbstract_0E98B2C205CC432809FCD94FD4ECF0B6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_B2B18E8757DF89CCE000D94FD4EC97AD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_IntangibleAssetsDisclosureAbstract_0E98B2C205CC432809FCD94FD4ECF0B6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_B2B18E8757DF89CCE000D94FD4EC97AD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_109CDCED6DEF434A938DD94FD4EDAC3E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_B2B18E8757DF89CCE000D94FD4EC97AD" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_109CDCED6DEF434A938DD94FD4EDAC3E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_4D78307489E8996848F8D94FD4EDFB7D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_109CDCED6DEF434A938DD94FD4EDAC3E" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_4D78307489E8996848F8D94FD4EDFB7D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_NrgSolarBlytheLlcMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NrgSolarBlytheLlcMember_88F8F9C2845CF340E2C7D94FD4ED46E5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_4D78307489E8996848F8D94FD4EDFB7D" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NrgSolarBlytheLlcMember_88F8F9C2845CF340E2C7D94FD4ED46E5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_SpringCanyonMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_SpringCanyonMember_45AEED3387788811FBA3D94FD4EDC9DF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_4D78307489E8996848F8D94FD4EDFB7D" xlink:to="loc_nrg_SpringCanyonMember_45AEED3387788811FBA3D94FD4EDC9DF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_AltaWindXIMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_AltaWindXIMember_C86287FD91CE15768D16D94FD4ED3A08" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_4D78307489E8996848F8D94FD4EDFB7D" xlink:to="loc_nrg_AltaWindXIMember_C86287FD91CE15768D16D94FD4ED3A08" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_FDE62E4E225A4EDC78B0D94FD4ED4AC5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_B2B18E8757DF89CCE000D94FD4EC97AD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_FDE62E4E225A4EDC78B0D94FD4ED4AC5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_AD875C1C9F0AEA37481ED94FD4EDA49F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_FDE62E4E225A4EDC78B0D94FD4ED4AC5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_AD875C1C9F0AEA37481ED94FD4EDA49F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_January2015DropDownAssetsMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_January2015DropDownAssetsMember_D2FD9D011DEEB0423042D94FD4ED50E4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_AD875C1C9F0AEA37481ED94FD4EDA49F" xlink:to="loc_nrg_January2015DropDownAssetsMember_D2FD9D011DEEB0423042D94FD4ED50E4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_93BDE6558FF44F4C526CD94FD4ED63B6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_B2B18E8757DF89CCE000D94FD4EC97AD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_93BDE6558FF44F4C526CD94FD4ED63B6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_DC04FF2F295D8B81361DD94FD4EECF2E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_93BDE6558FF44F4C526CD94FD4ED63B6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_DC04FF2F295D8B81361DD94FD4EECF2E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_EmissionAllowancesMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_EmissionAllowancesMember_20B898A6312C7AC4A119D94FD4EEE05F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_DC04FF2F295D8B81361DD94FD4EECF2E" xlink:to="loc_nrg_EmissionAllowancesMember_20B898A6312C7AC4A119D94FD4EEE05F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DevelopedTechnologyRightsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DevelopedTechnologyRightsMember_DFAB565D1810CA2843B6D94FD4EE325E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_DC04FF2F295D8B81361DD94FD4EECF2E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DevelopedTechnologyRightsMember_DFAB565D1810CA2843B6D94FD4EE325E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CustomerContractsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CustomerContractsMember_C09A1806E5AB3C0AAC4AD94FD4EEC1E0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_DC04FF2F295D8B81361DD94FD4EECF2E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CustomerContractsMember_C09A1806E5AB3C0AAC4AD94FD4EEC1E0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CustomerRelationshipsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CustomerRelationshipsMember_8436E671CB80EC8205A0D94FD4EEAA53" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_DC04FF2F295D8B81361DD94FD4EECF2E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CustomerRelationshipsMember_8436E671CB80EC8205A0D94FD4EEAA53" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SupplyCommitmentArrangementMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SupplyCommitmentArrangementMember_EC8DCF9D1E14E69BDEFED94FD4EEA157" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_DC04FF2F295D8B81361DD94FD4EECF2E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SupplyCommitmentArrangementMember_EC8DCF9D1E14E69BDEFED94FD4EEA157" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_LeaseholdRightsMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_LeaseholdRightsMember_52AA3D4740543CF4B11DD94FD4EEE000" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_DC04FF2F295D8B81361DD94FD4EECF2E" xlink:to="loc_nrg_LeaseholdRightsMember_52AA3D4740543CF4B11DD94FD4EEE000" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherIntangibleAssetsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherIntangibleAssetsMember_4F87C773212014112FA2D94FD4EEF55B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_DC04FF2F295D8B81361DD94FD4EECF2E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherIntangibleAssetsMember_4F87C773212014112FA2D94FD4EEF55B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_OutofMarketContractsMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_OutofMarketContractsMember_B270AD506DBEFC8FB6BAD94FD4EE701F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_DC04FF2F295D8B81361DD94FD4EECF2E" xlink:to="loc_nrg_OutofMarketContractsMember_B270AD506DBEFC8FB6BAD94FD4EE701F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis_B161E35ED3842827494FD94FD4EE5673" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_B2B18E8757DF89CCE000D94FD4EC97AD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis_B161E35ED3842827494FD94FD4EE5673" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_49B4709E5AF72E0B5960D94FD4EE4EA6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis_B161E35ED3842827494FD94FD4EE5673" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_49B4709E5AF72E0B5960D94FD4EE4EA6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_7ABBB78EAA641B9BBA35D94FD4EE84BF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_B2B18E8757DF89CCE000D94FD4EC97AD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_7ABBB78EAA641B9BBA35D94FD4EE84BF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_0F825F5525CAC2279C6AD94FD4EEC770" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_7ABBB78EAA641B9BBA35D94FD4EE84BF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_0F825F5525CAC2279C6AD94FD4EEC770" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_9AF56040E4BB053DE54DD94FD4EE7A60" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_B2B18E8757DF89CCE000D94FD4EC97AD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_9AF56040E4BB053DE54DD94FD4EE7A60" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_C9D5378238BC9F7586BBD94FD4EF76F2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_9AF56040E4BB053DE54DD94FD4EE7A60" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_C9D5378238BC9F7586BBD94FD4EF76F2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_C2751229F120F371350AD94FD4EFD1D6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_B2B18E8757DF89CCE000D94FD4EC97AD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_C2751229F120F371350AD94FD4EFD1D6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseNextTwelveMonths" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseNextTwelveMonths_771448DED1A44ECBBF77D94FD4EFCB0E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_C2751229F120F371350AD94FD4EFD1D6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseNextTwelveMonths_771448DED1A44ECBBF77D94FD4EFCB0E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_ContraRevenueIntangiblesAmortization" xlink:label="loc_nrg_ContraRevenueIntangiblesAmortization_961304CD4427D86C57A6D94FD4EFFDA9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_C2751229F120F371350AD94FD4EFD1D6" xlink:to="loc_nrg_ContraRevenueIntangiblesAmortization_961304CD4427D86C57A6D94FD4EFFDA9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets_38FFAAADDF809E93D9A6D94FD4EFABC1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_C2751229F120F371350AD94FD4EFD1D6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets_38FFAAADDF809E93D9A6D94FD4EFABC1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross_7049D135FB223E9A2E87D94FD4EF6149" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_C2751229F120F371350AD94FD4EFD1D6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross_7049D135FB223E9A2E87D94FD4EF6149" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ImpairmentOfIntangibleAssetsFinitelived" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ImpairmentOfIntangibleAssetsFinitelived_818EE9BE98D1BB485F08D94FD4EF316F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_C2751229F120F371350AD94FD4EFD1D6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ImpairmentOfIntangibleAssetsFinitelived_818EE9BE98D1BB485F08D94FD4EF316F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsOtherChanges" xlink:label="loc_nrg_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsOtherChanges_954205C6F979279937ECD94FD4EFDA76" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_C2751229F120F371350AD94FD4EFD1D6" xlink:to="loc_nrg_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsOtherChanges_954205C6F979279937ECD94FD4EFDA76" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization_4F92DF272A5D46848F39D94FD4EF3672" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_C2751229F120F371350AD94FD4EFD1D6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization_4F92DF272A5D46848F39D94FD4EF3672" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet_11B3C0FD904D3F832425D94FD4F06299" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_C2751229F120F371350AD94FD4EFD1D6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet_11B3C0FD904D3F832425D94FD4F06299" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearTwo" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearTwo_39D37BA3941C432F21DBD94FD4F1DA8D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_C2751229F120F371350AD94FD4EFD1D6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearTwo_39D37BA3941C432F21DBD94FD4F1DA8D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearThree" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearThree_A13F0E5CD986521A6DE7D94FD4F1DAA2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_C2751229F120F371350AD94FD4EFD1D6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearThree_A13F0E5CD986521A6DE7D94FD4F1DAA2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearFour" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearFour_F1CF7E909E0CD4B30DAFD94FD4F28205" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_C2751229F120F371350AD94FD4EFD1D6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearFour_F1CF7E909E0CD4B30DAFD94FD4F28205" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearFive" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearFive_37A6C05160366A256BA3D94FD4F2A178" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="12" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_C2751229F120F371350AD94FD4EFD1D6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearFive_37A6C05160366A256BA3D94FD4F2A178" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AcquiredFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsWeightedAverageUsefulLife" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AcquiredFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsWeightedAverageUsefulLife_646E5D20B43985BEA775D94FD4F2B9B6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="13" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_C2751229F120F371350AD94FD4EFD1D6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AcquiredFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsWeightedAverageUsefulLife_646E5D20B43985BEA775D94FD4F2B9B6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_OutOfMarketContracts" xlink:label="loc_nrg_OutOfMarketContracts_1FBBA863DA38A3B982C9D94FD4F35FD9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="14" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_C2751229F120F371350AD94FD4EFD1D6" xlink:to="loc_nrg_OutOfMarketContracts_1FBBA863DA38A3B982C9D94FD4F35FD9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife_FF1DBED9594CB3E42F44D94FD4F3FD62" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="15" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_C2751229F120F371350AD94FD4EFD1D6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife_FF1DBED9594CB3E42F44D94FD4F3FD62" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_AccumulatedAmortizationofOutofMarketContracts" xlink:label="loc_nrg_AccumulatedAmortizationofOutofMarketContracts_916E7F26F5BA21162603D94FD4F4FE79" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="16" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_C2751229F120F371350AD94FD4EFD1D6" xlink:to="loc_nrg_AccumulatedAmortizationofOutofMarketContracts_916E7F26F5BA21162603D94FD4F4FE79" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentForAmortization" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentForAmortization_94DAF80DD7A9ED61ECC0D94FD4F54F98" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="17" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_C2751229F120F371350AD94FD4EFD1D6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentForAmortization_94DAF80DD7A9ED61ECC0D94FD4F54F98" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/IntangibleAssetsIntangibleAssetsNotes" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_IntangibleAssetsDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_nrg_IntangibleAssetsDisclosureAbstract_793AFE49DE6439F4F2D78246623C5A26" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureTextBlock_767B00223D6527CB67508246623C545C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_IntangibleAssetsDisclosureAbstract_793AFE49DE6439F4F2D78246623C5A26" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureTextBlock_767B00223D6527CB67508246623C545C" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/IntangibleAssetsIntangibleAssetsTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_IntangibleAssetsDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_nrg_IntangibleAssetsDisclosureAbstract_D9768A3F63DA4C1F3AD9824661526D73" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTableTextBlock_D1B11DDE81755CF02593824661522E56" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_IntangibleAssetsDisclosureAbstract_D9768A3F63DA4C1F3AD9824661526D73" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTableTextBlock_D1B11DDE81755CF02593824661522E56" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/LongTermDebt" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_765DCB53B2276809FCA3824661FE4C33" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtTextBlock_DA4F2183CF0E83FB0899824661FEE0B1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_765DCB53B2276809FCA3824661FE4C33" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtTextBlock_DA4F2183CF0E83FB0899824661FEE0B1" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/LongTermDebtCorporateDebtDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_1FD9DAEA8E123866C695A0A0BA071260" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_AAB6361D79CC83E868FFA0A0BA07CF3C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_1FD9DAEA8E123866C695A0A0BA071260" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_AAB6361D79CC83E868FFA0A0BA07CF3C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_B58A909918A2B27AAD43A0A0BA08A719" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_AAB6361D79CC83E868FFA0A0BA07CF3C" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_B58A909918A2B27AAD43A0A0BA08A719" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_3F2A72619D4733A811EDA0A0BA08AEBB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_B58A909918A2B27AAD43A0A0BA08A719" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_3F2A72619D4733A811EDA0A0BA08AEBB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_November2015DropDownAssetsMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_November2015DropDownAssetsMember_26F87F227BF170A0D772A0A0BA0881ED" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_3F2A72619D4733A811EDA0A0BA08AEBB" xlink:to="loc_nrg_November2015DropDownAssetsMember_26F87F227BF170A0D772A0A0BA0881ED" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_970FDE5BEEA7939137C6A0A0BA0839AB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_AAB6361D79CC83E868FFA0A0BA07CF3C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_970FDE5BEEA7939137C6A0A0BA0839AB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_09C70CDEF2EAC8970132A0A0BA0805DC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_970FDE5BEEA7939137C6A0A0BA0839AB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_09C70CDEF2EAC8970132A0A0BA0805DC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_0867B2FC6CD096756E7BA0A0BA080E07" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_09C70CDEF2EAC8970132A0A0BA0805DC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_0867B2FC6CD096756E7BA0A0BA080E07" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_DebtInstrumentPeriodAxis" xlink:label="loc_nrg_DebtInstrumentPeriodAxis_C230177DB9BE1B45856FA0A0BA0802ED" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_AAB6361D79CC83E868FFA0A0BA07CF3C" xlink:to="loc_nrg_DebtInstrumentPeriodAxis_C230177DB9BE1B45856FA0A0BA0802ED" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_DebtInstrumentPeriodDomain" xlink:label="loc_nrg_DebtInstrumentPeriodDomain_704DF86152FA9F2EB5EBA0A0BA08FAB8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_DebtInstrumentPeriodAxis_C230177DB9BE1B45856FA0A0BA0802ED" xlink:to="loc_nrg_DebtInstrumentPeriodDomain_704DF86152FA9F2EB5EBA0A0BA08FAB8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_82360A42414054FD67E7A0A0BA090E0A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_AAB6361D79CC83E868FFA0A0BA07CF3C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_82360A42414054FD67E7A0A0BA090E0A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_FCAE1799AED3928C9084A0A0BA09191F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_82360A42414054FD67E7A0A0BA090E0A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_FCAE1799AED3928C9084A0A0BA09191F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioPreviouslyReportedMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioPreviouslyReportedMember_D8286F44564A068DA682A0A0BA097273" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_FCAE1799AED3928C9084A0A0BA09191F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioPreviouslyReportedMember_D8286F44564A068DA682A0A0BA097273" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_BA1428AACA3F5FA5BB3EA0A0BA09C7CB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_AAB6361D79CC83E868FFA0A0BA07CF3C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_BA1428AACA3F5FA5BB3EA0A0BA09C7CB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_9652153603C980C4914EA0A0BA09F48F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_BA1428AACA3F5FA5BB3EA0A0BA09C7CB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_9652153603C980C4914EA0A0BA09F48F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LetterOfCreditMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LetterOfCreditMember_FF4A808287D0ED2D2965A0A0BA097403" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_9652153603C980C4914EA0A0BA09F48F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LetterOfCreditMember_FF4A808287D0ED2D2965A0A0BA097403" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_FCC71E474118E967F643A0A0BA09B496" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_AAB6361D79CC83E868FFA0A0BA07CF3C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_FCC71E474118E967F643A0A0BA09B496" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_828F91EA9016BF86ECB2A0A0BA09D9A3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_FCC71E474118E967F643A0A0BA09B496" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_828F91EA9016BF86ECB2A0A0BA09D9A3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_IntercompanyCreditAgreementdue2020Member" xlink:label="loc_nrg_IntercompanyCreditAgreementdue2020Member_EF74563AC7F8A1E28388A0A0BA09A59C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_828F91EA9016BF86ECB2A0A0BA09D9A3" xlink:to="loc_nrg_IntercompanyCreditAgreementdue2020Member_EF74563AC7F8A1E28388A0A0BA09A59C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_WestHoldingsCreditAgreementdue2023TrancheAMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_WestHoldingsCreditAgreementdue2023TrancheAMember_A990085096A22FD9D502A0A0BA0AABEF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_828F91EA9016BF86ECB2A0A0BA09D9A3" xlink:to="loc_nrg_WestHoldingsCreditAgreementdue2023TrancheAMember_A990085096A22FD9D502A0A0BA0AABEF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_A3.25ConvertibleNotesdue2020Member" xlink:label="loc_nrg_A3.25ConvertibleNotesdue2020Member_5A8928578CEC640222A9A0A0BA0A3F81" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_828F91EA9016BF86ECB2A0A0BA09D9A3" xlink:to="loc_nrg_A3.25ConvertibleNotesdue2020Member_5A8928578CEC640222A9A0A0BA0A3F81" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_A3.5ConvertibleNotesdue2019Member" xlink:label="loc_nrg_A3.5ConvertibleNotesdue2019Member_09579E15064A04ED6F6EA0A0BA0AA2B6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_828F91EA9016BF86ECB2A0A0BA09D9A3" xlink:to="loc_nrg_A3.5ConvertibleNotesdue2019Member_09579E15064A04ED6F6EA0A0BA0AA2B6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember_B6B33C250D7692DE0234A0A0BA0AD1E3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_828F91EA9016BF86ECB2A0A0BA09D9A3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember_B6B33C250D7692DE0234A0A0BA0AD1E3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_IntercompanyCreditAgreementdue2019Member" xlink:label="loc_nrg_IntercompanyCreditAgreementdue2019Member_7EB818F4BC6ED8FB6E25A0A0BA0AFE3E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_828F91EA9016BF86ECB2A0A0BA09D9A3" xlink:to="loc_nrg_IntercompanyCreditAgreementdue2019Member_7EB818F4BC6ED8FB6E25A0A0BA0AFE3E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_NRGYieldRevolvingCreditFacilityMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NRGYieldRevolvingCreditFacilityMember_2C44420AC10E7545019FA0A0BA0ADADA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_828F91EA9016BF86ECB2A0A0BA09D9A3" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NRGYieldRevolvingCreditFacilityMember_2C44420AC10E7545019FA0A0BA0ADADA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_CvsrFinancingAgreementMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_CvsrFinancingAgreementMember_1FC4D590476603E650FEA0A0BA0A490F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_828F91EA9016BF86ECB2A0A0BA09D9A3" xlink:to="loc_nrg_CvsrFinancingAgreementMember_1FC4D590476603E650FEA0A0BA0A490F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_A5.00SeniorNotesduein2026Member" xlink:label="loc_nrg_A5.00SeniorNotesduein2026Member_FA65D26DF5F82323369AA0A0BA0AF64A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_828F91EA9016BF86ECB2A0A0BA09D9A3" xlink:to="loc_nrg_A5.00SeniorNotesduein2026Member_FA65D26DF5F82323369AA0A0BA0AF64A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_6EFFFA8A373FAAC1F632A0A0BA0A7ED2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_AAB6361D79CC83E868FFA0A0BA07CF3C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_6EFFFA8A373FAAC1F632A0A0BA0A7ED2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_2A59EFBD24F058D7E905A0A0BA0BE1B8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_6EFFFA8A373FAAC1F632A0A0BA0A7ED2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_2A59EFBD24F058D7E905A0A0BA0BE1B8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodAxis_085AF702B87B0902A170A0A0BA0BEB4D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_AAB6361D79CC83E868FFA0A0BA07CF3C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodAxis_085AF702B87B0902A170A0A0BA0BEB4D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodDomain_F1DADAB80DF14988EEC9A0A0BA0B634D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodAxis_085AF702B87B0902A170A0A0BA0BEB4D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodDomain_F1DADAB80DF14988EEC9A0A0BA0B634D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_3291A9B6098812577579A0A0BA0BFBA5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_AAB6361D79CC83E868FFA0A0BA07CF3C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_3291A9B6098812577579A0A0BA0BFBA5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1_B512880426CA40A2C869A0A0BA0BAFF1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_3291A9B6098812577579A0A0BA0BFBA5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1_B512880426CA40A2C869A0A0BA0BAFF1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConvertibleDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConvertibleDebt_BCDDD4AB0DC22B8D492BA0A0BA0B191E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_3291A9B6098812577579A0A0BA0BFBA5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConvertibleDebt_BCDDD4AB0DC22B8D492BA0A0BA0B191E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_7B15F2496018B677E870A0A0BA0B6C8B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_3291A9B6098812577579A0A0BA0BFBA5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_7B15F2496018B677E870A0A0BA0B6C8B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_6E0943CB7E47A83B472AA0A0BA0B3633" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_3291A9B6098812577579A0A0BA0BFBA5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_6E0943CB7E47A83B472AA0A0BA0B3633" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfUnsecuredDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfUnsecuredDebt_45ABCA7C30376D5CC0ECA0A0BA0BDAE4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_3291A9B6098812577579A0A0BA0BFBA5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfUnsecuredDebt_45ABCA7C30376D5CC0ECA0A0BA0BDAE4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleConversionPrice1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleConversionPrice1_4C58ADD3259E67D44517A0A0BA0BCF04" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_3291A9B6098812577579A0A0BA0BFBA5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleConversionPrice1_4C58ADD3259E67D44517A0A0BA0BCF04" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleConversionRatio1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleConversionRatio1_425203C1537DD6547603A0A0BA0C23EE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_3291A9B6098812577579A0A0BA0BFBA5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleConversionRatio1_425203C1537DD6547603A0A0BA0C23EE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount_53E2DFB5B175BA6EBF72A0A0BA0C1FC2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_3291A9B6098812577579A0A0BA0BFBA5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount_53E2DFB5B175BA6EBF72A0A0BA0C1FC2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity_5FD401C5665C64FB4140A0A0BA0C7D39" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_3291A9B6098812577579A0A0BA0BFBA5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity_5FD401C5665C64FB4140A0A0BA0C7D39" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfDebt_4B42C4533DE2AEB80D73A0A0BA0C68C0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_3291A9B6098812577579A0A0BA0BFBA5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfDebt_4B42C4533DE2AEB80D73A0A0BA0C68C0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount_1D18D224863B18A9E182A0A0BA0C9A16" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_3291A9B6098812577579A0A0BA0BFBA5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount_1D18D224863B18A9E182A0A0BA0C9A16" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromDebtNetOfIssuanceCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromDebtNetOfIssuanceCosts_EFF70ADF119A75D441CBA0A0BA0C0A15" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="12" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_3291A9B6098812577579A0A0BA0BFBA5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromDebtNetOfIssuanceCosts_EFF70ADF119A75D441CBA0A0BA0C0A15" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/LongTermDebtDebtTableDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_07160365D0D135C2E2C1B3E7F7A7F84B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_9B7CC46B26315541B6BBB3E7F7A883D2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_07160365D0D135C2E2C1B3E7F7A7F84B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_9B7CC46B26315541B6BBB3E7F7A883D2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_MaturityDateAxis" xlink:label="loc_nrg_MaturityDateAxis_CBAC655D8F60536253C0B3E7F7A847A4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_9B7CC46B26315541B6BBB3E7F7A883D2" xlink:to="loc_nrg_MaturityDateAxis_CBAC655D8F60536253C0B3E7F7A847A4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_MaturityDateDomain" xlink:label="loc_nrg_MaturityDateDomain_7621F255C1543DCC446FB3E7F7A8C568" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_MaturityDateAxis_CBAC655D8F60536253C0B3E7F7A847A4" xlink:to="loc_nrg_MaturityDateDomain_7621F255C1543DCC446FB3E7F7A8C568" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_35F1C9F3DCA1559F6993B3E7F7A8DE3F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_9B7CC46B26315541B6BBB3E7F7A883D2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_35F1C9F3DCA1559F6993B3E7F7A8DE3F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_15198E429FE7025569C2B3E7F7A921E8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_35F1C9F3DCA1559F6993B3E7F7A8DE3F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_15198E429FE7025569C2B3E7F7A921E8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_7D75B77F91847B7A15F0B3E7F7A971DE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_9B7CC46B26315541B6BBB3E7F7A883D2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_7D75B77F91847B7A15F0B3E7F7A971DE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_2DCA5C9D663FDDD11E3EB3E7F7A99BA6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_7D75B77F91847B7A15F0B3E7F7A971DE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_2DCA5C9D663FDDD11E3EB3E7F7A99BA6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinimumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_70526D8C0C0B2E7F90ECB3E7F7A9E146" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_2DCA5C9D663FDDD11E3EB3E7F7A99BA6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_70526D8C0C0B2E7F90ECB3E7F7A9E146" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_6D9BE65260731F8FB09CB3E7F7A98FEC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_2DCA5C9D663FDDD11E3EB3E7F7A99BA6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_6D9BE65260731F8FB09CB3E7F7A98FEC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_B2AA6851B9264DDD8A4EB3E7F7A91865" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_9B7CC46B26315541B6BBB3E7F7A883D2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_B2AA6851B9264DDD8A4EB3E7F7A91865" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_4D379D13735761FE2FB7B3E7F7A9859A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_B2AA6851B9264DDD8A4EB3E7F7A91865" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_4D379D13735761FE2FB7B3E7F7A9859A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LetterOfCreditMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LetterOfCreditMember_0122FE7CFA1D5DD42049B3E7F7A9B791" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_4D379D13735761FE2FB7B3E7F7A9859A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LetterOfCreditMember_0122FE7CFA1D5DD42049B3E7F7A9B791" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_9FC36FC19D48B0B83AD7B3E7F7A910FD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_9B7CC46B26315541B6BBB3E7F7A883D2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_9FC36FC19D48B0B83AD7B3E7F7A910FD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_7C0417153121F33A12DFB3E7F7A9AFD7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_9FC36FC19D48B0B83AD7B3E7F7A910FD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_7C0417153121F33A12DFB3E7F7A9AFD7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_A5.375SeniorNotesduein2024Member" xlink:label="loc_nrg_A5.375SeniorNotesduein2024Member_F4AA7D9F9F5567C3EDC4B3E7F7A9AB27" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_7C0417153121F33A12DFB3E7F7A9AFD7" xlink:to="loc_nrg_A5.375SeniorNotesduein2024Member_F4AA7D9F9F5567C3EDC4B3E7F7A9AB27" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_A5.00SeniorNotesduein2026Member" xlink:label="loc_nrg_A5.00SeniorNotesduein2026Member_41FD34CC25DEBE8B7091B3E7F7AADB88" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_7C0417153121F33A12DFB3E7F7A9AFD7" xlink:to="loc_nrg_A5.00SeniorNotesduein2026Member_41FD34CC25DEBE8B7091B3E7F7AADB88" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_IntercompanyCreditAgreementdue2019Member" xlink:label="loc_nrg_IntercompanyCreditAgreementdue2019Member_096A236C526085E8F9DFB3E7F7AAE474" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_7C0417153121F33A12DFB3E7F7A9AFD7" xlink:to="loc_nrg_IntercompanyCreditAgreementdue2019Member_096A236C526085E8F9DFB3E7F7AAE474" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_IntercompanyCreditAgreementdue2020Member" xlink:label="loc_nrg_IntercompanyCreditAgreementdue2020Member_CA78106B31F5D8F66C85B3E7F7AAE1B6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_7C0417153121F33A12DFB3E7F7A9AFD7" xlink:to="loc_nrg_IntercompanyCreditAgreementdue2020Member_CA78106B31F5D8F66C85B3E7F7AAE1B6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_NRGYieldRevolvingCreditFacilityMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NRGYieldRevolvingCreditFacilityMember_BD7DFDE7035ECB60F8EBB3E7F7AA9F8B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_7C0417153121F33A12DFB3E7F7A9AFD7" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NRGYieldRevolvingCreditFacilityMember_BD7DFDE7035ECB60F8EBB3E7F7AA9F8B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_AguaCalienteBorrower2Member" xlink:label="loc_nrg_AguaCalienteBorrower2Member_9A6235BE3D8120B4A9FCB3E7F7AA2940" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_7C0417153121F33A12DFB3E7F7A9AFD7" xlink:to="loc_nrg_AguaCalienteBorrower2Member_9A6235BE3D8120B4A9FCB3E7F7AA2940" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_AltaWindXIMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_AltaWindXIMember_40C3CF29D7D420CD7601B3E7F7AA13CC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_7C0417153121F33A12DFB3E7F7A9AFD7" xlink:to="loc_nrg_AltaWindXIMember_40C3CF29D7D420CD7601B3E7F7AA13CC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_AltaWindAssetManagementdue2031Member" xlink:label="loc_nrg_AltaWindAssetManagementdue2031Member_72D197D42EA37782C20EB3E7F7AA633F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_7C0417153121F33A12DFB3E7F7A9AFD7" xlink:to="loc_nrg_AltaWindAssetManagementdue2031Member_72D197D42EA37782C20EB3E7F7AA633F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_WestHoldingsCreditAgreementMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_WestHoldingsCreditAgreementMember_DF0922EFA0F2947C7828B3E7F7AB8880" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_7C0417153121F33A12DFB3E7F7A9AFD7" xlink:to="loc_nrg_WestHoldingsCreditAgreementMember_DF0922EFA0F2947C7828B3E7F7AB8880" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_NrgWestHoldingsLlcMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NrgWestHoldingsLlcMember_562D1575B2609F4EFE39B3E7F7AB6790" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_7C0417153121F33A12DFB3E7F7A9AFD7" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NrgWestHoldingsLlcMember_562D1575B2609F4EFE39B3E7F7AB6790" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_WestHoldingsCreditAgreementdue2023TrancheAMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_WestHoldingsCreditAgreementdue2023TrancheAMember_E940CC09E7B7E52EC0FBB3E7F7ABD643" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_7C0417153121F33A12DFB3E7F7A9AFD7" xlink:to="loc_nrg_WestHoldingsCreditAgreementdue2023TrancheAMember_E940CC09E7B7E52EC0FBB3E7F7ABD643" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_MarshLandingTermLoanFacilityMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_MarshLandingTermLoanFacilityMember_FBA270FD59699ECCEE0AB3E7F7AB90C4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="12" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_7C0417153121F33A12DFB3E7F7A9AFD7" xlink:to="loc_nrg_MarshLandingTermLoanFacilityMember_FBA270FD59699ECCEE0AB3E7F7AB90C4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_MarshLandingMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_MarshLandingMember_2A779DD454EEFF057E48B3E7F7ABD93E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="13" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_7C0417153121F33A12DFB3E7F7A9AFD7" xlink:to="loc_nrg_MarshLandingMember_2A779DD454EEFF057E48B3E7F7ABD93E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_WalnutCreekEnergyLLCduein2023Member" xlink:label="loc_nrg_WalnutCreekEnergyLLCduein2023Member_685D723BA6F9794CAD61B3E7F7ABAA90" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="14" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_7C0417153121F33A12DFB3E7F7A9AFD7" xlink:to="loc_nrg_WalnutCreekEnergyLLCduein2023Member_685D723BA6F9794CAD61B3E7F7ABAA90" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_TapestryWindLLCduein2021Member" xlink:label="loc_nrg_TapestryWindLLCduein2021Member_1DB9F6F57CD756F0104EB3E7F7ABCAFB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="15" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_7C0417153121F33A12DFB3E7F7A9AFD7" xlink:to="loc_nrg_TapestryWindLLCduein2021Member_1DB9F6F57CD756F0104EB3E7F7ABCAFB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_UtahSolarPortfoliodue2022Member" xlink:label="loc_nrg_UtahSolarPortfoliodue2022Member_D84AB8150DA2BB9E9227B3E7F7ABF974" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="16" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_7C0417153121F33A12DFB3E7F7A9AFD7" xlink:to="loc_nrg_UtahSolarPortfoliodue2022Member_D84AB8150DA2BB9E9227B3E7F7ABF974" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_TapestryWindMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_TapestryWindMember_20B2EDC23760620A6ADDB3E7F7AB4C48" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="17" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_7C0417153121F33A12DFB3E7F7A9AFD7" xlink:to="loc_nrg_TapestryWindMember_20B2EDC23760620A6ADDB3E7F7AB4C48" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_NrgEnergyCenterMinneapolisLlcSeniorSecuredNotesMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NrgEnergyCenterMinneapolisLlcSeniorSecuredNotesMember_A21846092A484962B487B3E7F7AB9B74" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="18" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_7C0417153121F33A12DFB3E7F7A9AFD7" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NrgEnergyCenterMinneapolisLlcSeniorSecuredNotesMember_A21846092A484962B487B3E7F7AB9B74" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_NRGEnergyCenterMinneapolisSeriesDNotesMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NRGEnergyCenterMinneapolisSeriesDNotesMember_195FEB6BA0DE96B961D5B3E7F7AB3FCF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="19" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_7C0417153121F33A12DFB3E7F7A9AFD7" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NRGEnergyCenterMinneapolisSeriesDNotesMember_195FEB6BA0DE96B961D5B3E7F7AB3FCF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_LaredoRidgeWindLLCduein2026Member" xlink:label="loc_nrg_LaredoRidgeWindLLCduein2026Member_DC5797E505A381B8D1B9B3E7F7AB963D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="20" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_7C0417153121F33A12DFB3E7F7A9AFD7" xlink:to="loc_nrg_LaredoRidgeWindLLCduein2026Member_DC5797E505A381B8D1B9B3E7F7AB963D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_LaredoRidgeMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_LaredoRidgeMember_4DB88220B995CF4BD6CBB3E7F7ABD538" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="21" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_7C0417153121F33A12DFB3E7F7A9AFD7" xlink:to="loc_nrg_LaredoRidgeMember_4DB88220B995CF4BD6CBB3E7F7ABD538" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_SouthTrentHoldingLlcMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_SouthTrentHoldingLlcMember_FAEB26ECF9FD819E6007B3E7F7AC8AC0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="22" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_7C0417153121F33A12DFB3E7F7A9AFD7" xlink:to="loc_nrg_SouthTrentHoldingLlcMember_FAEB26ECF9FD819E6007B3E7F7AC8AC0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_SouthTrentWindLlcMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_SouthTrentWindLlcMember_06EE5D7364CEEBE3DA6DB3E7F7ACD883" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="23" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_7C0417153121F33A12DFB3E7F7A9AFD7" xlink:to="loc_nrg_SouthTrentWindLlcMember_06EE5D7364CEEBE3DA6DB3E7F7ACD883" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_AvraValleyMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_AvraValleyMember_5A04D0D3FC25BC7CC43EB3E7F7AC6D29" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="24" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_7C0417153121F33A12DFB3E7F7A9AFD7" xlink:to="loc_nrg_AvraValleyMember_5A04D0D3FC25BC7CC43EB3E7F7AC6D29" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_TaHighDesertLlcMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_TaHighDesertLlcMember_0681B46CE29C028A820DB3E7F7ACAEEB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="25" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_7C0417153121F33A12DFB3E7F7A9AFD7" xlink:to="loc_nrg_TaHighDesertLlcMember_0681B46CE29C028A820DB3E7F7ACAEEB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_WCEPHoldingsLLCduein2023Member" xlink:label="loc_nrg_WCEPHoldingsLLCduein2023Member_0EBE7B893DF281E6095DB3E7F7AC8BB8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="26" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_7C0417153121F33A12DFB3E7F7A9AFD7" xlink:to="loc_nrg_WCEPHoldingsLLCduein2023Member_0EBE7B893DF281E6095DB3E7F7AC8BB8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_OtherDebtMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_OtherDebtMember_F8FD02B75BA22DEE3F00B3E7F7AC07CD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="27" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_7C0417153121F33A12DFB3E7F7A9AFD7" xlink:to="loc_nrg_OtherDebtMember_F8FD02B75BA22DEE3F00B3E7F7AC07CD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_NrgSolarRoadrunnerLlcMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NrgSolarRoadrunnerLlcMember_E0D2BA84131A94D64E33B3E7F7AC3FB2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="28" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_7C0417153121F33A12DFB3E7F7A9AFD7" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NrgSolarRoadrunnerLlcMember_E0D2BA84131A94D64E33B3E7F7AC3FB2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_KansasSouthMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_KansasSouthMember_DB026E1B6F51D93BB205B3E7F7ACAE86" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="29" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_7C0417153121F33A12DFB3E7F7A9AFD7" xlink:to="loc_nrg_KansasSouthMember_DB026E1B6F51D93BB205B3E7F7ACAE86" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_NrgSolarBlytheLlcMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NrgSolarBlytheLlcMember_CD66BAC8A3196B018FF0B3E7F7AD3693" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="30" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_7C0417153121F33A12DFB3E7F7A9AFD7" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NrgSolarBlytheLlcMember_CD66BAC8A3196B018FF0B3E7F7AD3693" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_VientoFundingIIInc.duein2023Member" xlink:label="loc_nrg_VientoFundingIIInc.duein2023Member_65D5C6F8DF63DC86A60BB3E7F7ADE8CD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="31" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_7C0417153121F33A12DFB3E7F7A9AFD7" xlink:to="loc_nrg_VientoFundingIIInc.duein2023Member_65D5C6F8DF63DC86A60BB3E7F7ADE8CD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProjectMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProjectMember_43BCAF6144EB29BC2963B3E7F7ADC889" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="32" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_7C0417153121F33A12DFB3E7F7A9AFD7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProjectMember_43BCAF6144EB29BC2963B3E7F7ADC889" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_WestHoldingsCreditAgreementdue2023TrancheBMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_WestHoldingsCreditAgreementdue2023TrancheBMember_09EAFBA913A2F6692713B3E7F7AD101E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="33" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_7C0417153121F33A12DFB3E7F7A9AFD7" xlink:to="loc_nrg_WestHoldingsCreditAgreementdue2023TrancheBMember_09EAFBA913A2F6692713B3E7F7AD101E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_MarshLandingTrancheBdue2023Member" xlink:label="loc_nrg_MarshLandingTrancheBdue2023Member_E287BABD484255AB9796B3E7F7ADD4D1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="34" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_7C0417153121F33A12DFB3E7F7A9AFD7" xlink:to="loc_nrg_MarshLandingTrancheBdue2023Member_E287BABD484255AB9796B3E7F7ADD4D1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_AlpineFinancingAgreementDue2022Member" xlink:label="loc_nrg_AlpineFinancingAgreementDue2022Member_A0C8BF7851838133AAE5B3E7F7ADD539" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="35" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_7C0417153121F33A12DFB3E7F7A9AFD7" xlink:to="loc_nrg_AlpineFinancingAgreementDue2022Member_A0C8BF7851838133AAE5B3E7F7ADD539" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_AltaWindIVleasefinancingarrangementdue2034and2035Member" xlink:label="loc_nrg_AltaWindIVleasefinancingarrangementdue2034and2035Member_68C0F178F156C1290A5DB3E7F7ADE89E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="36" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_7C0417153121F33A12DFB3E7F7A9AFD7" xlink:to="loc_nrg_AltaWindIVleasefinancingarrangementdue2034and2035Member_68C0F178F156C1290A5DB3E7F7ADE89E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_AlpineFinancingAgreementMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_AlpineFinancingAgreementMember_FBE90A3951DF3C70BBDAB3E7F7AE5C93" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="37" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_7C0417153121F33A12DFB3E7F7A9AFD7" xlink:to="loc_nrg_AlpineFinancingAgreementMember_FBE90A3951DF3C70BBDAB3E7F7AE5C93" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_AlpineMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_AlpineMember_41BFC364A397A5C43EE4B3E7F7AE03F4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="38" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_7C0417153121F33A12DFB3E7F7A9AFD7" xlink:to="loc_nrg_AlpineMember_41BFC364A397A5C43EE4B3E7F7AE03F4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_BorregoMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_BorregoMember_0069DE6ECC2344F16D24B3E7F7AED3C7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="39" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_7C0417153121F33A12DFB3E7F7A9AFD7" xlink:to="loc_nrg_BorregoMember_0069DE6ECC2344F16D24B3E7F7AED3C7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_CvsrFinancingAgreementMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_CvsrFinancingAgreementMember_D6277346705289B3FE50B3E7F7AE63E0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="40" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_7C0417153121F33A12DFB3E7F7A9AFD7" xlink:to="loc_nrg_CvsrFinancingAgreementMember_D6277346705289B3FE50B3E7F7AE63E0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_CVSRHoldcodue2037Member" xlink:label="loc_nrg_CVSRHoldcodue2037Member_4F5E0FE8E44A7424C452B3E7F7AFF416" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="41" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_7C0417153121F33A12DFB3E7F7A9AFD7" xlink:to="loc_nrg_CVSRHoldcodue2037Member_4F5E0FE8E44A7424C452B3E7F7AFF416" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_November2017DropDownAssetsMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_November2017DropDownAssetsMember_B4CEEFD453F554108A9FB3E7F7AF2CD7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="42" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_7C0417153121F33A12DFB3E7F7A9AFD7" xlink:to="loc_nrg_November2017DropDownAssetsMember_B4CEEFD453F554108A9FB3E7F7AF2CD7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_AguaCalienteBorrower1due2038Member" xlink:label="loc_nrg_AguaCalienteBorrower1due2038Member_89994094E79F60565C3EB3E7F7AFCD0D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="43" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_7C0417153121F33A12DFB3E7F7A9AFD7" xlink:to="loc_nrg_AguaCalienteBorrower1due2038Member_89994094E79F60565C3EB3E7F7AFCD0D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_AltaWindIVLeasefinancingarrangementMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_AltaWindIVLeasefinancingarrangementMember_1B1108AD07CC01109E49B3E7F7AF384E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="44" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_7C0417153121F33A12DFB3E7F7A9AFD7" xlink:to="loc_nrg_AltaWindIVLeasefinancingarrangementMember_1B1108AD07CC01109E49B3E7F7AF384E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_3133270EFC7C3F28B847B3E7F7AFEA18" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_9B7CC46B26315541B6BBB3E7F7A883D2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_3133270EFC7C3F28B847B3E7F7AFEA18" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_16AEE2CC857F681DA08EB3E7F7AF7312" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_3133270EFC7C3F28B847B3E7F7AFEA18" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_16AEE2CC857F681DA08EB3E7F7AF7312" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodAxis_51857F421740689C6B6EB3E7F7AF3AAB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_9B7CC46B26315541B6BBB3E7F7A883D2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodAxis_51857F421740689C6B6EB3E7F7AF3AAB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodDomain_28CB44EC379D37E8789DB3E7F7AF3A22" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodAxis_51857F421740689C6B6EB3E7F7AF3AAB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodDomain_28CB44EC379D37E8789DB3E7F7AF3A22" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_DA23B457D5EB501EF368B3E7F7AF10A6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_9B7CC46B26315541B6BBB3E7F7A883D2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_DA23B457D5EB501EF368B3E7F7AF10A6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SeniorNotes" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeniorNotes_4109BEEF3F6753F60940B3E7F7AF83D1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_DA23B457D5EB501EF368B3E7F7AF10A6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SeniorNotes_4109BEEF3F6753F60940B3E7F7AF83D1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DueToAffiliateNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DueToAffiliateNoncurrent_4F814D35342F453CA15BB3E7F7AF4652" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_DA23B457D5EB501EF368B3E7F7AF10A6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DueToAffiliateNoncurrent_4F814D35342F453CA15BB3E7F7AF4652" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_39907BAFCB6D1DFC8257B3E7F7AFB840" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_DA23B457D5EB501EF368B3E7F7AF10A6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_39907BAFCB6D1DFC8257B3E7F7AFB840" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount_2DA46D633403FD7CAACDB3E7F7AFAE0F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_DA23B457D5EB501EF368B3E7F7AF10A6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount_2DA46D633403FD7CAACDB3E7F7AFAE0F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_B325CB591852F48DEC70B3E7F7B00ED9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_DA23B457D5EB501EF368B3E7F7AF10A6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_B325CB591852F48DEC70B3E7F7B00ED9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentDescriptionOfVariableRateBasis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentDescriptionOfVariableRateBasis_71AE994C103077E9B650B3E7F7B09224" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_DA23B457D5EB501EF368B3E7F7AF10A6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentDescriptionOfVariableRateBasis_71AE994C103077E9B650B3E7F7B09224" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1_AFA90EC415602B770AEFB3E7F7B0965D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_DA23B457D5EB501EF368B3E7F7AF10A6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1_AFA90EC415602B770AEFB3E7F7B0965D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsCurrent_5B23F66BE379636F4C71B3E7F7B022A6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_DA23B457D5EB501EF368B3E7F7AF10A6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsCurrent_5B23F66BE379636F4C71B3E7F7B022A6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent_23F4ECF39944135BD0AAB3E7F7B013FA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_DA23B457D5EB501EF368B3E7F7AF10A6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent_23F4ECF39944135BD0AAB3E7F7B013FA" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/LongTermDebtLongTermDebtAvenalAltaDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_B79D9D74C0B6F06F60A5A0726BD98684" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_73C084A2911DFFD01016A0726BD9FACB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_B79D9D74C0B6F06F60A5A0726BD98684" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_73C084A2911DFFD01016A0726BD9FACB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_PowerGenerationFacilitiesByTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationFacilitiesByTypeAxis_0EA2ACC53F952859E59DA0726BDAD4AF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_73C084A2911DFFD01016A0726BD9FACB" xlink:to="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationFacilitiesByTypeAxis_0EA2ACC53F952859E59DA0726BDAD4AF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_PowerGenerationFacilitiesTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationFacilitiesTypeDomain_6AF0B60F153A11832483A0726BDA5BD5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationFacilitiesByTypeAxis_0EA2ACC53F952859E59DA0726BDAD4AF" xlink:to="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationFacilitiesTypeDomain_6AF0B60F153A11832483A0726BDA5BD5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_UtilityScaleSolarMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_UtilityScaleSolarMember_BAF6FC873A5129CE3449A0726BDAEAC8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationFacilitiesTypeDomain_6AF0B60F153A11832483A0726BDA5BD5" xlink:to="loc_nrg_UtilityScaleSolarMember_BAF6FC873A5129CE3449A0726BDAEAC8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_ACF0AA9FA6CBD3434ABDA0726BDB38AA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_73C084A2911DFFD01016A0726BD9FACB" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_ACF0AA9FA6CBD3434ABDA0726BDB38AA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_214AE2D8F63E54E2AABBA0726BDBAD3A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_ACF0AA9FA6CBD3434ABDA0726BDB38AA" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_214AE2D8F63E54E2AABBA0726BDBAD3A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_AltaWindIVLeasefinancingarrangementMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_AltaWindIVLeasefinancingarrangementMember_0C651077FC92264324EBA0726BDB4DA0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_214AE2D8F63E54E2AABBA0726BDBAD3A" xlink:to="loc_nrg_AltaWindIVLeasefinancingarrangementMember_0C651077FC92264324EBA0726BDB4DA0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_AvenalMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_AvenalMember_3EAC93AE1BAC776C6348A0726BDBCEE6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_214AE2D8F63E54E2AABBA0726BDBAD3A" xlink:to="loc_nrg_AvenalMember_3EAC93AE1BAC776C6348A0726BDBCEE6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_DebtInstrumentPeriodAxis" xlink:label="loc_nrg_DebtInstrumentPeriodAxis_3A972742B16E0FD04AA6A0726BDBFD45" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_73C084A2911DFFD01016A0726BD9FACB" xlink:to="loc_nrg_DebtInstrumentPeriodAxis_3A972742B16E0FD04AA6A0726BDBFD45" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_DebtInstrumentPeriodDomain" xlink:label="loc_nrg_DebtInstrumentPeriodDomain_91B84492619C1BCEF816A0726BDCB3F9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_DebtInstrumentPeriodAxis_3A972742B16E0FD04AA6A0726BDBFD45" xlink:to="loc_nrg_DebtInstrumentPeriodDomain_91B84492619C1BCEF816A0726BDCB3F9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_B96570F125A58EEEF0E8A0726BDC43E5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_73C084A2911DFFD01016A0726BD9FACB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_B96570F125A58EEEF0E8A0726BDC43E5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_62594AE6BA54202E12D5A0726BDCA424" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_B96570F125A58EEEF0E8A0726BDC43E5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_62594AE6BA54202E12D5A0726BDCA424" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_62594AE6BA54202E12D5A0726BDCA424" xlink:to="loc_nrg_AvenalMember_3EAC93AE1BAC776C6348A0726BDBCEE6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_4DF1F703B3DC241D25CCA0726BDC753E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_73C084A2911DFFD01016A0726BD9FACB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_4DF1F703B3DC241D25CCA0726BDC753E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_990CCC18B5CEBF7751B6A0726BDD33A6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_4DF1F703B3DC241D25CCA0726BDC753E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_990CCC18B5CEBF7751B6A0726BDD33A6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LetterOfCreditMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LetterOfCreditMember_B39F1C64E867CBFD8F7FA0726BDD58CF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_990CCC18B5CEBF7751B6A0726BDD33A6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LetterOfCreditMember_B39F1C64E867CBFD8F7FA0726BDD58CF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_990CCC18B5CEBF7751B6A0726BDD33A6" xlink:to="loc_nrg_AltaWindIVLeasefinancingarrangementMember_0C651077FC92264324EBA0726BDB4DA0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_1413E6B38F378EAA172EA0726BDDA7C2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_73C084A2911DFFD01016A0726BD9FACB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_1413E6B38F378EAA172EA0726BDDA7C2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_B77CE3E7509C5A12F063A0726BDDF024" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_1413E6B38F378EAA172EA0726BDDA7C2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_B77CE3E7509C5A12F063A0726BDDF024" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_NRGYieldRevolvingCreditFacilityMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NRGYieldRevolvingCreditFacilityMember_F4B0B11A5AFF5C038E1EA0726BDDB6D5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_B77CE3E7509C5A12F063A0726BDDF024" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NRGYieldRevolvingCreditFacilityMember_F4B0B11A5AFF5C038E1EA0726BDDB6D5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_B77CE3E7509C5A12F063A0726BDDF024" xlink:to="loc_nrg_AltaWindIVLeasefinancingarrangementMember_0C651077FC92264324EBA0726BDB4DA0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_81EE0AA5333B465AB4FCA0726BDEBC8A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_73C084A2911DFFD01016A0726BD9FACB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_81EE0AA5333B465AB4FCA0726BDEBC8A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount_0687913C590FCADE2114A0726BDEF55F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_81EE0AA5333B465AB4FCA0726BDEBC8A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount_0687913C590FCADE2114A0726BDEF55F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentDescriptionOfVariableRateBasis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentDescriptionOfVariableRateBasis_9C1D5E73BEEFC4196500A0726BDE32FF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_81EE0AA5333B465AB4FCA0726BDEBC8A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentDescriptionOfVariableRateBasis_9C1D5E73BEEFC4196500A0726BDE32FF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1_701D2AC59CCF0B8C98D7A0726BE30242" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_81EE0AA5333B465AB4FCA0726BDEBC8A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1_701D2AC59CCF0B8C98D7A0726BE30242" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromDebtNetOfIssuanceCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromDebtNetOfIssuanceCosts_2016B9F7B68E25501C32A0726BE33667" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_81EE0AA5333B465AB4FCA0726BDEBC8A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromDebtNetOfIssuanceCosts_2016B9F7B68E25501C32A0726BE33667" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage_B0F39B7E756C6E85C239A0726BE35B3C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_81EE0AA5333B465AB4FCA0726BDEBC8A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage_B0F39B7E756C6E85C239A0726BE35B3C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_1FA9804DE2ADFAC06C23A0726BE35BCC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_81EE0AA5333B465AB4FCA0726BDEBC8A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_1FA9804DE2ADFAC06C23A0726BE35BCC" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/LongTermDebtLongTermDebtNovember2017DropDownDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_A98406696CA0EE4840DD8BADAE4896DD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_DDED90CD11DB5A30CF138BADB05EA056" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_A98406696CA0EE4840DD8BADAE4896DD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_DDED90CD11DB5A30CF138BADB05EA056" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_BE1B612676768597F55B8BADB05ECB03" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_DDED90CD11DB5A30CF138BADB05EA056" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_BE1B612676768597F55B8BADB05ECB03" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_8B1A56920909E56D28808BADB05FC205" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_BE1B612676768597F55B8BADB05ECB03" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_8B1A56920909E56D28808BADB05FC205" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_CF6E391150603B1312828BADB05F0D8D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_DDED90CD11DB5A30CF138BADB05EA056" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_CF6E391150603B1312828BADB05F0D8D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_E2BB1CD4A5700EF3F0ED8BADB05FB677" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_CF6E391150603B1312828BADB05F0D8D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_E2BB1CD4A5700EF3F0ED8BADB05FB677" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_November2017DropDownAssetsMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_November2017DropDownAssetsMember_3E101077F8F79AA3B6BE8BADB092CD1A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_E2BB1CD4A5700EF3F0ED8BADB05FB677" xlink:to="loc_nrg_November2017DropDownAssetsMember_3E101077F8F79AA3B6BE8BADB092CD1A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_189A1899A986B0A117898BADB06011CA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_DDED90CD11DB5A30CF138BADB05EA056" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_189A1899A986B0A117898BADB06011CA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_8809498E7EA26BC09EA18BADB060038B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_189A1899A986B0A117898BADB06011CA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_8809498E7EA26BC09EA18BADB060038B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodAxis_5B10AE9CC4A417DFC00D8BADB060316C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_DDED90CD11DB5A30CF138BADB05EA056" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodAxis_5B10AE9CC4A417DFC00D8BADB060316C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodDomain_683A15A3E4FD3C34F7BA8BADB06190D1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodAxis_5B10AE9CC4A417DFC00D8BADB060316C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodDomain_683A15A3E4FD3C34F7BA8BADB06190D1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_C95A55B426C84BA0AD738BADB061F738" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_DDED90CD11DB5A30CF138BADB05EA056" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_C95A55B426C84BA0AD738BADB061F738" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_0BE4D9620F5D6D81DC068BADB06314C8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_C95A55B426C84BA0AD738BADB061F738" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_0BE4D9620F5D6D81DC068BADB06314C8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_7DE63A79BBF782437C2D8BADB063DA83" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_DDED90CD11DB5A30CF138BADB05EA056" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_7DE63A79BBF782437C2D8BADB063DA83" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateEffectivePercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateEffectivePercentage_90ED7BF13801B15B37258BADB07B73F2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_7DE63A79BBF782437C2D8BADB063DA83" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateEffectivePercentage_90ED7BF13801B15B37258BADB07B73F2" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/LongTermDebtLongTermDebtSwapsMaturitiesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_ACB67DB04FA71E906D83A07298A09E2F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_241DD456BA38CDABF17DA07298A1357E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_ACB67DB04FA71E906D83A07298A09E2F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_241DD456BA38CDABF17DA07298A1357E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_70CA53F935EE75882781A07298A1EE34" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_241DD456BA38CDABF17DA07298A1357E" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_70CA53F935EE75882781A07298A1EE34" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_D7DE3DD69049B05F861FA07298A1EC92" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_70CA53F935EE75882781A07298A1EE34" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_D7DE3DD69049B05F861FA07298A1EC92" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_NRGSolarAlpineLLCMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NRGSolarAlpineLLCMember_D8F3EF08A3D46CE1C951A07298A12B6F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_D7DE3DD69049B05F861FA07298A1EC92" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NRGSolarAlpineLLCMember_D8F3EF08A3D46CE1C951A07298A12B6F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_NRGSolarAvraValleyMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NRGSolarAvraValleyMember_68D9EE2C6332ED56DA95A07298A1D862" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_D7DE3DD69049B05F861FA07298A1EC92" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NRGSolarAvraValleyMember_68D9EE2C6332ED56DA95A07298A1D862" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_NrgSolarBlytheLlcMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NrgSolarBlytheLlcMember_A9B988D3E47FF344BC9DA07298A1BCDF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_D7DE3DD69049B05F861FA07298A1EC92" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NrgSolarBlytheLlcMember_A9B988D3E47FF344BC9DA07298A1BCDF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_BorregoMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_BorregoMember_900E2CE4D00534ABBD52A07298A15724" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_D7DE3DD69049B05F861FA07298A1EC92" xlink:to="loc_nrg_BorregoMember_900E2CE4D00534ABBD52A07298A15724" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_NrgWestHoldingsLlcMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NrgWestHoldingsLlcMember_C1DA3E7273EA73D19854A07298A18A37" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_D7DE3DD69049B05F861FA07298A1EC92" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NrgWestHoldingsLlcMember_C1DA3E7273EA73D19854A07298A18A37" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_KansasSouthMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_KansasSouthMember_0B0246BB3018072F9B7BA07298A213D9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_D7DE3DD69049B05F861FA07298A1EC92" xlink:to="loc_nrg_KansasSouthMember_0B0246BB3018072F9B7BA07298A213D9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_LaredoRidgeMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_LaredoRidgeMember_F920B363A8942C5B2FC9A07298A2D435" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_D7DE3DD69049B05F861FA07298A1EC92" xlink:to="loc_nrg_LaredoRidgeMember_F920B363A8942C5B2FC9A07298A2D435" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_MarshLandingMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_MarshLandingMember_C2BB2059AE0E3F13A635A07298A284F2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_D7DE3DD69049B05F861FA07298A1EC92" xlink:to="loc_nrg_MarshLandingMember_C2BB2059AE0E3F13A635A07298A284F2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_NrgSolarRoadrunnerLlcMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NrgSolarRoadrunnerLlcMember_674C2834C506684FBAD7A07298A2B754" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_D7DE3DD69049B05F861FA07298A1EC92" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NrgSolarRoadrunnerLlcMember_674C2834C506684FBAD7A07298A2B754" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_SouthTrentWindLlcMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_SouthTrentWindLlcMember_D57A60F1BD3D26C6795BA07298A7A375" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_D7DE3DD69049B05F861FA07298A1EC92" xlink:to="loc_nrg_SouthTrentWindLlcMember_D57A60F1BD3D26C6795BA07298A7A375" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_TapestryWindMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_TapestryWindMember_472E0589564C7AB23732A07298A713E0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_D7DE3DD69049B05F861FA07298A1EC92" xlink:to="loc_nrg_TapestryWindMember_472E0589564C7AB23732A07298A713E0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_ACE93617C4CE67989838A07298A72E8F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_241DD456BA38CDABF17DA07298A1357E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_ACE93617C4CE67989838A07298A72E8F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_90ED1C99DFB5F453307FA07298A8EFD3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_ACE93617C4CE67989838A07298A72E8F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_90ED1C99DFB5F453307FA07298A8EFD3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember_D2900FD46A8C114DE123A07298A8497D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_90ED1C99DFB5F453307FA07298A8EFD3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember_D2900FD46A8C114DE123A07298A8497D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_9DE82C3E3A221C976BFFA07298A8064B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_241DD456BA38CDABF17DA07298A1357E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_9DE82C3E3A221C976BFFA07298A8064B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_8E1E7D51C9A4C2FFA006A07298A8F267" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_9DE82C3E3A221C976BFFA07298A8064B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_8E1E7D51C9A4C2FFA006A07298A8F267" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_MaturityDecember312029Member" xlink:label="loc_nrg_MaturityDecember312029Member_C748C5A0355F7A445D1CA07298A8765E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_8E1E7D51C9A4C2FFA006A07298A8F267" xlink:to="loc_nrg_MaturityDecember312029Member_C748C5A0355F7A445D1CA07298A8765E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_MaturityJune302023Member" xlink:label="loc_nrg_MaturityJune302023Member_52F9E9EF408C026D5B40A07298A8AE30" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_8E1E7D51C9A4C2FFA006A07298A8F267" xlink:to="loc_nrg_MaturityJune302023Member_52F9E9EF408C026D5B40A07298A8AE30" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_MaturityNovember302030Member" xlink:label="loc_nrg_MaturityNovember302030Member_119629B7D04E56149778A07298A8208C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_8E1E7D51C9A4C2FFA006A07298A8F267" xlink:to="loc_nrg_MaturityNovember302030Member_119629B7D04E56149778A07298A8208C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_MaturityJune252028Member" xlink:label="loc_nrg_MaturityJune252028Member_64FD20BA766D467CC724A07298A9EA21" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_8E1E7D51C9A4C2FFA006A07298A8F267" xlink:to="loc_nrg_MaturityJune252028Member_64FD20BA766D467CC724A07298A9EA21" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_MaturityJune142020Member" xlink:label="loc_nrg_MaturityJune142020Member_AACEEBA88108AC5330AEA07298A98F9D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_8E1E7D51C9A4C2FFA006A07298A8F267" xlink:to="loc_nrg_MaturityJune142020Member_AACEEBA88108AC5330AEA07298A98F9D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_MaturityJune142028Member" xlink:label="loc_nrg_MaturityJune142028Member_15F25FD6816FE4C19DC8A07298A90E10" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_8E1E7D51C9A4C2FFA006A07298A8F267" xlink:to="loc_nrg_MaturityJune142028Member_15F25FD6816FE4C19DC8A07298A90E10" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_MaturityDecember212021MemberMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_MaturityDecember212021MemberMember_0D1D5403ED409B62720BA07298A926AF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_8E1E7D51C9A4C2FFA006A07298A8F267" xlink:to="loc_nrg_MaturityDecember212021MemberMember_0D1D5403ED409B62720BA07298A926AF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_MaturityDecember212029Member" xlink:label="loc_nrg_MaturityDecember212029Member_41262089C782C334504CA07298A9565F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_8E1E7D51C9A4C2FFA006A07298A8F267" xlink:to="loc_nrg_MaturityDecember212029Member_41262089C782C334504CA07298A9565F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_MaturityJune302028Member" xlink:label="loc_nrg_MaturityJune302028Member_2559D761C971EE5D740BA07298A9C9E5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_8E1E7D51C9A4C2FFA006A07298A8F267" xlink:to="loc_nrg_MaturityJune302028Member_2559D761C971EE5D740BA07298A9C9E5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_1261E13397C3D0A31E8AA07298A9653E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_241DD456BA38CDABF17DA07298A1357E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_1261E13397C3D0A31E8AA07298A9653E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_DFA81D82FB3D3DE8D210A07298A9D268" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_1261E13397C3D0A31E8AA07298A9653E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_DFA81D82FB3D3DE8D210A07298A9D268" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_AltaWindAssetManagementdue2031Member" xlink:label="loc_nrg_AltaWindAssetManagementdue2031Member_C61BB1D7B728F72BD923A07298A92E83" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_DFA81D82FB3D3DE8D210A07298A9D268" xlink:to="loc_nrg_AltaWindAssetManagementdue2031Member_C61BB1D7B728F72BD923A07298A92E83" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_UtahSolarPortfoliodue2022Member" xlink:label="loc_nrg_UtahSolarPortfoliodue2022Member_987962DCC4EAFBF65BA2A07298A92804" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_DFA81D82FB3D3DE8D210A07298A9D268" xlink:to="loc_nrg_UtahSolarPortfoliodue2022Member_987962DCC4EAFBF65BA2A07298A92804" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_VientoFundingIIInc.duein2023Member" xlink:label="loc_nrg_VientoFundingIIInc.duein2023Member_73E5E0740435CB9E0990A07298AA96C2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_DFA81D82FB3D3DE8D210A07298A9D268" xlink:to="loc_nrg_VientoFundingIIInc.duein2023Member_73E5E0740435CB9E0990A07298AA96C2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_WalnutCreekMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_WalnutCreekMember_BB783C3416714B980BEBA07298AA16C5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_DFA81D82FB3D3DE8D210A07298A9D268" xlink:to="loc_nrg_WalnutCreekMember_BB783C3416714B980BEBA07298AA16C5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_WCEPHoldingsLLCduein2023Member" xlink:label="loc_nrg_WCEPHoldingsLLCduein2023Member_4BB3412359F3B22F5F72A07298AA35FD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_DFA81D82FB3D3DE8D210A07298A9D268" xlink:to="loc_nrg_WCEPHoldingsLLCduein2023Member_4BB3412359F3B22F5F72A07298AA35FD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_187D6F107A237F111E18A07298AA9810" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_241DD456BA38CDABF17DA07298A1357E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_187D6F107A237F111E18A07298AA9810" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInNextTwelveMonths" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInNextTwelveMonths_9B50518933834BD5C23DA07298AA3C5A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_187D6F107A237F111E18A07298AA9810" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInNextTwelveMonths_9B50518933834BD5C23DA07298AA3C5A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PercentageOfDebtHedgedByInterestRateDerivatives" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PercentageOfDebtHedgedByInterestRateDerivatives_87EC84CA59017B3E68F9A07298AA1603" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_187D6F107A237F111E18A07298AA9810" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PercentageOfDebtHedgedByInterestRateDerivatives_87EC84CA59017B3E68F9A07298AA1603" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFixedInterestRate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFixedInterestRate_2F3E27AAC588DDFDAC91A07298AA75C9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_187D6F107A237F111E18A07298AA9810" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFixedInterestRate_2F3E27AAC588DDFDAC91A07298AA75C9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentDescriptionOfVariableRateBasis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentDescriptionOfVariableRateBasis_052C1379165956AAB331A07298ABC6B3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_187D6F107A237F111E18A07298AA9810" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentDescriptionOfVariableRateBasis_052C1379165956AAB331A07298ABC6B3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013/invest-2013-01-31.xsd#invest_DerivativeNotionalAmount" xlink:label="loc_invest_DerivativeNotionalAmount_DF6973E3CDECC94454DBA07298ABCC65" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_187D6F107A237F111E18A07298AA9810" xlink:to="loc_invest_DerivativeNotionalAmount_DF6973E3CDECC94454DBA07298ABCC65" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearTwo" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearTwo_1E05A02BF3DD595E161CA07298AB17C3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_187D6F107A237F111E18A07298AA9810" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearTwo_1E05A02BF3DD595E161CA07298AB17C3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearThree" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearThree_3B6552C04C092C9A8D0EA07298ACA8B3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_187D6F107A237F111E18A07298AA9810" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearThree_3B6552C04C092C9A8D0EA07298ACA8B3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFour" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFour_82C160F6ECFBE8B521AEA07298ACB167" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_187D6F107A237F111E18A07298AA9810" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFour_82C160F6ECFBE8B521AEA07298ACB167" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFive" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFive_BE17E3B728F82844247EA07298ACB428" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_187D6F107A237F111E18A07298AA9810" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFive_BE17E3B728F82844247EA07298ACB428" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalAfterYearFive" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalAfterYearFive_E69DC73BD244C23BB371A07298AD0EE2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_187D6F107A237F111E18A07298AA9810" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalAfterYearFive_E69DC73BD244C23BB371A07298AD0EE2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_9127A1E99D71D175BF3EA07298AD39F1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_187D6F107A237F111E18A07298AA9810" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_9127A1E99D71D175BF3EA07298AD39F1" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/LongTermDebtLongTermDebtThermalCvsrDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_A8A59ADAFBC3AF44AB0787BFB7777976" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_21343856BF613529CA2F87BFB777D432" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_A8A59ADAFBC3AF44AB0787BFB7777976" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_21343856BF613529CA2F87BFB777D432" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_A4DF735140AF2228658A87BFB7770C03" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_21343856BF613529CA2F87BFB777D432" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_A4DF735140AF2228658A87BFB7770C03" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_DCD7F6920D55530CC1AE87BFB7782270" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_A4DF735140AF2228658A87BFB7770C03" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_DCD7F6920D55530CC1AE87BFB7782270" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_CvsrMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_CvsrMember_67FEA7E90B2491067F2F87BFB7781F4A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_DCD7F6920D55530CC1AE87BFB7782270" xlink:to="loc_nrg_CvsrMember_67FEA7E90B2491067F2F87BFB7781F4A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_21AA8F9610D5EEC545AE87BFB778E9F9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_21343856BF613529CA2F87BFB777D432" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_21AA8F9610D5EEC545AE87BFB778E9F9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_D2565C2A5D60393B305687BFB778F0D0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_21AA8F9610D5EEC545AE87BFB778E9F9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_D2565C2A5D60393B305687BFB778F0D0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_67602F3CC0A5B6B795B787BFB778440D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_21343856BF613529CA2F87BFB777D432" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_67602F3CC0A5B6B795B787BFB778440D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_EFA612C7F62E824B24EE87BFB7783F65" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_67602F3CC0A5B6B795B787BFB778440D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_EFA612C7F62E824B24EE87BFB7783F65" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_NRGEnergyCenterMinneapolisSeriesDNotesMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NRGEnergyCenterMinneapolisSeriesDNotesMember_D78994F3BF1E656900A387BFB778365E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_EFA612C7F62E824B24EE87BFB7783F65" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NRGEnergyCenterMinneapolisSeriesDNotesMember_D78994F3BF1E656900A387BFB778365E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_NRGEnergyCenterMinneapolisSeriesFNotesMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NRGEnergyCenterMinneapolisSeriesFNotesMember_DCE512D5D299A61425E787C54F6E8552" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_EFA612C7F62E824B24EE87BFB7783F65" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NRGEnergyCenterMinneapolisSeriesFNotesMember_DCE512D5D299A61425E787C54F6E8552" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_CvsrFinancingAgreementMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_CvsrFinancingAgreementMember_908A19B1C678CE6DDB6387BFB7787764" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_EFA612C7F62E824B24EE87BFB7783F65" xlink:to="loc_nrg_CvsrFinancingAgreementMember_908A19B1C678CE6DDB6387BFB7787764" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_CVSRHoldcodue2037Member" xlink:label="loc_nrg_CVSRHoldcodue2037Member_2FCB9DB8443116CF11D387BFB77938A7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_EFA612C7F62E824B24EE87BFB7783F65" xlink:to="loc_nrg_CVSRHoldcodue2037Member_2FCB9DB8443116CF11D387BFB77938A7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_C4106A5F5B141312635C87BFB77905D6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_21343856BF613529CA2F87BFB777D432" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_C4106A5F5B141312635C87BFB77905D6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_607AC8EBB8CE7D8248DC87BFB779FD05" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_C4106A5F5B141312635C87BFB77905D6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_607AC8EBB8CE7D8248DC87BFB779FD05" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodAxis_660F8751BCEC7753377387BFB77978F1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_21343856BF613529CA2F87BFB777D432" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodAxis_660F8751BCEC7753377387BFB77978F1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodDomain_B96487AB7990B2BBAC7387BFB7793C25" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodAxis_660F8751BCEC7753377387BFB77978F1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodDomain_B96487AB7990B2BBAC7387BFB7793C25" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_B7BDB1EAA8815269F8BF87BFB7792FFD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_21343856BF613529CA2F87BFB777D432" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_B7BDB1EAA8815269F8BF87BFB7792FFD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_5CB40480D6B5E751D0A187BFB779DF35" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_B7BDB1EAA8815269F8BF87BFB7792FFD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_5CB40480D6B5E751D0A187BFB779DF35" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_7550A3AAE655B7DCCE4287BFB7795F66" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_21343856BF613529CA2F87BFB777D432" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_7550A3AAE655B7DCCE4287BFB7795F66" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfDebt_CA19FB1675169F89E12C87BFB7792469" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_7550A3AAE655B7DCCE4287BFB7795F66" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfDebt_CA19FB1675169F89E12C87BFB7792469" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_CFFCBDDD890F23C2CD3587BFB779CA84" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_7550A3AAE655B7DCCE4287BFB7795F66" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_CFFCBDDD890F23C2CD3587BFB779CA84" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity_6572D4999F337C3AA1AF87C572FFB5EB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_7550A3AAE655B7DCCE4287BFB7795F66" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity_6572D4999F337C3AA1AF87C572FFB5EB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_CreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacityAmendment" xlink:label="loc_nrg_CreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacityAmendment_DEC97F28E5B7B76568B887C54F2A323C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_7550A3AAE655B7DCCE4287BFB7795F66" xlink:to="loc_nrg_CreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacityAmendment_DEC97F28E5B7B76568B887C54F2A323C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromDebtNetOfIssuanceCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromDebtNetOfIssuanceCosts_86E070FF137E46462D2E87BFB7798DCF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_7550A3AAE655B7DCCE4287BFB7795F66" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromDebtNetOfIssuanceCosts_86E070FF137E46462D2E87BFB7798DCF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPercentageOfVotingInterestsAcquired" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPercentageOfVotingInterestsAcquired_BCDB8844CFD87AFE941B87BFB779A1B2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_7550A3AAE655B7DCCE4287BFB7795F66" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPercentageOfVotingInterestsAcquired_BCDB8844CFD87AFE941B87BFB779A1B2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNoncurrentLiabilitiesLongTermDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNoncurrentLiabilitiesLongTermDebt_C272257DEA28CA697F1B87BFB779C5B2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_7550A3AAE655B7DCCE4287BFB7795F66" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNoncurrentLiabilitiesLongTermDebt_C272257DEA28CA697F1B87BFB779C5B2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_B6F21D43488E4F0817DD87BFB779281E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_7550A3AAE655B7DCCE4287BFB7795F66" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_B6F21D43488E4F0817DD87BFB779281E" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/LongTermDebtMarchDropDownDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_0654AC3A05578806113387C3F4C05AE1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_5ED6E914B4583DD4B66087C3F65EA79D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_0654AC3A05578806113387C3F4C05AE1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_5ED6E914B4583DD4B66087C3F65EA79D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_8FBA1BF73EAD575D7AD787C3F65F32CD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_5ED6E914B4583DD4B66087C3F65EA79D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_8FBA1BF73EAD575D7AD787C3F65F32CD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_5656FB180C9786BA041087C3F65F8C71" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_8FBA1BF73EAD575D7AD787C3F65F32CD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_5656FB180C9786BA041087C3F65F8C71" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_801158CC6F1CE48BBA6087C3F65F8142" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_5ED6E914B4583DD4B66087C3F65EA79D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_801158CC6F1CE48BBA6087C3F65F8142" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_3937D9567C7FAFBB700C87C3F65FB4F9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_801158CC6F1CE48BBA6087C3F65F8142" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_3937D9567C7FAFBB700C87C3F65FB4F9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_UtahSolarPortfoliodue2022Member" xlink:label="loc_nrg_UtahSolarPortfoliodue2022Member_F2A2811BDC8C8C4D6A7D87C3F689873F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_3937D9567C7FAFBB700C87C3F65FB4F9" xlink:to="loc_nrg_UtahSolarPortfoliodue2022Member_F2A2811BDC8C8C4D6A7D87C3F689873F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_B32018B75BD300D7E35287C3F6606AD5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_5ED6E914B4583DD4B66087C3F65EA79D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_B32018B75BD300D7E35287C3F6606AD5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_376BBAB4CAD933820E6087C3F6603DEE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_B32018B75BD300D7E35287C3F6606AD5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_376BBAB4CAD933820E6087C3F6603DEE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodAxis_515E5B5D5625C0A9582887C3F6608735" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_5ED6E914B4583DD4B66087C3F65EA79D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodAxis_515E5B5D5625C0A9582887C3F6608735" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodDomain_FD7B57C851B330356C5587C3F6615388" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodAxis_515E5B5D5625C0A9582887C3F6608735" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodDomain_FD7B57C851B330356C5587C3F6615388" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_5D6E32BA6A9281D9941487C3F661664B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_5ED6E914B4583DD4B66087C3F65EA79D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_5D6E32BA6A9281D9941487C3F661664B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_08718132A1F9F9B51F5687C3F66144CF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_5D6E32BA6A9281D9941487C3F661664B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_08718132A1F9F9B51F5687C3F66144CF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_4512B02A1CAB272BC8B187C3F66232D4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_5ED6E914B4583DD4B66087C3F65EA79D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_4512B02A1CAB272BC8B187C3F66232D4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_EC25A7E772A084CFE0A187C4015C71B9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_4512B02A1CAB272BC8B187C3F66232D4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_EC25A7E772A084CFE0A187C4015C71B9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_B4500EB3DA8DE3A32A5C87C4364CEEF6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_4512B02A1CAB272BC8B187C3F66232D4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_B4500EB3DA8DE3A32A5C87C4364CEEF6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity_7D29F6028AEA3E83BDC587C401942041" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_4512B02A1CAB272BC8B187C3F66232D4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity_7D29F6028AEA3E83BDC587C401942041" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateEffectivePercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateEffectivePercentage_4FCFEFF14DA3F40F1E7187C4012180C2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_4512B02A1CAB272BC8B187C3F66232D4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateEffectivePercentage_4FCFEFF14DA3F40F1E7187C4012180C2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1_027D719722D3A03017D287C3F6775145" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_4512B02A1CAB272BC8B187C3F66232D4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1_027D719722D3A03017D287C3F6775145" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNoncurrentLiabilitiesLongTermDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNoncurrentLiabilitiesLongTermDebt_0DBD49D5AC4FC747E8A687C4B3F682E0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_4512B02A1CAB272BC8B187C3F66232D4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNoncurrentLiabilitiesLongTermDebt_0DBD49D5AC4FC747E8A687C4B3F682E0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfDebt_9417DB7EA9819EB1E8C187C4DBAF0CFF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_4512B02A1CAB272BC8B187C3F66232D4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfDebt_9417DB7EA9819EB1E8C187C4DBAF0CFF" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/LongTermDebtTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_4876E9A56F62CD676F1B824660684A3B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_A1292BD78085FAD19A31824660684EE9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_4876E9A56F62CD676F1B824660684A3B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_A1292BD78085FAD19A31824660684EE9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_AE661BFDDB1E41552725824660683B9F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_A1292BD78085FAD19A31824660684EE9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_AE661BFDDB1E41552725824660683B9F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_642B193B036DE3A1A3D68246606888C6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_AE661BFDDB1E41552725824660683B9F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_642B193B036DE3A1A3D68246606888C6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_E4CDBCB0DBD21620B7C382466068D14B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_A1292BD78085FAD19A31824660684EE9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_E4CDBCB0DBD21620B7C382466068D14B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_1EE1F6D86828234489E282466068F08A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_E4CDBCB0DBD21620B7C382466068D14B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_1EE1F6D86828234489E282466068F08A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_ABDC39EF75E4B277B95A8246606893B2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_A1292BD78085FAD19A31824660684EE9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_ABDC39EF75E4B277B95A8246606893B2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_77FD005F6D9A7EEA7F3B82466068EC9C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_ABDC39EF75E4B277B95A8246606893B2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_77FD005F6D9A7EEA7F3B82466068EC9C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodAxis_7048D3F911EE50BF9FC58246606886AB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_A1292BD78085FAD19A31824660684EE9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodAxis_7048D3F911EE50BF9FC58246606886AB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodDomain_A137DE092B3536095AB382466068EA25" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodAxis_7048D3F911EE50BF9FC58246606886AB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodDomain_A137DE092B3536095AB382466068EA25" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_DCD071DE9DCEFE1F73D0824660681769" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_A1292BD78085FAD19A31824660684EE9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_DCD071DE9DCEFE1F73D0824660681769" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfDerivativeInstrumentsTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDerivativeInstrumentsTextBlock_A2F0A64518F70C98522C82466068275C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_DCD071DE9DCEFE1F73D0824660681769" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDerivativeInstrumentsTextBlock_A2F0A64518F70C98522C82466068275C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfMaturitiesOfLongTermDebtTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfMaturitiesOfLongTermDebtTableTextBlock_586DA4C5B75D378A46518246606851FE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_DCD071DE9DCEFE1F73D0824660681769" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfMaturitiesOfLongTermDebtTableTextBlock_586DA4C5B75D378A46518246606851FE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfDebtTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDebtTableTextBlock_AF0C69E1693CCE05BB5A8246606807F1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_4876E9A56F62CD676F1B824660684A3B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDebtTableTextBlock_AF0C69E1693CCE05BB5A8246606807F1" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/MembersEquityDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MembersEquityAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MembersEquityAbstract_21EE06AB6B6362446608A07EAAD94A95" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfCapitalizationEquityTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCapitalizationEquityTable_568C6FD16BB6B5F682E3A07EAAD9EFDE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MembersEquityAbstract_21EE06AB6B6362446608A07EAAD94A95" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCapitalizationEquityTable_568C6FD16BB6B5F682E3A07EAAD9EFDE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_6DBE99915EB495D88933A07EAAD96441" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCapitalizationEquityTable_568C6FD16BB6B5F682E3A07EAAD9EFDE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_6DBE99915EB495D88933A07EAAD96441" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_75FB68138A3CB72F0DA9A07EAAD95F8E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_6DBE99915EB495D88933A07EAAD96441" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_75FB68138A3CB72F0DA9A07EAAD95F8E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassBMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassBMember_44F9DCCAE4AA8B3E8C67A07EAAD9D5AD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_75FB68138A3CB72F0DA9A07EAAD95F8E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassBMember_44F9DCCAE4AA8B3E8C67A07EAAD9D5AD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassCMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassCMember_FCC2D18C1607E45BD26AA07EAAD95363" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_75FB68138A3CB72F0DA9A07EAAD95F8E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassCMember_FCC2D18C1607E45BD26AA07EAAD95363" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_CommonClassDMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_CommonClassDMember_80B6186931685498AE75A07EAADA92C7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_75FB68138A3CB72F0DA9A07EAAD95F8E" xlink:to="loc_nrg_CommonClassDMember_80B6186931685498AE75A07EAADA92C7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_PowerGenerationFacilitiesByTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationFacilitiesByTypeAxis_26F5150EA87AF279046CA07EAADA5AF9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCapitalizationEquityTable_568C6FD16BB6B5F682E3A07EAAD9EFDE" xlink:to="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationFacilitiesByTypeAxis_26F5150EA87AF279046CA07EAADA5AF9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_PowerGenerationFacilitiesTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationFacilitiesTypeDomain_F8F501B7E4E0A8B5B528A07EAADA8F74" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationFacilitiesByTypeAxis_26F5150EA87AF279046CA07EAADA5AF9" xlink:to="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationFacilitiesTypeDomain_F8F501B7E4E0A8B5B528A07EAADA8F74" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_WindFarmsMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_WindFarmsMember_6B5F060722047FFA0907A07EAADAA9A5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationFacilitiesTypeDomain_F8F501B7E4E0A8B5B528A07EAADA8F74" xlink:to="loc_nrg_WindFarmsMember_6B5F060722047FFA0907A07EAADAA9A5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_A431854E9ECD4E12D117A07EAADAED75" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCapitalizationEquityTable_568C6FD16BB6B5F682E3A07EAAD9EFDE" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_A431854E9ECD4E12D117A07EAADAED75" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_D37218C3959E77D8D178A07EAADA0364" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_A431854E9ECD4E12D117A07EAADAED75" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_D37218C3959E77D8D178A07EAADA0364" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_ElSegundoMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_ElSegundoMember_1D61E25048CB29BA8641A07EAADA1470" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_D37218C3959E77D8D178A07EAADA0364" xlink:to="loc_nrg_ElSegundoMember_1D61E25048CB29BA8641A07EAADA1470" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_January2015DropDownAssetsMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_January2015DropDownAssetsMember_50E948ECCF511F624C1AA07EAADAF57A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_D37218C3959E77D8D178A07EAADA0364" xlink:to="loc_nrg_January2015DropDownAssetsMember_50E948ECCF511F624C1AA07EAADAF57A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_TaHighDesertLlcMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_TaHighDesertLlcMember_A778443D1762DC7D523EA07EAADA8415" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_D37218C3959E77D8D178A07EAADA0364" xlink:to="loc_nrg_TaHighDesertLlcMember_A778443D1762DC7D523EA07EAADA8415" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_EB970C34590B297397C7A07EAADB6761" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCapitalizationEquityTable_568C6FD16BB6B5F682E3A07EAAD9EFDE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_EB970C34590B297397C7A07EAADB6761" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_9F79433AB8AB065EE013A07EAADB6BFD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_EB970C34590B297397C7A07EAADB6761" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_9F79433AB8AB065EE013A07EAADB6BFD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_NrgMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NrgMember_BCD12B1A3B987F2907A1A07EAADB5382" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_9F79433AB8AB065EE013A07EAADB6BFD" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NrgMember_BCD12B1A3B987F2907A1A07EAADB5382" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_NRGRepoweringHoldingsLLCMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NRGRepoweringHoldingsLLCMember_1AEEB524410BB455F1BDA07EAADBF9C2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_9F79433AB8AB065EE013A07EAADB6BFD" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NRGRepoweringHoldingsLLCMember_1AEEB524410BB455F1BDA07EAADBF9C2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherOwnershipInterestsByNameAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherOwnershipInterestsByNameAxis_7C093CA267EE1FC2300BA07EAADB6431" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCapitalizationEquityTable_568C6FD16BB6B5F682E3A07EAAD9EFDE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherOwnershipInterestsByNameAxis_7C093CA267EE1FC2300BA07EAADB6431" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherOwnershipInterestsNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherOwnershipInterestsNameDomain_B87611E596BD3FECAC67A07EAADB26AA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherOwnershipInterestsByNameAxis_7C093CA267EE1FC2300BA07EAADB6431" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherOwnershipInterestsNameDomain_B87611E596BD3FECAC67A07EAADB26AA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_FinancialInstitutionsMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_FinancialInstitutionsMember_0EB71B115DBCA08B6EBEA07EAADB821E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherOwnershipInterestsNameDomain_B87611E596BD3FECAC67A07EAADB26AA" xlink:to="loc_nrg_FinancialInstitutionsMember_0EB71B115DBCA08B6EBEA07EAADB821E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_AF7866A7ADC554E99EBFA07EAADB63E6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCapitalizationEquityTable_568C6FD16BB6B5F682E3A07EAAD9EFDE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_AF7866A7ADC554E99EBFA07EAADB63E6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_A6790F921F1348D8570AA07EAADBD163" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_AF7866A7ADC554E99EBFA07EAADB63E6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_A6790F921F1348D8570AA07EAADBD163" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_CvsrMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_CvsrMember_03DE19DF9E4B2BC13C64A07EAADCDD45" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_A6790F921F1348D8570AA07EAADBD163" xlink:to="loc_nrg_CvsrMember_03DE19DF9E4B2BC13C64A07EAADCDD45" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfCapitalizationEquityLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCapitalizationEquityLineItems_AB821FB61BBB86D6EBDAA07EAADC87A6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCapitalizationEquityTable_568C6FD16BB6B5F682E3A07EAAD9EFDE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCapitalizationEquityLineItems_AB821FB61BBB86D6EBDAA07EAADC87A6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DistributionMadeToLimitedLiabilityCompanyLLCMemberDistributionsPaidPerUnit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DistributionMadeToLimitedLiabilityCompanyLLCMemberDistributionsPaidPerUnit_FB55EB6F17D878FF9608A07EAADC396C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCapitalizationEquityLineItems_AB821FB61BBB86D6EBDAA07EAADC87A6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DistributionMadeToLimitedLiabilityCompanyLLCMemberDistributionsPaidPerUnit_FB55EB6F17D878FF9608A07EAADC396C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DividendsPayableDateDeclaredDayMonthAndYear" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DividendsPayableDateDeclaredDayMonthAndYear_0F65F4BF9A80A61CFB3DA07EAADC2740" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCapitalizationEquityLineItems_AB821FB61BBB86D6EBDAA07EAADC87A6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DividendsPayableDateDeclaredDayMonthAndYear_0F65F4BF9A80A61CFB3DA07EAADC2740" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareDeclared" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareDeclared_69EB0270800DC8A3A1DBA07EAADCF08F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCapitalizationEquityLineItems_AB821FB61BBB86D6EBDAA07EAADC87A6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareDeclared_69EB0270800DC8A3A1DBA07EAADCF08F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DividendPayableDateToBePaidDayMonthAndYear" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DividendPayableDateToBePaidDayMonthAndYear_9280BC44086F709A9DA4A07EAADCD68D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCapitalizationEquityLineItems_AB821FB61BBB86D6EBDAA07EAADC87A6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DividendPayableDateToBePaidDayMonthAndYear_9280BC44086F709A9DA4A07EAADCD68D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsNetGainsAndLosses" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsNetGainsAndLosses_1E21569225451DF089F2A07EAADC105D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCapitalizationEquityLineItems_AB821FB61BBB86D6EBDAA07EAADC87A6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsNetGainsAndLosses_1E21569225451DF089F2A07EAADC105D" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/MembersEquityNotes" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MembersEquityAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MembersEquityAbstract_3654ACB9F21080EF60D4824661715A5A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteDisclosureTextBlock_210E16CCE03C3D095F3B824661711129" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MembersEquityAbstract_3654ACB9F21080EF60D4824661715A5A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteDisclosureTextBlock_210E16CCE03C3D095F3B824661711129" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/MembersEquityTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MembersEquityAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MembersEquityAbstract_B4C8E3035D1F9E62C7BD82466123F468" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_ScheduleofDividendsPaidTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_nrg_ScheduleofDividendsPaidTableTextBlock_89FE019193EA33BDA3D98246612393C5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MembersEquityAbstract_B4C8E3035D1F9E62C7BD82466123F468" xlink:to="loc_nrg_ScheduleofDividendsPaidTableTextBlock_89FE019193EA33BDA3D98246612393C5" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/NatureOfBusiness" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_NatureOfBusinessDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NatureOfBusinessDisclosureAbstract_4ADC39103604DC5B6FA682465F9D3AE5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessDescriptionAndBasisOfPresentationTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessDescriptionAndBasisOfPresentationTextBlock_BDD28F746082EE516C9482465F9D70C1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_NatureOfBusinessDisclosureAbstract_4ADC39103604DC5B6FA682465F9D3AE5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessDescriptionAndBasisOfPresentationTextBlock_BDD28F746082EE516C9482465F9D70C1" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/NatureOfBusinessDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_NatureOfBusinessDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NatureOfBusinessDisclosureAbstract_48EF82A3B2E322D98CECAEB68240C9FE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_NatureOfBusinessTable" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NatureOfBusinessTable_ABBB1E856E10E6BDCC1AAEB68241E378" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_NatureOfBusinessDisclosureAbstract_48EF82A3B2E322D98CECAEB68240C9FE" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NatureOfBusinessTable_ABBB1E856E10E6BDCC1AAEB68241E378" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_DA52B67B1CFDD3FC95CCAEB68241C738" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_NatureOfBusinessTable_ABBB1E856E10E6BDCC1AAEB68241E378" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_DA52B67B1CFDD3FC95CCAEB68241C738" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_C2C8419C22296E8A8BF6AEB68241D939" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_DA52B67B1CFDD3FC95CCAEB68241C738" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_C2C8419C22296E8A8BF6AEB68241D939" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_UnconsolidatedSolarPartnershipsMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_UnconsolidatedSolarPartnershipsMember_A0750739B04C0521A9F0AEB6824189B1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_C2C8419C22296E8A8BF6AEB68241D939" xlink:to="loc_nrg_UnconsolidatedSolarPartnershipsMember_A0750739B04C0521A9F0AEB6824189B1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_5059E04577EB8E29789BAEB682424C96" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_NatureOfBusinessTable_ABBB1E856E10E6BDCC1AAEB68241E378" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_5059E04577EB8E29789BAEB682424C96" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_BA2DDE78D209EF5FA8B7AEB68242424E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_5059E04577EB8E29789BAEB682424C96" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_BA2DDE78D209EF5FA8B7AEB68242424E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_FB5656C88BB9224B4750AEB68242924A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_BA2DDE78D209EF5FA8B7AEB68242424E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_FB5656C88BB9224B4750AEB68242924A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_1DE504F175256ADFF2B6AEB68242AE00" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_NatureOfBusinessTable_ABBB1E856E10E6BDCC1AAEB68241E378" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_1DE504F175256ADFF2B6AEB68242AE00" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_B4B66A9705E477538497AEB68242409B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_1DE504F175256ADFF2B6AEB68242AE00" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_B4B66A9705E477538497AEB68242409B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassBMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassBMember_089EBBC30FCB7C67F032AEB6824219CF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_B4B66A9705E477538497AEB68242409B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassBMember_089EBBC30FCB7C67F032AEB6824219CF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassAMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassAMember_A2EDE7845705F9D3611FAEB68242670B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_B4B66A9705E477538497AEB68242409B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassAMember_A2EDE7845705F9D3611FAEB68242670B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassCMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassCMember_85333D747E8A3CDF5D6DAEB68242690A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_B4B66A9705E477538497AEB68242409B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassCMember_85333D747E8A3CDF5D6DAEB68242690A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermContractForPurchaseOfElectricPowerAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermContractForPurchaseOfElectricPowerAxis_F5C0F4CFE7BE6EC0B696AEB68242DF01" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_NatureOfBusinessTable_ABBB1E856E10E6BDCC1AAEB68241E378" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermContractForPurchaseOfElectricPowerAxis_F5C0F4CFE7BE6EC0B696AEB68242DF01" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermContractForPurchaseOfElectricPowerDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermContractForPurchaseOfElectricPowerDomain_AF7B09E09547ADB9DD64AEB682435095" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermContractForPurchaseOfElectricPowerAxis_F5C0F4CFE7BE6EC0B696AEB68242DF01" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermContractForPurchaseOfElectricPowerDomain_AF7B09E09547ADB9DD64AEB682435095" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_PacificGasandElectricMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_PacificGasandElectricMember_1079275B632C3A91BDFDAEB68243F865" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermContractForPurchaseOfElectricPowerDomain_AF7B09E09547ADB9DD64AEB682435095" xlink:to="loc_nrg_PacificGasandElectricMember_1079275B632C3A91BDFDAEB68243F865" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_SouthernCaliforniaEdisonMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_SouthernCaliforniaEdisonMember_57A69FB7B9B78977BCD6AEB682432E29" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermContractForPurchaseOfElectricPowerDomain_AF7B09E09547ADB9DD64AEB682435095" xlink:to="loc_nrg_SouthernCaliforniaEdisonMember_57A69FB7B9B78977BCD6AEB682432E29" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_01FD3DA6FDA3EA79E47DAEB68243CF30" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_NatureOfBusinessTable_ABBB1E856E10E6BDCC1AAEB68241E378" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_01FD3DA6FDA3EA79E47DAEB68243CF30" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_0E27859209754FE93142AEB682433FBB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_01FD3DA6FDA3EA79E47DAEB68243CF30" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_0E27859209754FE93142AEB682433FBB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_NrgMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NrgMember_B39B17E7254B7A489FC8AEB68243E2FE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_0E27859209754FE93142AEB682433FBB" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NrgMember_B39B17E7254B7A489FC8AEB68243E2FE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AffiliatedEntityMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AffiliatedEntityMember_B6F827391CE3425FCC86AEB68243E750" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_0E27859209754FE93142AEB682433FBB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AffiliatedEntityMember_B6F827391CE3425FCC86AEB68243E750" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_A763BF2C5C2A5A1BF66CAEB682439739" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_NatureOfBusinessTable_ABBB1E856E10E6BDCC1AAEB68241E378" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_A763BF2C5C2A5A1BF66CAEB682439739" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_74B2AFFCEA4FD82AD4FEAEB68243380A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_A763BF2C5C2A5A1BF66CAEB682439739" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_74B2AFFCEA4FD82AD4FEAEB68243380A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_CvsrMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_CvsrMember_EF5BA9C299BFE36A482BAEB68243AF80" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_74B2AFFCEA4FD82AD4FEAEB68243380A" xlink:to="loc_nrg_CvsrMember_EF5BA9C299BFE36A482BAEB68243AF80" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_November2015DropDownAssetsMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_November2015DropDownAssetsMember_47F619007BD3B23D8DC7AEB682431ECB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_74B2AFFCEA4FD82AD4FEAEB68243380A" xlink:to="loc_nrg_November2015DropDownAssetsMember_47F619007BD3B23D8DC7AEB682431ECB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_January2015DropDownAssetsMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_January2015DropDownAssetsMember_DD72E03BD06C3D25809CAEB682435224" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_74B2AFFCEA4FD82AD4FEAEB68243380A" xlink:to="loc_nrg_January2015DropDownAssetsMember_DD72E03BD06C3D25809CAEB682435224" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_F34A6C3D78E58B365FE7AEB682447B68" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_NatureOfBusinessTable_ABBB1E856E10E6BDCC1AAEB68241E378" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_F34A6C3D78E58B365FE7AEB682447B68" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_45C65607FE077EAB1196AEB68244A309" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_F34A6C3D78E58B365FE7AEB682447B68" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_45C65607FE077EAB1196AEB68244A309" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_SpringCanyonMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_SpringCanyonMember_05543EC70DE2E2166848AEB68244114B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_45C65607FE077EAB1196AEB68244A309" xlink:to="loc_nrg_SpringCanyonMember_05543EC70DE2E2166848AEB68244114B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_ThermalMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_ThermalMember_34C75B048C29D58E14D6AEB68244D96D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_45C65607FE077EAB1196AEB68244A309" xlink:to="loc_nrg_ThermalMember_34C75B048C29D58E14D6AEB68244D96D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_NRGRPVHoldcoMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NRGRPVHoldcoMember_5B36DB026E34C60A9279AEB682448C26" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_45C65607FE077EAB1196AEB68244A309" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NRGRPVHoldcoMember_5B36DB026E34C60A9279AEB682448C26" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_NRGDGPVHoldcoMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NRGDGPVHoldcoMember_DF21926DCCF6FF107B57AEB68244BF22" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_45C65607FE077EAB1196AEB68244A309" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NRGDGPVHoldcoMember_DF21926DCCF6FF107B57AEB68244BF22" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_NRGYieldMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NRGYieldMember_B581F7B45EA12C583DD5AEB68244F82B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_45C65607FE077EAB1196AEB68244A309" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NRGYieldMember_B581F7B45EA12C583DD5AEB68244F82B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_NrgYieldIncMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NrgYieldIncMember_45C1AE928E069214C7C9AEB68244F721" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_45C65607FE077EAB1196AEB68244A309" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NrgYieldIncMember_45C1AE928E069214C7C9AEB68244F721" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_NRGYieldLLCMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NRGYieldLLCMember_14F14AD776D43735B026AEB6824569AD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_45C65607FE077EAB1196AEB68244A309" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NRGYieldLLCMember_14F14AD776D43735B026AEB6824569AD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_NrgMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NrgMember_2EB95B12138A9EF60904AEB68245582A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_45C65607FE077EAB1196AEB68244A309" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NrgMember_2EB95B12138A9EF60904AEB68245582A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_GenConnMiddletownMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_GenConnMiddletownMember_63DDD4A8A283C7C76832AEB68245F26B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_45C65607FE077EAB1196AEB68244A309" xlink:to="loc_nrg_GenConnMiddletownMember_63DDD4A8A283C7C76832AEB68245F26B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_GenConnDevonMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_GenConnDevonMember_1451E7AEBC9815FBD96DAEB6824527F9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_45C65607FE077EAB1196AEB68244A309" xlink:to="loc_nrg_GenConnDevonMember_1451E7AEBC9815FBD96DAEB6824527F9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_MarshLandingMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_MarshLandingMember_70FC3E66A67654B6A4D1AEB6824559E5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_45C65607FE077EAB1196AEB68244A309" xlink:to="loc_nrg_MarshLandingMember_70FC3E66A67654B6A4D1AEB6824559E5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_ElSegundoMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_ElSegundoMember_64BAC4E9F4B0B4C57BDDAEB68245D8C0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="12" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_45C65607FE077EAB1196AEB68244A309" xlink:to="loc_nrg_ElSegundoMember_64BAC4E9F4B0B4C57BDDAEB68245D8C0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_WalnutCreekMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_WalnutCreekMember_63618113CCA02A678D0BAEB682454AC8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="13" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_45C65607FE077EAB1196AEB68244A309" xlink:to="loc_nrg_WalnutCreekMember_63618113CCA02A678D0BAEB682454AC8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_AguaCalienteMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_AguaCalienteMember_9A4C6CC645BCD1591336AEB68245D1CF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="14" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_45C65607FE077EAB1196AEB68244A309" xlink:to="loc_nrg_AguaCalienteMember_9A4C6CC645BCD1591336AEB68245D1CF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_AlpineMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_AlpineMember_B5062ADA0BCC2D697455AEB68245AEF1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="15" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_45C65607FE077EAB1196AEB68244A309" xlink:to="loc_nrg_AlpineMember_B5062ADA0BCC2D697455AEB68245AEF1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_AvenalMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_AvenalMember_0A0D5DF1FC4B9A79F1E3AEB6824581B3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="16" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_45C65607FE077EAB1196AEB68244A309" xlink:to="loc_nrg_AvenalMember_0A0D5DF1FC4B9A79F1E3AEB6824581B3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_AvraValleyMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_AvraValleyMember_6406CDB697AEC7EDE6B5AEB68245AF7E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="17" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_45C65607FE077EAB1196AEB68244A309" xlink:to="loc_nrg_AvraValleyMember_6406CDB697AEC7EDE6B5AEB68245AF7E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_NrgSolarBlytheLlcMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NrgSolarBlytheLlcMember_C6531CFE69089F1BCF72AEB682456267" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="18" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_45C65607FE077EAB1196AEB68244A309" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NrgSolarBlytheLlcMember_C6531CFE69089F1BCF72AEB682456267" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_BorregoMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_BorregoMember_DA7CB2C3509802992B1AAEB68245672F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="19" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_45C65607FE077EAB1196AEB68244A309" xlink:to="loc_nrg_BorregoMember_DA7CB2C3509802992B1AAEB68245672F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_NrgSolarRoadrunnerLlcMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NrgSolarRoadrunnerLlcMember_E1E85A4315038BBFB23FAEB68246EC3A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="20" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_45C65607FE077EAB1196AEB68244A309" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NrgSolarRoadrunnerLlcMember_E1E85A4315038BBFB23FAEB68246EC3A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:presentationArc order="21" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_45C65607FE077EAB1196AEB68244A309" xlink:to="loc_nrg_CvsrMember_EF5BA9C299BFE36A482BAEB68243AF80" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_REKansasSouthMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_REKansasSouthMember_BAB86D7EC3647167D775AEB68246DF24" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="22" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_45C65607FE077EAB1196AEB68244A309" xlink:to="loc_nrg_REKansasSouthMember_BAB86D7EC3647167D775AEB68246DF24" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_KansasSouthMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_KansasSouthMember_B8F4C3F77C17FEA232F4AEB68246D7EA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="23" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_45C65607FE077EAB1196AEB68244A309" xlink:to="loc_nrg_KansasSouthMember_B8F4C3F77C17FEA232F4AEB68246D7EA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_TaHighDesertLlcMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_TaHighDesertLlcMember_0E2FF35F784EF2B8068EAEB68246143B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="24" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_45C65607FE077EAB1196AEB68244A309" xlink:to="loc_nrg_TaHighDesertLlcMember_0E2FF35F784EF2B8068EAEB68246143B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_UtahPortfolioMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_UtahPortfolioMember_BB95819EE0847C268725AEB68246F80E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="25" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_45C65607FE077EAB1196AEB68244A309" xlink:to="loc_nrg_UtahPortfolioMember_BB95819EE0847C268725AEB68246F80E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_DesertSunlightMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_DesertSunlightMember_2FC018875CA5BA99B16DAEB682464525" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="26" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_45C65607FE077EAB1196AEB68244A309" xlink:to="loc_nrg_DesertSunlightMember_2FC018875CA5BA99B16DAEB682464525" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_AZDGSolarProjectsMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_AZDGSolarProjectsMember_68EC8C21E7ADEDD0A179AEB6824689DF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="27" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_45C65607FE077EAB1196AEB68244A309" xlink:to="loc_nrg_AZDGSolarProjectsMember_68EC8C21E7ADEDD0A179AEB6824689DF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_PFMGDGSolarProjectsMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_PFMGDGSolarProjectsMember_20ABEEC22714A4B7AB07AEB68246DBB7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="28" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_45C65607FE077EAB1196AEB68244A309" xlink:to="loc_nrg_PFMGDGSolarProjectsMember_20ABEEC22714A4B7AB07AEB68246DBB7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_AltaIMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_AltaIMember_A611FE8EFD3A5CB9294BAEB682460E82" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="29" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_45C65607FE077EAB1196AEB68244A309" xlink:to="loc_nrg_AltaIMember_A611FE8EFD3A5CB9294BAEB682460E82" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_AltaIIMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_AltaIIMember_FC8AC78EB81B6142CB7AAEB682464D7F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="30" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_45C65607FE077EAB1196AEB68244A309" xlink:to="loc_nrg_AltaIIMember_FC8AC78EB81B6142CB7AAEB682464D7F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_AltaIIIMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_AltaIIIMember_FE422EA56B2F3FAEF703AEB682461A69" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="31" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_45C65607FE077EAB1196AEB68244A309" xlink:to="loc_nrg_AltaIIIMember_FE422EA56B2F3FAEF703AEB682461A69" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_AltaIVMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_AltaIVMember_79B2210898602BE024AFAEB682468845" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="32" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_45C65607FE077EAB1196AEB68244A309" xlink:to="loc_nrg_AltaIVMember_79B2210898602BE024AFAEB682468845" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_AltaVMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_AltaVMember_2BB29A216A8D1AB4ADA3AEB682475A3D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="33" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_45C65607FE077EAB1196AEB68244A309" xlink:to="loc_nrg_AltaVMember_2BB29A216A8D1AB4ADA3AEB682475A3D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_AltaXMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_AltaXMember_623E55CE0182DFDC0626AEB682475047" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="34" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_45C65607FE077EAB1196AEB68244A309" xlink:to="loc_nrg_AltaXMember_623E55CE0182DFDC0626AEB682475047" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_AltaXIMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_AltaXIMember_B366C312C4C6626C653AAEB682473649" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="35" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_45C65607FE077EAB1196AEB68244A309" xlink:to="loc_nrg_AltaXIMember_B366C312C4C6626C653AAEB682473649" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_SouthTrentHoldingLlcMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_SouthTrentHoldingLlcMember_97B5A522066906812B69AEB68247DD7C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="36" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_45C65607FE077EAB1196AEB68244A309" xlink:to="loc_nrg_SouthTrentHoldingLlcMember_97B5A522066906812B69AEB68247DD7C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_SpanishForkMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_SpanishForkMember_5663E229BF400FD11621AEB68247872A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="37" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_45C65607FE077EAB1196AEB68244A309" xlink:to="loc_nrg_SpanishForkMember_5663E229BF400FD11621AEB68247872A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_LaredoRidgeMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_LaredoRidgeMember_11BBC3BF20F7EFFCE2FCAEB68247B1B1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="38" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_45C65607FE077EAB1196AEB68244A309" xlink:to="loc_nrg_LaredoRidgeMember_11BBC3BF20F7EFFCE2FCAEB68247B1B1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_LookoutMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_LookoutMember_2139EE23439148E53046AEB68247A071" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="39" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_45C65607FE077EAB1196AEB68244A309" xlink:to="loc_nrg_LookoutMember_2139EE23439148E53046AEB68247A071" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_OdinWindFarmMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_OdinWindFarmMember_AAA72B5E1E463CA638CBAEB682473ABE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="40" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_45C65607FE077EAB1196AEB68244A309" xlink:to="loc_nrg_OdinWindFarmMember_AAA72B5E1E463CA638CBAEB682473ABE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_TalogaMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_TalogaMember_618CD523CCBAC2F1BB6CAEB68247B8F3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="41" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_45C65607FE077EAB1196AEB68244A309" xlink:to="loc_nrg_TalogaMember_618CD523CCBAC2F1BB6CAEB68247B8F3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_PinnacleMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_PinnacleMember_9A9A7BE7765AFE4BF322AEB682487F86" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="42" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_45C65607FE077EAB1196AEB68244A309" xlink:to="loc_nrg_PinnacleMember_9A9A7BE7765AFE4BF322AEB682487F86" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_SanJuanMesaWindProjectLLCMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_SanJuanMesaWindProjectLLCMember_B3A2913BC76170F66247AEB68248A1ED" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="43" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_45C65607FE077EAB1196AEB68244A309" xlink:to="loc_nrg_SanJuanMesaWindProjectLLCMember_B3A2913BC76170F66247AEB68248A1ED" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_SleepingBearMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_SleepingBearMember_8C556032DA89ADD20DB9AEB682485EE0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="44" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_45C65607FE077EAB1196AEB68244A309" xlink:to="loc_nrg_SleepingBearMember_8C556032DA89ADD20DB9AEB682485EE0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_BuffaloBearMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_BuffaloBearMember_542D3D303C211F96191EAEB68248B17A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="45" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_45C65607FE077EAB1196AEB68244A309" xlink:to="loc_nrg_BuffaloBearMember_542D3D303C211F96191EAEB68248B17A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_CrosswindsMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_CrosswindsMember_CD7A9A527155E2653947AEB68248AC5B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="46" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_45C65607FE077EAB1196AEB68244A309" xlink:to="loc_nrg_CrosswindsMember_CD7A9A527155E2653947AEB68248AC5B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_ForwardMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_ForwardMember_0137AD941C771DDB7991AEB68248483B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="47" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_45C65607FE077EAB1196AEB68244A309" xlink:to="loc_nrg_ForwardMember_0137AD941C771DDB7991AEB68248483B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_GoatWindMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_GoatWindMember_DDB8D27413BA171BB256AEB682481D04" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="48" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_45C65607FE077EAB1196AEB68244A309" xlink:to="loc_nrg_GoatWindMember_DDB8D27413BA171BB256AEB682481D04" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_ElbowCreekMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_ElbowCreekMember_9B6EF3C1E0E9D89E00F6AEB6824868EF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="49" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_45C65607FE077EAB1196AEB68244A309" xlink:to="loc_nrg_ElbowCreekMember_9B6EF3C1E0E9D89E00F6AEB6824868EF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_ElkhornRidgeWindLLCMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_ElkhornRidgeWindLLCMember_C905668D0AED5C90CBFEAEB68248B5CA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="50" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_45C65607FE077EAB1196AEB68244A309" xlink:to="loc_nrg_ElkhornRidgeWindLLCMember_C905668D0AED5C90CBFEAEB68248B5CA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_HardinMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_HardinMember_BDF92F3AF2ABEA3328C8AEB68248C3E0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="51" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_45C65607FE077EAB1196AEB68244A309" xlink:to="loc_nrg_HardinMember_BDF92F3AF2ABEA3328C8AEB68248C3E0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_SpringCanyonIIMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_SpringCanyonIIMember_7F88456E1F59BFD3C1F8AEB682486109" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="52" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_45C65607FE077EAB1196AEB68244A309" xlink:to="loc_nrg_SpringCanyonIIMember_7F88456E1F59BFD3C1F8AEB682486109" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_SpringCanyonIIIMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_SpringCanyonIIIMember_BE4B74555237CB6BE376AEB68248DD92" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="53" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_45C65607FE077EAB1196AEB68244A309" xlink:to="loc_nrg_SpringCanyonIIIMember_BE4B74555237CB6BE376AEB68248DD92" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_WildoradoMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_WildoradoMember_F591A1C534ECD7C5C351AEB68248D112" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="54" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_45C65607FE077EAB1196AEB68244A309" xlink:to="loc_nrg_WildoradoMember_F591A1C534ECD7C5C351AEB68248D112" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_NRGEnergyCenterDoverMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NRGEnergyCenterDoverMember_8F40CE772A1443994C6BAEB68248A4ED" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="55" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_45C65607FE077EAB1196AEB68244A309" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NRGEnergyCenterDoverMember_8F40CE772A1443994C6BAEB68248A4ED" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_SPPProjectsMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_SPPProjectsMember_895A771BD79C6CECBA14AEB68249C43A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="56" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_45C65607FE077EAB1196AEB68244A309" xlink:to="loc_nrg_SPPProjectsMember_895A771BD79C6CECBA14AEB68249C43A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_OtherDGAssetsMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_OtherDGAssetsMember_CFA61DFAF65899EC7136AEB68249D2F5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="57" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_45C65607FE077EAB1196AEB68244A309" xlink:to="loc_nrg_OtherDGAssetsMember_CFA61DFAF65899EC7136AEB68249D2F5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis_8334AAAF643A00832BA7AEB68249ACBC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_NatureOfBusinessTable_ABBB1E856E10E6BDCC1AAEB68241E378" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis_8334AAAF643A00832BA7AEB68249ACBC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_61A5B407DC18C92CDC66AEB68249FCE2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis_8334AAAF643A00832BA7AEB68249ACBC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_61A5B407DC18C92CDC66AEB68249FCE2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_61A5B407DC18C92CDC66AEB68249FCE2" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NrgYieldIncMember_45C1AE928E069214C7C9AEB68244F721" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_61A5B407DC18C92CDC66AEB68249FCE2" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NRGYieldMember_B581F7B45EA12C583DD5AEB68244F82B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_61A5B407DC18C92CDC66AEB68249FCE2" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NrgMember_2EB95B12138A9EF60904AEB68245582A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_61A5B407DC18C92CDC66AEB68249FCE2" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NRGYieldLLCMember_14F14AD776D43735B026AEB6824569AD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_PowerGenerationFacilitiesByTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationFacilitiesByTypeAxis_248E9412A5D85FC952E2AEB6824930A5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_NatureOfBusinessTable_ABBB1E856E10E6BDCC1AAEB68241E378" xlink:to="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationFacilitiesByTypeAxis_248E9412A5D85FC952E2AEB6824930A5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_PowerGenerationFacilitiesTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationFacilitiesTypeDomain_83EAF4AC083457AA5BDCAEB68249040D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationFacilitiesByTypeAxis_248E9412A5D85FC952E2AEB6824930A5" xlink:to="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationFacilitiesTypeDomain_83EAF4AC083457AA5BDCAEB68249040D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_DistributedSolarMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_DistributedSolarMember_DE8939412EC9D5378E08AEB682493DD7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationFacilitiesTypeDomain_83EAF4AC083457AA5BDCAEB68249040D" xlink:to="loc_nrg_DistributedSolarMember_DE8939412EC9D5378E08AEB682493DD7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_WindFarmsMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_WindFarmsMember_E13EA4793BD070BE0957AEB6824A4BC6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationFacilitiesTypeDomain_83EAF4AC083457AA5BDCAEB68249040D" xlink:to="loc_nrg_WindFarmsMember_E13EA4793BD070BE0957AEB6824A4BC6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationFacilitiesTypeDomain_83EAF4AC083457AA5BDCAEB68249040D" xlink:to="loc_nrg_ThermalMember_34C75B048C29D58E14D6AEB68244D96D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationFacilitiesTypeDomain_83EAF4AC083457AA5BDCAEB68249040D" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NRGEnergyCenterDoverMember_8F40CE772A1443994C6BAEB68248A4ED" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_ConventionalGenerationMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_ConventionalGenerationMember_E3DAA7AB8C63EAFC7318AEB6824AC5EC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationFacilitiesTypeDomain_83EAF4AC083457AA5BDCAEB68249040D" xlink:to="loc_nrg_ConventionalGenerationMember_E3DAA7AB8C63EAFC7318AEB6824AC5EC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_UtilityScaleSolarMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_UtilityScaleSolarMember_56BE715B57A5EA26BD0DAEB6824AD0AF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationFacilitiesTypeDomain_83EAF4AC083457AA5BDCAEB68249040D" xlink:to="loc_nrg_UtilityScaleSolarMember_56BE715B57A5EA26BD0DAEB6824AD0AF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_BasisofPresentationLineItems" xlink:label="loc_nrg_BasisofPresentationLineItems_2B4831F44C3CE074BEA7AEB6824A897E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_NatureOfBusinessTable_ABBB1E856E10E6BDCC1AAEB68241E378" xlink:to="loc_nrg_BasisofPresentationLineItems_2B4831F44C3CE074BEA7AEB6824A897E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_LimitedLiabilityCompanyLLCorLimitedPartnershipLPMembersorLimitedPartnersVotingInterest" xlink:label="loc_nrg_LimitedLiabilityCompanyLLCorLimitedPartnershipLPMembersorLimitedPartnersVotingInterest_F5CC7A85F2C2D2879F90AEB6824ADAA6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_BasisofPresentationLineItems_2B4831F44C3CE074BEA7AEB6824A897E" xlink:to="loc_nrg_LimitedLiabilityCompanyLLCorLimitedPartnershipLPMembersorLimitedPartnersVotingInterest_F5CC7A85F2C2D2879F90AEB6824ADAA6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SaleOfStockPercentageOfOwnershipAfterTransaction" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockPercentageOfOwnershipAfterTransaction_2D002FE9F53CA4839890AEB6824ACDD5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_BasisofPresentationLineItems_2B4831F44C3CE074BEA7AEB6824A897E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockPercentageOfOwnershipAfterTransaction_2D002FE9F53CA4839890AEB6824ACDD5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage_F661651F969770990055AEB6824AF757" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_BasisofPresentationLineItems_2B4831F44C3CE074BEA7AEB6824A897E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage_F661651F969770990055AEB6824AF757" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LimitedLiabilityCompanyLLCOrLimitedPartnershipLPMembersOrLimitedPartnersOwnershipInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LimitedLiabilityCompanyLLCOrLimitedPartnershipLPMembersOrLimitedPartnersOwnershipInterest_D63AE2FCC597E30DF2F8AEB6824A42B9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_BasisofPresentationLineItems_2B4831F44C3CE074BEA7AEB6824A897E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LimitedLiabilityCompanyLLCOrLimitedPartnershipLPMembersOrLimitedPartnersOwnershipInterest_D63AE2FCC597E30DF2F8AEB6824A42B9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_PercentageOfOwnership" xlink:label="loc_nrg_PercentageOfOwnership_6B9033F7E5CEF921BCFDAEB6824ADCDA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_BasisofPresentationLineItems_2B4831F44C3CE074BEA7AEB6824A897E" xlink:to="loc_nrg_PercentageOfOwnership_6B9033F7E5CEF921BCFDAEB6824ADCDA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_PowerGenerationCapacityMegawatts" xlink:label="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationCapacityMegawatts_2A504F0A1DB5D18A65F2AEB6824B2FAB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_BasisofPresentationLineItems_2B4831F44C3CE074BEA7AEB6824A897E" xlink:to="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationCapacityMegawatts_2A504F0A1DB5D18A65F2AEB6824B2FAB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_SteamAndChilledWaterCapacityMegawattsThermalEquivalent" xlink:label="loc_nrg_SteamAndChilledWaterCapacityMegawattsThermalEquivalent_0F76A5413B5F4FA40BB2AEB6824B01B8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_BasisofPresentationLineItems_2B4831F44C3CE074BEA7AEB6824A897E" xlink:to="loc_nrg_SteamAndChilledWaterCapacityMegawattsThermalEquivalent_0F76A5413B5F4FA40BB2AEB6824B01B8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_MegawattsThermalEquivalentAvailableUnderrighttouseProvisions" xlink:label="loc_nrg_MegawattsThermalEquivalentAvailableUnderrighttouseProvisions_A0541CEAA49ADFEAC718AEB6824B63BF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_BasisofPresentationLineItems_2B4831F44C3CE074BEA7AEB6824A897E" xlink:to="loc_nrg_MegawattsThermalEquivalentAvailableUnderrighttouseProvisions_A0541CEAA49ADFEAC718AEB6824B63BF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_PowerGenerationCapacityMegawattsattributedtononcontrollinginterest" xlink:label="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationCapacityMegawattsattributedtononcontrollinginterest_6E248C8B1AFA11DD6997AEB6824B2B20" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_BasisofPresentationLineItems_2B4831F44C3CE074BEA7AEB6824A897E" xlink:to="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationCapacityMegawattsattributedtononcontrollinginterest_6E248C8B1AFA11DD6997AEB6824B2B20" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_PowerGenerationCapacityMegawattsincludingportionattributabletononcontrollinginterest" xlink:label="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationCapacityMegawattsincludingportionattributabletononcontrollinginterest_64FA7B6948E3708F5AFDAEB6824BE530" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_BasisofPresentationLineItems_2B4831F44C3CE074BEA7AEB6824A897E" xlink:to="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationCapacityMegawattsincludingportionattributabletononcontrollinginterest_64FA7B6948E3708F5AFDAEB6824BE530" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/NatureOfBusinessNatureOfBusinessTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_IPOofNRGYieldAbstract" xlink:label="loc_nrg_IPOofNRGYieldAbstract_06A0CB18B6313D198D7B824661043549" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_IPOofNRGYieldTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_nrg_IPOofNRGYieldTableTextBlock_12EB2302A256AEE6A9AD8246610491A1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_IPOofNRGYieldAbstract_06A0CB18B6313D198D7B824661043549" xlink:to="loc_nrg_IPOofNRGYieldTableTextBlock_12EB2302A256AEE6A9AD8246610491A1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_ScheduleofOwnershipPercentageNetCapacityOfftakeCounterpartyandYearofOfftakeExpirationbyOperatingAssetTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_nrg_ScheduleofOwnershipPercentageNetCapacityOfftakeCounterpartyandYearofOfftakeExpirationbyOperatingAssetTableTextBlock_45703BAA378F3A271C3582466104907D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_IPOofNRGYieldAbstract_06A0CB18B6313D198D7B824661043549" xlink:to="loc_nrg_ScheduleofOwnershipPercentageNetCapacityOfftakeCounterpartyandYearofOfftakeExpirationbyOperatingAssetTableTextBlock_45703BAA378F3A271C3582466104907D" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/PropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAbstract_8718C6CADA7E2059C3F982466171150B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_5AA990B21CD6AA80629D824661714EA6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAbstract_8718C6CADA7E2059C3F982466171150B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_5AA990B21CD6AA80629D824661714EA6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_B9CD5CAF6EC7217B869C82466171EF4C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_5AA990B21CD6AA80629D824661714EA6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_B9CD5CAF6EC7217B869C82466171EF4C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_4401F9A3B866CEB71766824661715C1A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_B9CD5CAF6EC7217B869C82466171EF4C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_4401F9A3B866CEB71766824661715C1A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_7BE82F6414EDEF4CA02882466171B6DD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_5AA990B21CD6AA80629D824661714EA6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_7BE82F6414EDEF4CA02882466171B6DD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_45B5AF46509EA9A376DC82466171BA81" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_7BE82F6414EDEF4CA02882466171B6DD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_45B5AF46509EA9A376DC82466171BA81" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_3D0682DF50165A82FD9B8246617104BE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_5AA990B21CD6AA80629D824661714EA6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_3D0682DF50165A82FD9B8246617104BE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTextBlock_0895EEA9AEE625F9107E82466171B327" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_3D0682DF50165A82FD9B8246617104BE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTextBlock_0895EEA9AEE625F9107E82466171B327" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentDisclosureTextBlock_47073DAFE4C22C744CF182466171F5E3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAbstract_8718C6CADA7E2059C3F982466171150B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentDisclosureTextBlock_47073DAFE4C22C744CF182466171F5E3" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/PropertyPlantAndEquipmentDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAbstract_8E99724CE9D2796C59F18B820C878174" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_D05A2B5F58983566A68F8B820C882883" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAbstract_8E99724CE9D2796C59F18B820C878174" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_D05A2B5F58983566A68F8B820C882883" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_072F2864215290F5E2878B820C8824B4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_D05A2B5F58983566A68F8B820C882883" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_072F2864215290F5E2878B820C8824B4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_ED8EDDE1812B01CEF1828B820C88FFF5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_072F2864215290F5E2878B820C8824B4" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_ED8EDDE1812B01CEF1828B820C88FFF5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_AB24B26A7D42AD97984D8B820C88A118" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_D05A2B5F58983566A68F8B820C882883" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_AB24B26A7D42AD97984D8B820C88A118" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_3B36127094FD64CB66538B820C88F344" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_AB24B26A7D42AD97984D8B820C88A118" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_3B36127094FD64CB66538B820C88F344" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinimumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_7FFA6BC61E1659A1FB388B820C88F14C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_3B36127094FD64CB66538B820C88F344" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_7FFA6BC61E1659A1FB388B820C88F14C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_A386867F4C383A1CE8AA8B820C88976C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_3B36127094FD64CB66538B820C88F344" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_A386867F4C383A1CE8AA8B820C88976C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_D4F1497B8A1CC1E858108B820C888969" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_D05A2B5F58983566A68F8B820C882883" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_D4F1497B8A1CC1E858108B820C888969" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_84C61162D5E7D6DBAF0E8B820C88B38E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_D4F1497B8A1CC1E858108B820C888969" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_84C61162D5E7D6DBAF0E8B820C88B38E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SupportEquipmentAndFacilitiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SupportEquipmentAndFacilitiesMember_0C39991BB356FF5953A68B820C890DD6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_84C61162D5E7D6DBAF0E8B820C88B38E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SupportEquipmentAndFacilitiesMember_0C39991BB356FF5953A68B820C890DD6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LandAndLandImprovementsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LandAndLandImprovementsMember_C9F3BC1D2FB9001CD0D18B820C8916D8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_84C61162D5E7D6DBAF0E8B820C88B38E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LandAndLandImprovementsMember_C9F3BC1D2FB9001CD0D18B820C8916D8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_B3E44E1AC378DF141ED98B820C891FDC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_D05A2B5F58983566A68F8B820C882883" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_B3E44E1AC378DF141ED98B820C891FDC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross_316D89EBE87FE4BAA83A8B820C891EDD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_B3E44E1AC378DF141ED98B820C891FDC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross_316D89EBE87FE4BAA83A8B820C891EDD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConstructionInProgressGross" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConstructionInProgressGross_58992679149AE0356ABB8B820C8946E9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_B3E44E1AC378DF141ED98B820C891FDC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConstructionInProgressGross_58992679149AE0356ABB8B820C8946E9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment_1C81E7852C65D08AD84B8B820C89DFD2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_B3E44E1AC378DF141ED98B820C891FDC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment_1C81E7852C65D08AD84B8B820C89DFD2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_4D8098A5A101FD6D58FE8B820C89AF56" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_B3E44E1AC378DF141ED98B820C891FDC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_4D8098A5A101FD6D58FE8B820C89AF56" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_PrepaidLongTermServiceAgreement" xlink:label="loc_nrg_PrepaidLongTermServiceAgreement_220AEF56B6378AB743608B820C89A3E9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_B3E44E1AC378DF141ED98B820C891FDC" xlink:to="loc_nrg_PrepaidLongTermServiceAgreement_220AEF56B6378AB743608B820C89A3E9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLife" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLife_6C687F94DF3DBCC101348B820C8A56AA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_B3E44E1AC378DF141ED98B820C891FDC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLife_6C687F94DF3DBCC101348B820C8A56AA" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAbstract_AF781DF934BFDE2A1EE982466039BF8F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTextBlock_7235CEA4B306444BB659824660390203" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAbstract_AF781DF934BFDE2A1EE982466039BF8F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTextBlock_7235CEA4B306444BB659824660390203" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/RelatedPartyTransactions" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsAbstract_977EABC48FD0E84EFD24824660971655" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_9EB883AFF9061CA427B182466097CDD4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsAbstract_977EABC48FD0E84EFD24824660971655" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_9EB883AFF9061CA427B182466097CDD4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_6CAF6F319937F142058182466097E854" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_9EB883AFF9061CA427B182466097CDD4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_6CAF6F319937F142058182466097E854" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_52EA4CCA6CF8F7625A46824660970259" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_6CAF6F319937F142058182466097E854" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_52EA4CCA6CF8F7625A46824660970259" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis_79DB039E2695092B6D1E8246609712EA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_9EB883AFF9061CA427B182466097CDD4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis_79DB039E2695092B6D1E8246609712EA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain_0FFF0457545CC3C06458824660971332" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis_79DB039E2695092B6D1E8246609712EA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain_0FFF0457545CC3C06458824660971332" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_8C1E7F380FEF4744BC7F82466097B530" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_9EB883AFF9061CA427B182466097CDD4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_8C1E7F380FEF4744BC7F82466097B530" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsDisclosureTextBlock_DFE59C38A5FFD202D726824660974598" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsAbstract_977EABC48FD0E84EFD24824660971655" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsDisclosureTextBlock_DFE59C38A5FFD202D726824660974598" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/RelatedPartyTransactionsCvsrDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsAbstract_401B43B6AD02480AD31FA074A8F032D3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_BADFAD1560C494613455A074A8F02871" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsAbstract_401B43B6AD02480AD31FA074A8F032D3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_BADFAD1560C494613455A074A8F02871" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_7A9A473AB710A3115147A074A8F0600E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_BADFAD1560C494613455A074A8F02871" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_7A9A473AB710A3115147A074A8F0600E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_197D718A12B2D4BC7002A074A8F0FEFD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_7A9A473AB710A3115147A074A8F0600E" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_197D718A12B2D4BC7002A074A8F0FEFD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_CvsrMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_CvsrMember_47066B02C05C283D2935A074A8F0698A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_197D718A12B2D4BC7002A074A8F0FEFD" xlink:to="loc_nrg_CvsrMember_47066B02C05C283D2935A074A8F0698A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_B729FB58A8446A41D5D6A074A8F085F3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_BADFAD1560C494613455A074A8F02871" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_B729FB58A8446A41D5D6A074A8F085F3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_8BA1BB07C2DA734DE487A074A8F0DD6A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_B729FB58A8446A41D5D6A074A8F085F3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_8BA1BB07C2DA734DE487A074A8F0DD6A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis_38E091BB77CFDE548729A074A8F1BE89" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_BADFAD1560C494613455A074A8F02871" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis_38E091BB77CFDE548729A074A8F1BE89" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain_8FBC08AE57D81FFC6AEDA074A8F1088A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis_38E091BB77CFDE548729A074A8F1BE89" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain_8FBC08AE57D81FFC6AEDA074A8F1088A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_C3CF74AF9C86A51201C3A074A8F1FCB0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_BADFAD1560C494613455A074A8F02871" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_C3CF74AF9C86A51201C3A074A8F1FCB0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionExpensesFromTransactionsWithRelatedParty" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionExpensesFromTransactionsWithRelatedParty_CBD876862032ECFB3E13A074A8F149AB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_C3CF74AF9C86A51201C3A074A8F1FCB0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionExpensesFromTransactionsWithRelatedParty_CBD876862032ECFB3E13A074A8F149AB" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/RelatedPartyTransactionsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsAbstract_7844604AD53770B6CD8FB3E3E47C01E8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_5450950564E31C7D12F7B3E3E47C365D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsAbstract_7844604AD53770B6CD8FB3E3E47C01E8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_5450950564E31C7D12F7B3E3E47C365D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_D09AE5835983D6ACE131B3E3E47C4801" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_5450950564E31C7D12F7B3E3E47C365D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_D09AE5835983D6ACE131B3E3E47C4801" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_8919B3DBC99D3123A0D6B3E3E47CB409" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_D09AE5835983D6ACE131B3E3E47C4801" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_8919B3DBC99D3123A0D6B3E3E47CB409" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_B6949E1774C16200032DB3E3E47CF41D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_8919B3DBC99D3123A0D6B3E3E47CB409" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_B6949E1774C16200032DB3E3E47CF41D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_PowerGenerationFacilitiesByTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationFacilitiesByTypeAxis_A9418FEB5CBC6CBCB531B3E3E47DE99E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_5450950564E31C7D12F7B3E3E47C365D" xlink:to="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationFacilitiesByTypeAxis_A9418FEB5CBC6CBCB531B3E3E47DE99E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_PowerGenerationFacilitiesTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationFacilitiesTypeDomain_6E03BA4561BC71F219B2B3E3E47DE04A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationFacilitiesByTypeAxis_A9418FEB5CBC6CBCB531B3E3E47DE99E" xlink:to="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationFacilitiesTypeDomain_6E03BA4561BC71F219B2B3E3E47DE04A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_UtilityScaleSolarMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_UtilityScaleSolarMember_744D2799043B0B3C29AAB3E3E47D95A6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationFacilitiesTypeDomain_6E03BA4561BC71F219B2B3E3E47DE04A" xlink:to="loc_nrg_UtilityScaleSolarMember_744D2799043B0B3C29AAB3E3E47D95A6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis_4B9067565BE6A353F652B3E3E47DE570" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_5450950564E31C7D12F7B3E3E47C365D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis_4B9067565BE6A353F652B3E3E47DE570" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain_1EC6EAC0159303E219E9B3E3E47D205F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis_4B9067565BE6A353F652B3E3E47DE570" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain_1EC6EAC0159303E219E9B3E3E47D205F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_OperationsandMaintenanceservicesMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_OperationsandMaintenanceservicesMember_D95DAE655BB3D1F945CEB3E3E47D1F94" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain_1EC6EAC0159303E219E9B3E3E47D205F" xlink:to="loc_nrg_OperationsandMaintenanceservicesMember_D95DAE655BB3D1F945CEB3E3E47D1F94" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_NRGRepoweringHoldingsLLCMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NRGRepoweringHoldingsLLCMember_ADF74BC49E012F0B6563B3E3E47D3177" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain_1EC6EAC0159303E219E9B3E3E47D205F" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NRGRepoweringHoldingsLLCMember_ADF74BC49E012F0B6563B3E3E47D3177" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_0E47B7EAA0E2E2535B17B3E3E47E7CCB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_5450950564E31C7D12F7B3E3E47C365D" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_0E47B7EAA0E2E2535B17B3E3E47E7CCB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_E46A7F8F035BA3826F57B3E3E47E785A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_0E47B7EAA0E2E2535B17B3E3E47E7CCB" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_E46A7F8F035BA3826F57B3E3E47E785A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_NRGWindTEHoldcoMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NRGWindTEHoldcoMember_055C75C7E7630D21715AB3E3E47EC64D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_E46A7F8F035BA3826F57B3E3E47E785A" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NRGWindTEHoldcoMember_055C75C7E7630D21715AB3E3E47EC64D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_NRGYieldMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NRGYieldMember_3A636E1E0C8191FEC1F3B3E3E47EEE72" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_E46A7F8F035BA3826F57B3E3E47E785A" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NRGYieldMember_3A636E1E0C8191FEC1F3B3E3E47EEE72" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_NrgYieldIncMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NrgYieldIncMember_7B1DC2953A4F3B1D5C82B3E3E47EC3A2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_E46A7F8F035BA3826F57B3E3E47E785A" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NrgYieldIncMember_7B1DC2953A4F3B1D5C82B3E3E47EC3A2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_ThermalMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_ThermalMember_7FC74E0F5C61D04FF137B3E3E47E9601" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_E46A7F8F035BA3826F57B3E3E47E785A" xlink:to="loc_nrg_ThermalMember_7FC74E0F5C61D04FF137B3E3E47E9601" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_WalnutCreekMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_WalnutCreekMember_369F66CC5291FDA7243AB3E3E47E789D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_E46A7F8F035BA3826F57B3E3E47E785A" xlink:to="loc_nrg_WalnutCreekMember_369F66CC5291FDA7243AB3E3E47E789D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_MarshLandingMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_MarshLandingMember_671586D46796AFE891FAB3E3E47E36AD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_E46A7F8F035BA3826F57B3E3E47E785A" xlink:to="loc_nrg_MarshLandingMember_671586D46796AFE891FAB3E3E47E36AD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_ElSegundoMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_ElSegundoMember_DE6A9959BC2B263ADA30B3E3E47F0E3D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_E46A7F8F035BA3826F57B3E3E47E785A" xlink:to="loc_nrg_ElSegundoMember_DE6A9959BC2B263ADA30B3E3E47F0E3D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_CvsrMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_CvsrMember_BC196749B592837159A7B3E3E47F2A92" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_E46A7F8F035BA3826F57B3E3E47E785A" xlink:to="loc_nrg_CvsrMember_BC196749B592837159A7B3E3E47F2A92" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_November2015DropDownAssetsMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_November2015DropDownAssetsMember_AFDA127A00E6DE26CC85B3E3E47F67B6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_E46A7F8F035BA3826F57B3E3E47E785A" xlink:to="loc_nrg_November2015DropDownAssetsMember_AFDA127A00E6DE26CC85B3E3E47F67B6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_ElbowCreekMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_ElbowCreekMember_9C21ABAE9F8A6840B8E0B3E3E4807092" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_E46A7F8F035BA3826F57B3E3E47E785A" xlink:to="loc_nrg_ElbowCreekMember_9C21ABAE9F8A6840B8E0B3E3E4807092" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_GceHoldingLlcMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_GceHoldingLlcMember_3AC6A63430FE2226B0CBB3E3E480293A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_E46A7F8F035BA3826F57B3E3E47E785A" xlink:to="loc_nrg_GceHoldingLlcMember_3AC6A63430FE2226B0CBB3E3E480293A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_NECPMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NECPMember_09D2A5FAD61768E79FD9B3E3E4809B8B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="12" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_E46A7F8F035BA3826F57B3E3E47E785A" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NECPMember_09D2A5FAD61768E79FD9B3E3E4809B8B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_199E0AF4D01D5940B43FB3E3E480DC07" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_5450950564E31C7D12F7B3E3E47C365D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_199E0AF4D01D5940B43FB3E3E480DC07" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_51D3F0A171911C827D36B3E3E48097BA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_199E0AF4D01D5940B43FB3E3E480DC07" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_51D3F0A171911C827D36B3E3E48097BA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_51D3F0A171911C827D36B3E3E48097BA" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NRGRepoweringHoldingsLLCMember_ADF74BC49E012F0B6563B3E3E47D3177" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_NrgMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NrgMember_22AFFAC132F48C4CCEB2B3E3E481E7F0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_51D3F0A171911C827D36B3E3E48097BA" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NrgMember_22AFFAC132F48C4CCEB2B3E3E481E7F0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AffiliatedEntityMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AffiliatedEntityMember_72F56ABC73FEF9A51D5BB3E3E481858F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_51D3F0A171911C827D36B3E3E48097BA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AffiliatedEntityMember_72F56ABC73FEF9A51D5BB3E3E481858F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_NRGRENOMMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NRGRENOMMember_76941F839AA56EE381EFB3E3E481FF89" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_51D3F0A171911C827D36B3E3E48097BA" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NRGRENOMMember_76941F839AA56EE381EFB3E3E481FF89" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_49F07988B01126FED5D9B3E3E48107CD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_5450950564E31C7D12F7B3E3E47C365D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_49F07988B01126FED5D9B3E3E48107CD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_EF94C0F92F0E40FBF2CAB3E3E481EF4E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_49F07988B01126FED5D9B3E3E48107CD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_EF94C0F92F0E40FBF2CAB3E3E481EF4E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioPlanMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioPlanMember_E1D7DC5C9F804724BD1BB3E3E48152A6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_EF94C0F92F0E40FBF2CAB3E3E481EF4E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioPlanMember_E1D7DC5C9F804724BD1BB3E3E48152A6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_3620D869C26492694D29B3E3E482C387" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_5450950564E31C7D12F7B3E3E47C365D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_3620D869C26492694D29B3E3E482C387" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ServiceManagementCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ServiceManagementCosts_7564F44F3BA27D4B38B0B3E3E482B214" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_3620D869C26492694D29B3E3E482C387" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ServiceManagementCosts_7564F44F3BA27D4B38B0B3E3E482B214" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_ServiceManagementCostsFeeIncrease" xlink:label="loc_nrg_ServiceManagementCostsFeeIncrease_819D93E07CAB6D97254DB3E3E4827135" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_3620D869C26492694D29B3E3E482C387" xlink:to="loc_nrg_ServiceManagementCostsFeeIncrease_819D93E07CAB6D97254DB3E3E4827135" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_0DC6CFB6721268AB2070B3E3E482AC8F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_3620D869C26492694D29B3E3E482C387" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_0DC6CFB6721268AB2070B3E3E482AC8F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DueToAffiliateCurrentAndNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DueToAffiliateCurrentAndNoncurrent_9F805558E7E7AD858A46B3E3E4824761" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_3620D869C26492694D29B3E3E482C387" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DueToAffiliateCurrentAndNoncurrent_9F805558E7E7AD858A46B3E3E4824761" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_RepaymentsofAccountsPayableAffiliate" xlink:label="loc_nrg_RepaymentsofAccountsPayableAffiliate_A3483E8BA967BABF9325B3E3E4823487" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_3620D869C26492694D29B3E3E482C387" xlink:to="loc_nrg_RepaymentsofAccountsPayableAffiliate_A3483E8BA967BABF9325B3E3E4823487" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DueToAffiliateCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DueToAffiliateCurrent_4FC1511C3CD0EB4A6F54B3E3E482A600" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_3620D869C26492694D29B3E3E482C387" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DueToAffiliateCurrent_4FC1511C3CD0EB4A6F54B3E3E482A600" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionExpensesFromTransactionsWithRelatedParty" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionExpensesFromTransactionsWithRelatedParty_417D758D6EF0FBACBB86B3E3E482B2C5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_3620D869C26492694D29B3E3E482C387" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionExpensesFromTransactionsWithRelatedParty_417D758D6EF0FBACBB86B3E3E482B2C5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage_A214708E82A5F84EBAB4B3E3E483B447" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_3620D869C26492694D29B3E3E482C387" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage_A214708E82A5F84EBAB4B3E3E483B447" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DueToAffiliateNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DueToAffiliateNoncurrent_CD1DB10EC1399EFE8E3AB3E3E4832C8A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_3620D869C26492694D29B3E3E482C387" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DueToAffiliateNoncurrent_CD1DB10EC1399EFE8E3AB3E3E4832C8A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties_5D6B0CFC832BA9607222B3E3E483686B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_3620D869C26492694D29B3E3E482C387" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties_5D6B0CFC832BA9607222B3E3E483686B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostOfNaturalGasPurchases" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CostOfNaturalGasPurchases_18BCBF8CBAA9EAE4D145B3E3E483F216" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_3620D869C26492694D29B3E3E482C387" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CostOfNaturalGasPurchases_18BCBF8CBAA9EAE4D145B3E3E483F216" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_RelatedPartyTransactionAmounttobePaidUponCompletionofProject" xlink:label="loc_nrg_RelatedPartyTransactionAmounttobePaidUponCompletionofProject_B8D61902DE67174B5E98B3E3E4837D8B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="12" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_3620D869C26492694D29B3E3E482C387" xlink:to="loc_nrg_RelatedPartyTransactionAmounttobePaidUponCompletionofProject_B8D61902DE67174B5E98B3E3E4837D8B" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/RelatedPartyTransactionsElSegundoDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsAbstract_F0236CCE02562FF6F8F0A07442A55E16" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_6A0C9EF0BA673FFCAD07A07442A51124" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsAbstract_F0236CCE02562FF6F8F0A07442A55E16" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_6A0C9EF0BA673FFCAD07A07442A51124" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_CE942860B90BDBEED6B5A07442A52C3E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_6A0C9EF0BA673FFCAD07A07442A51124" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_CE942860B90BDBEED6B5A07442A52C3E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_F3E5FDABE092F0F02B4FA07442A557C4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_CE942860B90BDBEED6B5A07442A52C3E" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_F3E5FDABE092F0F02B4FA07442A557C4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_ElSegundoMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_ElSegundoMember_2B4B04CD2204938628B2A07442A5E813" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_F3E5FDABE092F0F02B4FA07442A557C4" xlink:to="loc_nrg_ElSegundoMember_2B4B04CD2204938628B2A07442A5E813" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_58F5180F38DEC3BBC136A07442A50B8D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_6A0C9EF0BA673FFCAD07A07442A51124" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_58F5180F38DEC3BBC136A07442A50B8D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_969DC525986A65B46EADA07442A5964A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_58F5180F38DEC3BBC136A07442A50B8D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_969DC525986A65B46EADA07442A5964A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis_8A8476B6A2A6BFBC7D91A07442A6FC13" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_6A0C9EF0BA673FFCAD07A07442A51124" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis_8A8476B6A2A6BFBC7D91A07442A6FC13" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain_8A05B4180B803F11A46DA07442A6FC98" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis_8A8476B6A2A6BFBC7D91A07442A6FC13" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain_8A05B4180B803F11A46DA07442A6FC98" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_CA3D958B846DA2BF7703A07442A64B55" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_6A0C9EF0BA673FFCAD07A07442A51124" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_CA3D958B846DA2BF7703A07442A64B55" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionExpensesFromTransactionsWithRelatedParty" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionExpensesFromTransactionsWithRelatedParty_4930E81E2A4D7689D92BA07442A68266" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_CA3D958B846DA2BF7703A07442A64B55" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionExpensesFromTransactionsWithRelatedParty_4930E81E2A4D7689D92BA07442A68266" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DueToAffiliateCurrentAndNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DueToAffiliateCurrentAndNoncurrent_7A77154315983A792B66A07442A69235" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_CA3D958B846DA2BF7703A07442A64B55" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DueToAffiliateCurrentAndNoncurrent_7A77154315983A792B66A07442A69235" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/RelatedPartyTransactionsNrgAndDoverDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsAbstract_205C58B37D9FBEC3863182466133A1F1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_73A12B2309ABDAC6E5818246613340F8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsAbstract_205C58B37D9FBEC3863182466133A1F1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_73A12B2309ABDAC6E5818246613340F8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_871C6C29505A6BDC69DD82466133049C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_73A12B2309ABDAC6E5818246613340F8" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_871C6C29505A6BDC69DD82466133049C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_84372926B5D313370B5F82466133C3CF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_871C6C29505A6BDC69DD82466133049C" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_84372926B5D313370B5F82466133C3CF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_NRGEnergyCenterDoverMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NRGEnergyCenterDoverMember_79C876030D6CECD57FD182466133BCBC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_84372926B5D313370B5F82466133C3CF" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NRGEnergyCenterDoverMember_79C876030D6CECD57FD182466133BCBC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_0F07FC281EA0F8EC41DB8246613397BB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_73A12B2309ABDAC6E5818246613340F8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_0F07FC281EA0F8EC41DB8246613397BB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_6111F952459A842A39CF82466133FF7A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_0F07FC281EA0F8EC41DB8246613397BB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_6111F952459A842A39CF82466133FF7A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_NrgMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NrgMember_427F547D7D93A08C694C824661330D84" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_6111F952459A842A39CF82466133FF7A" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NrgMember_427F547D7D93A08C694C824661330D84" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_NRGRepoweringHoldingsLLCMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NRGRepoweringHoldingsLLCMember_CEFF7100D2A7D8CC571E824661335D16" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_6111F952459A842A39CF82466133FF7A" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NRGRepoweringHoldingsLLCMember_CEFF7100D2A7D8CC571E824661335D16" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis_41A6CD9847357178C54582466133E89F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_73A12B2309ABDAC6E5818246613340F8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis_41A6CD9847357178C54582466133E89F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain_0711DAE61548AB60B1FF82466133927D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis_41A6CD9847357178C54582466133E89F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain_0711DAE61548AB60B1FF82466133927D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_9D0ACDF6DF28C22EDD73824661338F93" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_73A12B2309ABDAC6E5818246613340F8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_9D0ACDF6DF28C22EDD73824661338F93" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties_8BEC4FE47D0EA81CD974824661331684" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_9D0ACDF6DF28C22EDD73824661338F93" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties_8BEC4FE47D0EA81CD974824661331684" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostOfNaturalGasPurchases" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CostOfNaturalGasPurchases_08B616C45C8A2CF083DE824661330AC6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_9D0ACDF6DF28C22EDD73824661338F93" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CostOfNaturalGasPurchases_08B616C45C8A2CF083DE824661330AC6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_Coalgaspurchases" xlink:label="loc_nrg_Coalgaspurchases_7024409F6915FBEE76A082466133A3A7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_9D0ACDF6DF28C22EDD73824661338F93" xlink:to="loc_nrg_Coalgaspurchases_7024409F6915FBEE76A082466133A3A7" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/RelatedPartyTransactionsOmGenconnDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsAbstract_71B209F9FD472B8F94878B8207AEDE86" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_2DDAF085B1E7B94BBDC58B8207AEE922" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsAbstract_71B209F9FD472B8F94878B8207AEDE86" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_2DDAF085B1E7B94BBDC58B8207AEE922" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_C20D4BC474616B7248218B8207AFE60A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_2DDAF085B1E7B94BBDC58B8207AEE922" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_C20D4BC474616B7248218B8207AFE60A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_77E8625D6DBC0448A7298B8207AF80DD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_C20D4BC474616B7248218B8207AFE60A" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_77E8625D6DBC0448A7298B8207AF80DD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_GceHoldingLlcMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_GceHoldingLlcMember_87F301D91363EB0AD7098B8207AFD644" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_77E8625D6DBC0448A7298B8207AF80DD" xlink:to="loc_nrg_GceHoldingLlcMember_87F301D91363EB0AD7098B8207AFD644" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_B8307819126D18FF22A38B8207AF62E0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_2DDAF085B1E7B94BBDC58B8207AEE922" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_B8307819126D18FF22A38B8207AF62E0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_DADA795588068872458F8B8207AFA462" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_B8307819126D18FF22A38B8207AF62E0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_DADA795588068872458F8B8207AFA462" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_NrgMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NrgMember_912BBFD2F68CBDA3613F8B8207AF0D29" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_DADA795588068872458F8B8207AFA462" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NrgMember_912BBFD2F68CBDA3613F8B8207AF0D29" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis_A053C1D0B975B03078758B8207AF0944" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_2DDAF085B1E7B94BBDC58B8207AEE922" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis_A053C1D0B975B03078758B8207AF0944" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain_1AE932FBADAA179349148B8207AFD1EE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis_A053C1D0B975B03078758B8207AF0944" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain_1AE932FBADAA179349148B8207AFD1EE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_OperationsandMaintenanceservicesMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_OperationsandMaintenanceservicesMember_D2A4DEE1E742A47445A88BC4228B41A5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain_1AE932FBADAA179349148B8207AFD1EE" xlink:to="loc_nrg_OperationsandMaintenanceservicesMember_D2A4DEE1E742A47445A88BC4228B41A5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain_1AE932FBADAA179349148B8207AFD1EE" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NrgMember_912BBFD2F68CBDA3613F8B8207AF0D29" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_2377E4DF57DBE8A249C68B8207AFC4F9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_2DDAF085B1E7B94BBDC58B8207AEE922" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_2377E4DF57DBE8A249C68B8207AFC4F9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionExpensesFromTransactionsWithRelatedParty" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionExpensesFromTransactionsWithRelatedParty_C79FB33F629C0A50F6CF8B8207B0054E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_2377E4DF57DBE8A249C68B8207AFC4F9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionExpensesFromTransactionsWithRelatedParty_C79FB33F629C0A50F6CF8B8207B0054E" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/RelatedPartyTransactionsOmThermalDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsAbstract_26923C76D77F823E8312824660681BBF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_3F2F3128448EEE27E15F824660685568" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsAbstract_26923C76D77F823E8312824660681BBF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_3F2F3128448EEE27E15F824660685568" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_156512B4D74ECA88502582466068C186" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_3F2F3128448EEE27E15F824660685568" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_156512B4D74ECA88502582466068C186" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_5B5E132A1AB0C85FF383824660682978" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_156512B4D74ECA88502582466068C186" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_5B5E132A1AB0C85FF383824660682978" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_4943213FB5CAED4D40E5824660682F08" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_5B5E132A1AB0C85FF383824660682978" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_4943213FB5CAED4D40E5824660682F08" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_6F5652B45A33AE1C2C5782466068E8F5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_3F2F3128448EEE27E15F824660685568" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_6F5652B45A33AE1C2C5782466068E8F5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_E2C51083A4E184A95410824660687995" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_6F5652B45A33AE1C2C5782466068E8F5" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_E2C51083A4E184A95410824660687995" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_ThermalMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_ThermalMember_F8191D3B94EF1B6FA9778246606829EF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_E2C51083A4E184A95410824660687995" xlink:to="loc_nrg_ThermalMember_F8191D3B94EF1B6FA9778246606829EF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_CE7C60448C769DE70B7C824660684B31" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_3F2F3128448EEE27E15F824660685568" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_CE7C60448C769DE70B7C824660684B31" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_9A3290F98EFC53EF943482466068E619" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_CE7C60448C769DE70B7C824660684B31" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_9A3290F98EFC53EF943482466068E619" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_NrgMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NrgMember_F247144FF9BC96F81CE982466068F2A3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_9A3290F98EFC53EF943482466068E619" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NrgMember_F247144FF9BC96F81CE982466068F2A3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis_EAEA74D8D82958EFAE6C8246606893F2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_3F2F3128448EEE27E15F824660685568" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis_EAEA74D8D82958EFAE6C8246606893F2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain_37552FF6E72FDA2087A08246606853CD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis_EAEA74D8D82958EFAE6C8246606893F2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain_37552FF6E72FDA2087A08246606853CD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_9BFD32ED12FDD6908EE382466068C805" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_3F2F3128448EEE27E15F824660685568" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_9BFD32ED12FDD6908EE382466068C805" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_56838AE420981C9BE6D5824660681A6F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_9BFD32ED12FDD6908EE382466068C805" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_56838AE420981C9BE6D5824660681A6F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionExpensesFromTransactionsWithRelatedParty" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionExpensesFromTransactionsWithRelatedParty_FCE33B641B66BEF15300824660680B98" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_9BFD32ED12FDD6908EE382466068C805" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionExpensesFromTransactionsWithRelatedParty_FCE33B641B66BEF15300824660680B98" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DueToAffiliateCurrentAndNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DueToAffiliateCurrentAndNoncurrent_026202748BC7C0CAF306824660680B6D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_9BFD32ED12FDD6908EE382466068C805" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DueToAffiliateCurrentAndNoncurrent_026202748BC7C0CAF306824660680B6D" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/SegmentReporting" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract_FC4E84848704ADCAF24F82465FBD4797" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_559F5E2F0E5400117E5482465FBD1FA1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract_FC4E84848704ADCAF24F82465FBD4797" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_559F5E2F0E5400117E5482465FBD1FA1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_83F62F2A5D6A3CB0B2C682465FBD30E0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_559F5E2F0E5400117E5482465FBD1FA1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_83F62F2A5D6A3CB0B2C682465FBD30E0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_32014765B28D7255503B82465FBD17AF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_83F62F2A5D6A3CB0B2C682465FBD30E0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_32014765B28D7255503B82465FBD17AF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis_CE525C94BE3271CBBE4482465FBDE7CA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_559F5E2F0E5400117E5482465FBD1FA1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis_CE525C94BE3271CBBE4482465FBDE7CA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_3E91094B58A935CBA63B82465FBD9327" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis_CE525C94BE3271CBBE4482465FBDE7CA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_3E91094B58A935CBA63B82465FBD9327" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxis_89EA386F074C56D7A2BF82465FBD7619" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_559F5E2F0E5400117E5482465FBD1FA1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxis_89EA386F074C56D7A2BF82465FBD7619" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesIndustryMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesIndustryMember_6A599B388D264C50B8EB82465FBDB265" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxis_89EA386F074C56D7A2BF82465FBD7619" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesIndustryMember_6A599B388D264C50B8EB82465FBDB265" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_FB16C0D0C52AF79B45DB82465FBDC8FC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_559F5E2F0E5400117E5482465FBD1FA1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_FB16C0D0C52AF79B45DB82465FBDC8FC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_F848818F6B1471CB9AAA82465FBD7D39" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_FB16C0D0C52AF79B45DB82465FBDC8FC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_F848818F6B1471CB9AAA82465FBD7D39" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsAxis_28E835BDE6023D0F9E0282465FBD45BB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_559F5E2F0E5400117E5482465FBD1FA1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsAxis_28E835BDE6023D0F9E0282465FBD45BB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_C72A6F403D27A997168782465FBD6254" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsAxis_28E835BDE6023D0F9E0282465FBD45BB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_C72A6F403D27A997168782465FBD6254" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsegmentsConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsConsolidationItemsAxis_DD33C98E67490290362D82465FBDEF74" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_559F5E2F0E5400117E5482465FBD1FA1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsConsolidationItemsAxis_DD33C98E67490290362D82465FBDEF74" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsegmentsConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsConsolidationItemsDomain_DB9A04AA8ED443A68F0A82465FBD3002" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsConsolidationItemsAxis_DD33C98E67490290362D82465FBDEF74" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsConsolidationItemsDomain_DB9A04AA8ED443A68F0A82465FBD3002" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis_15823E7DEE39BDBB03A882465FBDEAD9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_559F5E2F0E5400117E5482465FBD1FA1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis_15823E7DEE39BDBB03A882465FBDEAD9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentOperatingActivitiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentOperatingActivitiesDomain_1F456793A813274C536582465FBD6504" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis_15823E7DEE39BDBB03A882465FBDEAD9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentOperatingActivitiesDomain_1F456793A813274C536582465FBD6504" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis_69C736FF559F1EF8B17482465FBDC128" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_559F5E2F0E5400117E5482465FBD1FA1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis_69C736FF559F1EF8B17482465FBDC128" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_150CA44A9371E46A5B3182465FBD2E27" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis_69C736FF559F1EF8B17482465FBDC128" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_150CA44A9371E46A5B3182465FBD2E27" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_F6E465816EDBC8D950A482465FBD52D7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_559F5E2F0E5400117E5482465FBD1FA1" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_F6E465816EDBC8D950A482465FBD52D7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_F6EBAFEC812D93087E8182465FBD2952" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_F6E465816EDBC8D950A482465FBD52D7" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_F6EBAFEC812D93087E8182465FBD2952" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_D244A2EEDF5CA05ACD0982465FBD7712" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_559F5E2F0E5400117E5482465FBD1FA1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_D244A2EEDF5CA05ACD0982465FBD7712" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_BFDFF94F7311E26FB7BE82465FBD4F25" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_D244A2EEDF5CA05ACD0982465FBD7712" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_BFDFF94F7311E26FB7BE82465FBD4F25" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis_0E0AEACCC76FCE10F2C082465FBD3BD7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_559F5E2F0E5400117E5482465FBD1FA1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis_0E0AEACCC76FCE10F2C082465FBD3BD7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain_B024E9F15979F0973CC882465FBD35F8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis_0E0AEACCC76FCE10F2C082465FBD3BD7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain_B024E9F15979F0973CC882465FBD35F8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorCustomersAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorCustomersAxis_307D19AC06BE64C2DAD782465FBD0371" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="12" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_559F5E2F0E5400117E5482465FBD1FA1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorCustomersAxis_307D19AC06BE64C2DAD782465FBD0371" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain_74B2310852B4968B462982465FBD1513" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorCustomersAxis_307D19AC06BE64C2DAD782465FBD0371" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain_74B2310852B4968B462982465FBD1513" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_83A1E11741839B820A0C82465FBD1B0D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="13" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_559F5E2F0E5400117E5482465FBD1FA1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_83A1E11741839B820A0C82465FBD1B0D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_899A86D5E04B480A561D82465FBD762D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_83A1E11741839B820A0C82465FBD1B0D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_899A86D5E04B480A561D82465FBD762D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreationDateAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreationDateAxis_8F8AC27148DEAFE1904D82465FBDCE9F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="14" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_559F5E2F0E5400117E5482465FBD1FA1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreationDateAxis_8F8AC27148DEAFE1904D82465FBDCE9F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefaultFinancialStatementsDateMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefaultFinancialStatementsDateMember_BDA060ECA16D3BC5CBAC82465FCC3798" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreationDateAxis_8F8AC27148DEAFE1904D82465FBDCE9F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefaultFinancialStatementsDateMember_BDA060ECA16D3BC5CBAC82465FCC3798" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_AF348010FBD0DA63454182465FCC39EA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="15" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_559F5E2F0E5400117E5482465FBD1FA1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_AF348010FBD0DA63454182465FCC39EA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_76E18AF2AF7E856410DF82465FCC611B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_AF348010FBD0DA63454182465FCC39EA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_76E18AF2AF7E856410DF82465FCC611B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLocationAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLocationAxis_1B265F8AEA62299777BC82465FCC44C9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="16" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_559F5E2F0E5400117E5482465FBD1FA1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLocationAxis_1B265F8AEA62299777BC82465FCC44C9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLocationDomain_A0E45E4767B3F52455F582465FCC45E4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLocationAxis_1B265F8AEA62299777BC82465FCC44C9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLocationDomain_A0E45E4767B3F52455F582465FCC45E4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_F11F56E5DA8AAB369F0482465FCC973F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="17" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_559F5E2F0E5400117E5482465FBD1FA1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_F11F56E5DA8AAB369F0482465FCC973F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_20A80CCB84A3E10E2DD782465FCC558A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_F11F56E5DA8AAB369F0482465FCC973F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_20A80CCB84A3E10E2DD782465FCC558A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CurrencyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CurrencyAxis_2BE7A8EF7706E8A1784582465FCC230E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="18" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_559F5E2F0E5400117E5482465FBD1FA1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CurrencyAxis_2BE7A8EF7706E8A1784582465FCC230E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/currency/2017/currency-2017-01-31.xsd#currency_AllCurrenciesDomain" xlink:label="loc_currency_AllCurrenciesDomain_59B820987E2439C7E15082465FCC8D91" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CurrencyAxis_2BE7A8EF7706E8A1784582465FCC230E" xlink:to="loc_currency_AllCurrenciesDomain_59B820987E2439C7E15082465FCC8D91" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis_041A726EE8DF8670BBD882465FCC1A6F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="19" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_559F5E2F0E5400117E5482465FBD1FA1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis_041A726EE8DF8670BBD882465FCC1A6F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_3D1804A12AD2AE251ABE82465FCCDACE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis_041A726EE8DF8670BBD882465FCC1A6F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_3D1804A12AD2AE251ABE82465FCCDACE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_2D3A0901F87C12A1C5DC82465FCC776B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="20" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_559F5E2F0E5400117E5482465FBD1FA1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_2D3A0901F87C12A1C5DC82465FCC776B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingDisclosureTextBlock_A55CE96D915F67EB0DC982465FCCBBF9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract_FC4E84848704ADCAF24F82465FBD4797" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingDisclosureTextBlock_A55CE96D915F67EB0DC982465FCCBBF9" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/SegmentReportingDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract_05F6EAC35ADC01B0E4D3B45076E905E8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_B19177338EA2123F086BB45076EEC0AB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract_05F6EAC35ADC01B0E4D3B45076E905E8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_B19177338EA2123F086BB45076EEC0AB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorCustomersAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorCustomersAxis_F7452BE1FB1596A7B0D6B45076EFAE15" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_B19177338EA2123F086BB45076EEC0AB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorCustomersAxis_F7452BE1FB1596A7B0D6B45076EFAE15" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain_412C0DD3452C3AAAE3F9B45076EF3786" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorCustomersAxis_F7452BE1FB1596A7B0D6B45076EFAE15" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain_412C0DD3452C3AAAE3F9B45076EF3786" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_SouthernCaliforniaEdisonMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_SouthernCaliforniaEdisonMember_301A954A52ECF0D642C0B45076EFB619" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain_412C0DD3452C3AAAE3F9B45076EF3786" xlink:to="loc_nrg_SouthernCaliforniaEdisonMember_301A954A52ECF0D642C0B45076EFB619" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_PGEMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_PGEMember_125A0DB53CAC36FE2437B45076EFD992" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain_412C0DD3452C3AAAE3F9B45076EF3786" xlink:to="loc_nrg_PGEMember_125A0DB53CAC36FE2437B45076EFD992" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_0AC72F3BDBB6411EE6ACB45076EFD3DD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_B19177338EA2123F086BB45076EEC0AB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_0AC72F3BDBB6411EE6ACB45076EFD3DD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_432048B50D19520FA0E3B45076EF3A9C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_0AC72F3BDBB6411EE6ACB45076EFD3DD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_432048B50D19520FA0E3B45076EF3A9C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AffiliatedEntityMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AffiliatedEntityMember_588ADB9CC5D60B6C4E13B45076F0415E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_432048B50D19520FA0E3B45076EF3A9C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AffiliatedEntityMember_588ADB9CC5D60B6C4E13B45076F0415E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_90D7DED3A7323B20CFB1B45076F0AF35" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_B19177338EA2123F086BB45076EEC0AB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_90D7DED3A7323B20CFB1B45076F0AF35" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_BD5D7E6B1175B1788E37B45076F043E2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_90D7DED3A7323B20CFB1B45076F0AF35" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_BD5D7E6B1175B1788E37B45076F043E2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_ConventionalGenerationMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_ConventionalGenerationMember_3C5B0DE321F027698950B45076F052E0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_BD5D7E6B1175B1788E37B45076F043E2" xlink:to="loc_nrg_ConventionalGenerationMember_3C5B0DE321F027698950B45076F052E0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CorporateMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CorporateMember_EFC1F176873DF2B9335FB45076F01FFB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_BD5D7E6B1175B1788E37B45076F043E2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CorporateMember_EFC1F176873DF2B9335FB45076F01FFB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_ThermalMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_ThermalMember_A30C85FF425FB1E716FCB45076F07B8D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_BD5D7E6B1175B1788E37B45076F043E2" xlink:to="loc_nrg_ThermalMember_A30C85FF425FB1E716FCB45076F07B8D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_RenewablesMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_RenewablesMember_377EE7C6EA93EB22C634B45076F0049C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_BD5D7E6B1175B1788E37B45076F043E2" xlink:to="loc_nrg_RenewablesMember_377EE7C6EA93EB22C634B45076F0049C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_F03A3C8F770EBD96307AB45076F002FB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_B19177338EA2123F086BB45076EEC0AB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_F03A3C8F770EBD96307AB45076F002FB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_CustomersPercentageofTotalRevenue" xlink:label="loc_nrg_CustomersPercentageofTotalRevenue_5DFFF189BF59B9170AF3B45076F1C7F5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_F03A3C8F770EBD96307AB45076F002FB" xlink:to="loc_nrg_CustomersPercentageofTotalRevenue_5DFFF189BF59B9170AF3B45076F1C7F5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Revenues" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_F44496750587C9B8707BB45076F15BC5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_F03A3C8F770EBD96307AB45076F002FB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_F44496750587C9B8707BB45076F15BC5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingExpenses" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpenses_38E9C54A1D2F5E45B81BB45076F1FB14" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_F03A3C8F770EBD96307AB45076F002FB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpenses_38E9C54A1D2F5E45B81BB45076F1FB14" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_7F0CD0AC73BD4FE200E2B45076F1EF5B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_F03A3C8F770EBD96307AB45076F002FB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_7F0CD0AC73BD4FE200E2B45076F1EF5B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges_FEC93481C14D1823D16AB45076F1D29E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_F03A3C8F770EBD96307AB45076F002FB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges_FEC93481C14D1823D16AB45076F1D29E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_A7992C0E1B94DB81B45AB45076F1143C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_F03A3C8F770EBD96307AB45076F002FB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_A7992C0E1B94DB81B45AB45076F1143C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts_316EDBE93A76CDE76037B45076F17751" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_F03A3C8F770EBD96307AB45076F002FB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts_316EDBE93A76CDE76037B45076F17751" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_FED99F127A4B736DF8A3B45076F1E674" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_F03A3C8F770EBD96307AB45076F002FB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_FED99F127A4B736DF8A3B45076F1E674" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_1D58C40C4CE071071B5EB45076F1F6F6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_F03A3C8F770EBD96307AB45076F002FB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_1D58C40C4CE071071B5EB45076F1F6F6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense_59E13B3BED98164F2D9AB45076F24F25" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_F03A3C8F770EBD96307AB45076F002FB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense_59E13B3BED98164F2D9AB45076F24F25" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt_36C98F11555D8039326BB45076F25D7B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_F03A3C8F770EBD96307AB45076F002FB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt_36C98F11555D8039326BB45076F25D7B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpense_AAEF67D40AEB24C209F6B45076F2BE87" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="12" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_F03A3C8F770EBD96307AB45076F002FB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpense_AAEF67D40AEB24C209F6B45076F2BE87" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest_F4EB999CEA37959192EBB45076F2A9CA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="13" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_F03A3C8F770EBD96307AB45076F002FB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest_F4EB999CEA37959192EBB45076F2A9CA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProfitLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_79CFF9BFCA8AE8A5C5E1B45076F23429" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="14" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_F03A3C8F770EBD96307AB45076F002FB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_79CFF9BFCA8AE8A5C5E1B45076F23429" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments_45B1E34313E88DF20E41B45076F22835" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="15" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_F03A3C8F770EBD96307AB45076F002FB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments_45B1E34313E88DF20E41B45076F22835" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Assets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Assets_C8AA12E6FF9FD67B1694B45076F2762D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="16" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_F03A3C8F770EBD96307AB45076F002FB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Assets_C8AA12E6FF9FD67B1694B45076F2762D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_CapitalExpenditures" xlink:label="loc_nrg_CapitalExpenditures_6D7D0BB9428BD2E39A72B45076F28128" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="17" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_F03A3C8F770EBD96307AB45076F002FB" xlink:to="loc_nrg_CapitalExpenditures_6D7D0BB9428BD2E39A72B45076F28128" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/SegmentReportingSegmentReportingPolicies" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract_0CFB39B8CD857C7B1F7982465F5FB120" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingPolicyPolicyTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingPolicyPolicyTextBlock_B55CC73B61BB19A3411682465F5F9725" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract_0CFB39B8CD857C7B1F7982465F5FB120" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingPolicyPolicyTextBlock_B55CC73B61BB19A3411682465F5F9725" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/SegmentReportingTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract_286EF9E5582DD23C9E21AF401BEB1CA4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfRevenueByMajorCustomersByReportingSegmentsTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRevenueByMajorCustomersByReportingSegmentsTableTextBlock_8BCD20C8E35A354693B4AF401BEB45A2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract_286EF9E5582DD23C9E21AF401BEB1CA4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRevenueByMajorCustomersByReportingSegmentsTableTextBlock_8BCD20C8E35A354693B4AF401BEB45A2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTextBlock_5C4AE18C8937852C8A9AAF401BEB560E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract_286EF9E5582DD23C9E21AF401BEB1CA4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTextBlock_5C4AE18C8937852C8A9AAF401BEB560E" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicies" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_2D26F71E655DB801400D8246615271C1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTextBlock_F9B3EB70EE718F13A3A282466152DCCB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_2D26F71E655DB801400D8246615271C1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTextBlock_F9B3EB70EE718F13A3A282466152DCCB" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAroDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationDisclosureAbstract_BAE3DB0422FA9A9C8D09B40A9C3A443B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligation" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligation_925A4FA7DEF6DE12E706B40A9C3B869F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationDisclosureAbstract_BAE3DB0422FA9A9C8D09B40A9C3A443B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligation_925A4FA7DEF6DE12E706B40A9C3B869F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationRevisionOfEstimate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationRevisionOfEstimate_7959919698045492D849B40A9C3B4C53" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationDisclosureAbstract_BAE3DB0422FA9A9C8D09B40A9C3A443B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationRevisionOfEstimate_7959919698045492D849B40A9C3B4C53" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationAccretionExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationAccretionExpense_B5460151708A0D97D413B40A9C3B04B5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationDisclosureAbstract_BAE3DB0422FA9A9C8D09B40A9C3A443B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationAccretionExpense_B5460151708A0D97D413B40A9C3B04B5" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_A5540ED2FE3086DFFCDBBEB6E72EB325" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" xlink:label="loc_nrg_SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesTable_4493810992F1E5600DA7BEB6E7307AF6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_A5540ED2FE3086DFFCDBBEB6E72EB325" xlink:to="loc_nrg_SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesTable_4493810992F1E5600DA7BEB6E7307AF6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_EC2D418EADCFEFA2188BBEC3DB63ED45" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesTable_4493810992F1E5600DA7BEB6E7307AF6" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_EC2D418EADCFEFA2188BBEC3DB63ED45" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_D85B47CB86AB5ECD0D2FBEC3DC94AD65" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_EC2D418EADCFEFA2188BBEC3DB63ED45" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_D85B47CB86AB5ECD0D2FBEC3DC94AD65" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_ProjectLevelSubsidiariesMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_ProjectLevelSubsidiariesMember_6FAD0111A5166836374ABEC3DBB3F24D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_D85B47CB86AB5ECD0D2FBEC3DC94AD65" xlink:to="loc_nrg_ProjectLevelSubsidiariesMember_6FAD0111A5166836374ABEC3DBB3F24D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_ElbowCreekMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_ElbowCreekMember_C15E0C99FEF3389630BABEC7DF871AAA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_D85B47CB86AB5ECD0D2FBEC3DC94AD65" xlink:to="loc_nrg_ElbowCreekMember_C15E0C99FEF3389630BABEC7DF871AAA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_AEAF98A2CA5F2BAF3692BEB6E731F446" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesTable_4493810992F1E5600DA7BEB6E7307AF6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_AEAF98A2CA5F2BAF3692BEB6E731F446" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_224C431CA97F4F477FD0BEB6E73159DA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_AEAF98A2CA5F2BAF3692BEB6E731F446" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_224C431CA97F4F477FD0BEB6E73159DA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_NrgMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NrgMember_C97DAD5F70C9D11E8E7CBEB6E731E147" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_224C431CA97F4F477FD0BEB6E73159DA" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NrgMember_C97DAD5F70C9D11E8E7CBEB6E731E147" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis_4EA0FFCE45062236E1ABBEB6E732B8E8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesTable_4493810992F1E5600DA7BEB6E7307AF6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis_4EA0FFCE45062236E1ABBEB6E732B8E8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_9B018455E6A927746687BEB6E73225F1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis_4EA0FFCE45062236E1ABBEB6E732B8E8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_9B018455E6A927746687BEB6E73225F1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_PurposeAxis" xlink:label="loc_nrg_PurposeAxis_16DFF789C37EE9D3F85CBEB6E7323633" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesTable_4493810992F1E5600DA7BEB6E7307AF6" xlink:to="loc_nrg_PurposeAxis_16DFF789C37EE9D3F85CBEB6E7323633" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_PurposeDomain" xlink:label="loc_nrg_PurposeDomain_9672ADB874D74656A3ACBEB6E73202FE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_PurposeAxis_16DFF789C37EE9D3F85CBEB6E7323633" xlink:to="loc_nrg_PurposeDomain_9672ADB874D74656A3ACBEB6E73202FE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_LongTermDebtCurrentMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_LongTermDebtCurrentMember_D35613EE50ABD5BD395FBEB6E7321368" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_PurposeDomain_9672ADB874D74656A3ACBEB6E73202FE" xlink:to="loc_nrg_LongTermDebtCurrentMember_D35613EE50ABD5BD395FBEB6E7321368" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingExpenseMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpenseMember_1944C95D3DF29353CE7EBEB6E7327973" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_PurposeDomain_9672ADB874D74656A3ACBEB6E73202FE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpenseMember_1944C95D3DF29353CE7EBEB6E7327973" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashDistributionMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashDistributionMember_0CEDB5611ED1CAD3E6A2BEB6E7336992" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_PurposeDomain_9672ADB874D74656A3ACBEB6E73202FE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashDistributionMember_0CEDB5611ED1CAD3E6A2BEB6E7336992" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_ReservesMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_ReservesMember_AF18E2F5DB1A627A9107BEB6E73328EC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_PurposeDomain_9672ADB874D74656A3ACBEB6E73202FE" xlink:to="loc_nrg_ReservesMember_AF18E2F5DB1A627A9107BEB6E73328EC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_E8E37D80E02E06763D35BEB6E7332D57" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesTable_4493810992F1E5600DA7BEB6E7307AF6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_E8E37D80E02E06763D35BEB6E7332D57" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_7E8D48511DEC7604ED09BEB6E733AD26" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_E8E37D80E02E06763D35BEB6E7332D57" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_7E8D48511DEC7604ED09BEB6E733AD26" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassAMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassAMember_2B5EFE53C4E597672F03BEB6E733847B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_7E8D48511DEC7604ED09BEB6E733AD26" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassAMember_2B5EFE53C4E597672F03BEB6E733847B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassCMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassCMember_9EB6732A70206AC408C2BEB6E733CBDB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_7E8D48511DEC7604ED09BEB6E733AD26" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassCMember_9EB6732A70206AC408C2BEB6E733CBDB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_PowerGenerationFacilitiesByTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationFacilitiesByTypeAxis_21ACB6BAB72B121270A1BEB6E73454A3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesTable_4493810992F1E5600DA7BEB6E7307AF6" xlink:to="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationFacilitiesByTypeAxis_21ACB6BAB72B121270A1BEB6E73454A3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_PowerGenerationFacilitiesTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationFacilitiesTypeDomain_5FFB27F1015119B9D9A9BEB6E7346D05" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationFacilitiesByTypeAxis_21ACB6BAB72B121270A1BEB6E73454A3" xlink:to="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationFacilitiesTypeDomain_5FFB27F1015119B9D9A9BEB6E7346D05" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_WindFarmsMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_WindFarmsMember_42A2D5F9B73AA67F331CBEB6E7346E85" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationFacilitiesTypeDomain_5FFB27F1015119B9D9A9BEB6E7346D05" xlink:to="loc_nrg_WindFarmsMember_42A2D5F9B73AA67F331CBEB6E7346E85" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherOwnershipInterestsByNameAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherOwnershipInterestsByNameAxis_BDF409DBAB1E65206824BEB6E7348A27" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesTable_4493810992F1E5600DA7BEB6E7307AF6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherOwnershipInterestsByNameAxis_BDF409DBAB1E65206824BEB6E7348A27" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherOwnershipInterestsNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherOwnershipInterestsNameDomain_8425FD11DFD94BDFAA76BEB6E73491FE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherOwnershipInterestsByNameAxis_BDF409DBAB1E65206824BEB6E7348A27" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherOwnershipInterestsNameDomain_8425FD11DFD94BDFAA76BEB6E73491FE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_FinancialInstitutionsMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_FinancialInstitutionsMember_C5AE752520AAA53A759BBEB6E7340B87" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherOwnershipInterestsNameDomain_8425FD11DFD94BDFAA76BEB6E73491FE" xlink:to="loc_nrg_FinancialInstitutionsMember_C5AE752520AAA53A759BBEB6E7340B87" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_SpringCanyonMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_SpringCanyonMember_C8E52DB3C19C1C979EF7BEB6E7347B0E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherOwnershipInterestsNameDomain_8425FD11DFD94BDFAA76BEB6E73491FE" xlink:to="loc_nrg_SpringCanyonMember_C8E52DB3C19C1C979EF7BEB6E7347B0E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_9F832DEBD6A6D5E40E33BEB6E734D1FE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesTable_4493810992F1E5600DA7BEB6E7307AF6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_9F832DEBD6A6D5E40E33BEB6E734D1FE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_48B951FC8F1BF2A2362BBEB6E735BC22" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_9F832DEBD6A6D5E40E33BEB6E734D1FE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_48B951FC8F1BF2A2362BBEB6E735BC22" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_CvsrMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_CvsrMember_53842AFB78C1B82D73A9BEB6E735B03E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_48B951FC8F1BF2A2362BBEB6E735BC22" xlink:to="loc_nrg_CvsrMember_53842AFB78C1B82D73A9BEB6E735B03E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_48B951FC8F1BF2A2362BBEB6E735BC22" xlink:to="loc_nrg_SpringCanyonMember_C8E52DB3C19C1C979EF7BEB6E7347B0E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:label="loc_nrg_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_F217A643E71232C350A5BEB6E73532B2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesTable_4493810992F1E5600DA7BEB6E7307AF6" xlink:to="loc_nrg_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_F217A643E71232C350A5BEB6E73532B2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleEffectOfAdoptionQuantification" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleEffectOfAdoptionQuantification_81601991016D97EC68A3BEB6E735A030" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_F217A643E71232C350A5BEB6E73532B2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleEffectOfAdoptionQuantification_81601991016D97EC68A3BEB6E735A030" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_C023E140291CF02643D2BEB6E736BEBB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_F217A643E71232C350A5BEB6E73532B2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_C023E140291CF02643D2BEB6E736BEBB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalents" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalents_DB5500C793A15D0F0F48BEB6E7368986" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_F217A643E71232C350A5BEB6E73532B2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalents_DB5500C793A15D0F0F48BEB6E7368986" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinorityInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinorityInterest_3B0011D3E1841E484D1BBEB6E736B174" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_F217A643E71232C350A5BEB6E73532B2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinorityInterest_3B0011D3E1841E484D1BBEB6E736B174" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromMinorityShareholders" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromMinorityShareholders_25F4170275B67FE4624CBEB6E736B982" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_F217A643E71232C350A5BEB6E73532B2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromMinorityShareholders_25F4170275B67FE4624CBEB6E736B982" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestIncreaseFromBusinessCombination" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestIncreaseFromBusinessCombination_423B4DF12195E693C70DBEB6E736F2C3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_F217A643E71232C350A5BEB6E73532B2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestIncreaseFromBusinessCombination_423B4DF12195E693C70DBEB6E736F2C3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_F923CCD6D9445F0657C7BEB6E736386E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_F217A643E71232C350A5BEB6E73532B2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_F923CCD6D9445F0657C7BEB6E736386E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_PercentageOfOwnership" xlink:label="loc_nrg_PercentageOfOwnership_612664F6685C8ADD5DA0BEB6E7366FD9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_F217A643E71232C350A5BEB6E73532B2" xlink:to="loc_nrg_PercentageOfOwnership_612664F6685C8ADD5DA0BEB6E7366FD9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DividendsPayableDateDeclaredDayMonthAndYear" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DividendsPayableDateDeclaredDayMonthAndYear_8E0A099975AE57C7BAA6BEB6E7366B65" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_F217A643E71232C350A5BEB6E73532B2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DividendsPayableDateDeclaredDayMonthAndYear_8E0A099975AE57C7BAA6BEB6E7366B65" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareDeclared" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareDeclared_D9D6A8D9D2417B5C2092BEB6E736BD8E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_F217A643E71232C350A5BEB6E73532B2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareDeclared_D9D6A8D9D2417B5C2092BEB6E736BD8E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DividendPayableDateToBePaidDayMonthAndYear" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DividendPayableDateToBePaidDayMonthAndYear_D6F7FB2E273F51E150B8BEB6E736103D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_F217A643E71232C350A5BEB6E73532B2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DividendPayableDateToBePaidDayMonthAndYear_D6F7FB2E273F51E150B8BEB6E736103D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasesIncomeStatementContingentRevenue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesIncomeStatementContingentRevenue_622B29E03E082324AE07BEB6E736A028" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="12" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_F217A643E71232C350A5BEB6E73532B2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesIncomeStatementContingentRevenue_622B29E03E082324AE07BEB6E736A028" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties_D07C6E0F7FCA20621044BEB6E73678E5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="13" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_F217A643E71232C350A5BEB6E73532B2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties_D07C6E0F7FCA20621044BEB6E73678E5" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesNoncontrollingInterestDisclosureTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_nrg_SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesAbstract_1C33BC5F8128C4283E2E82466152DF92" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfChangeInAssetRetirementObligationTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfChangeInAssetRetirementObligationTableTextBlock_4C93EF81A4A380D7138B82466152CB7E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_nrg_SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesAbstract_1C33BC5F8128C4283E2E82466152DF92" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfChangeInAssetRetirementObligationTableTextBlock_4C93EF81A4A380D7138B82466152CB7E" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesRestrictedCashDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAbstract_F49B4A11D7FC332107CE87BFB8D80B4E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_69B933B793FC933B6DDE87BFB8D8DDF1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAbstract_F49B4A11D7FC332107CE87BFB8D80B4E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_69B933B793FC933B6DDE87BFB8D8DDF1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_4C939FF8051FDECAEC5D87BFB8D88808" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAbstract_F49B4A11D7FC332107CE87BFB8D80B4E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_4C939FF8051FDECAEC5D87BFB8D88808" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents_D990F97C91445F44E4E287BFB8D8AA5F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAbstract_F49B4A11D7FC332107CE87BFB8D80B4E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents_D990F97C91445F44E4E287BFB8D8AA5F" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_CA5AF7C32639E15592FAAED8353F185F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GuaranteesIndemnificationsAndWarrantiesPolicies" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteesIndemnificationsAndWarrantiesPolicies_566F125AE02E3512B710AED8353FA7FD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_CA5AF7C32639E15592FAAED8353F185F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteesIndemnificationsAndWarrantiesPolicies_566F125AE02E3512B710AED8353FA7FD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentsPolicy" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentsPolicy_2A26B5835A37A2320619AED8353F737E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_CA5AF7C32639E15592FAAED8353F185F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentsPolicy_2A26B5835A37A2320619AED8353F737E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativesPolicyTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesPolicyTextBlock_E32298D6BC1A78A5AC99AED8353FD2FA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_CA5AF7C32639E15592FAAED8353F185F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesPolicyTextBlock_E32298D6BC1A78A5AC99AED8353FD2FA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtPolicyTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtPolicyTextBlock_F8196BEC90FE36515191AED8353FB264" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_CA5AF7C32639E15592FAAED8353F185F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtPolicyTextBlock_F8196BEC90FE36515191AED8353FB264" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsIntangibleAssetsPolicy" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsIntangibleAssetsPolicy_B62E364885277A3EDA7EAED835405B8F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_CA5AF7C32639E15592FAAED8353F185F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsIntangibleAssetsPolicy_B62E364885277A3EDA7EAED835405B8F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BasisOfAccountingPolicyPolicyTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BasisOfAccountingPolicyPolicyTextBlock_E35771F53108AD161BA7AED83540FE8C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_CA5AF7C32639E15592FAAED8353F185F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BasisOfAccountingPolicyPolicyTextBlock_E35771F53108AD161BA7AED83540FE8C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskCreditRisk" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskCreditRisk_8186955F9D584606D8B3AED83540D6A9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_CA5AF7C32639E15592FAAED8353F185F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskCreditRisk_8186955F9D584606D8B3AED83540D6A9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsPolicy" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsPolicy_52504995BBA44CFCCC12AED8354020C8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_CA5AF7C32639E15592FAAED8353F185F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsPolicy_52504995BBA44CFCCC12AED8354020C8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ImpairmentOrDisposalOfLongLivedAssetsPolicyTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ImpairmentOrDisposalOfLongLivedAssetsPolicyTextBlock_B4FA4A7620682958DB1EAED83540731B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_CA5AF7C32639E15592FAAED8353F185F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ImpairmentOrDisposalOfLongLivedAssetsPolicyTextBlock_B4FA4A7620682958DB1EAED83540731B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationsPolicy" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationsPolicy_1C269EE0C3D1CC7B447BAED83540F02E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_CA5AF7C32639E15592FAAED8353F185F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationsPolicy_1C269EE0C3D1CC7B447BAED83540F02E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationPolicyTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationPolicyTextBlock_A9470F1D0B89A76C0130AED83540F332" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_CA5AF7C32639E15592FAAED8353F185F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationPolicyTextBlock_A9470F1D0B89A76C0130AED83540F332" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsUnrestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsPolicy" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsUnrestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsPolicy_46336A7F65D440AB4FAAAED8354071A7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="12" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_CA5AF7C32639E15592FAAED8353F185F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsUnrestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsPolicy_46336A7F65D440AB4FAAAED8354071A7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsPolicy" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsPolicy_BD127B4C9653E59D1EFAAED83540EE42" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="13" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_CA5AF7C32639E15592FAAED8353F185F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsPolicy_BD127B4C9653E59D1EFAAED83540EE42" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TradeAndOtherAccountsReceivablePolicy" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TradeAndOtherAccountsReceivablePolicy_4155267B3BCD43D95CD7AED83540DAD7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="14" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_CA5AF7C32639E15592FAAED8353F185F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TradeAndOtherAccountsReceivablePolicy_4155267B3BCD43D95CD7AED83540DAD7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxPolicyTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxPolicyTextBlock_7C3ABD79F9504149F13BAEE8C0A325A0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="15" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_CA5AF7C32639E15592FAAED8353F185F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxPolicyTextBlock_7C3ABD79F9504149F13BAEE8C0A325A0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InventoryPolicyTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InventoryPolicyTextBlock_0918654FEE5CDA7EA206AED83540F698" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="16" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_CA5AF7C32639E15592FAAED8353F185F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InventoryPolicyTextBlock_0918654FEE5CDA7EA206AED83540F698" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentPolicyTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentPolicyTextBlock_FEB299D1FB73E3B435EDAED83540EE6D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="17" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_CA5AF7C32639E15592FAAED8353F185F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentPolicyTextBlock_FEB299D1FB73E3B435EDAED83540EE6D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueRecognitionPolicyTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueRecognitionPolicyTextBlock_847359FD0D81AA308F6BAED835415B6A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="18" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_CA5AF7C32639E15592FAAED8353F185F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenueRecognitionPolicyTextBlock_847359FD0D81AA308F6BAED835415B6A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeLeasesPolicyTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeasesPolicyTextBlock_C0B1FFFAFE39F0B7C1DFAED83541B96A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="19" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_CA5AF7C32639E15592FAAED8353F185F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeasesPolicyTextBlock_C0B1FFFAFE39F0B7C1DFAED83541B96A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationsPolicy" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationsPolicy_BEF48B19033FACC73A5CAED835414E5C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="20" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_CA5AF7C32639E15592FAAED8353F185F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationsPolicy_BEF48B19033FACC73A5CAED835414E5C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UseOfEstimates" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UseOfEstimates_0326E16BB12AD35E1FBCAED83541603E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="21" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_CA5AF7C32639E15592FAAED8353F185F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UseOfEstimates_0326E16BB12AD35E1FBCAED83541603E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_TaxEquityArrangementsPolicyPolicyTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_nrg_TaxEquityArrangementsPolicyPolicyTextBlock_5D0D3557C18CCDD8BE0DAED83541607F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="22" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_CA5AF7C32639E15592FAAED8353F185F" xlink:to="loc_nrg_TaxEquityArrangementsPolicyPolicyTextBlock_5D0D3557C18CCDD8BE0DAED83541607F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PriorPeriodReclassificationAdjustmentDescription" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PriorPeriodReclassificationAdjustmentDescription_2054F9FA4B209EA055C0AED835416813" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="23" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_CA5AF7C32639E15592FAAED8353F185F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PriorPeriodReclassificationAdjustmentDescription_2054F9FA4B209EA055C0AED835416813" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsPolicyPolicyTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsPolicyPolicyTextBlock_6FD9CE2C93A22A95666AAED83541138F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="24" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_CA5AF7C32639E15592FAAED8353F185F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsPolicyPolicyTextBlock_6FD9CE2C93A22A95666AAED83541138F" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/UnauditedQuarterlyFinancialDataDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_QuarterlyFinancialInformationDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_QuarterlyFinancialInformationDisclosureAbstract_89BA3D52B44B02D890A98246600B8E75" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_6A13F811DF98746454FE8246600B7B1F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_QuarterlyFinancialInformationDisclosureAbstract_89BA3D52B44B02D890A98246600B8E75" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_6A13F811DF98746454FE8246600B7B1F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_D81DB3D613EE913461728246600B8976" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_6A13F811DF98746454FE8246600B7B1F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_D81DB3D613EE913461728246600B8976" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_1D4A2A7BDEFA763CC5B08246600BEAAD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_D81DB3D613EE913461728246600B8976" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_1D4A2A7BDEFA763CC5B08246600BEAAD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_OperatingRevenuesMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_OperatingRevenuesMember_A85293834D66FF15E79E8246600B2065" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_1D4A2A7BDEFA763CC5B08246600BEAAD" xlink:to="loc_nrg_OperatingRevenuesMember_A85293834D66FF15E79E8246600B2065" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLossMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLossMember_471F64057C67E74B8E478246600BC9A5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_1D4A2A7BDEFA763CC5B08246600BEAAD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLossMember_471F64057C67E74B8E478246600BC9A5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20171231.xsd#nrg_NetIncomeLossMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NetIncomeLossMember_9D0ACAFC579E0ED87E3F8246600B6DAC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_1D4A2A7BDEFA763CC5B08246600BEAAD" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NetIncomeLossMember_9D0ACAFC579E0ED87E3F8246600B6DAC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_CF211213E4538EAF1FD38246600B0C21" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_6A13F811DF98746454FE8246600B7B1F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_CF211213E4538EAF1FD38246600B0C21" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_80C91485283B4957D8828246600B4050" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_CF211213E4538EAF1FD38246600B0C21" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_80C91485283B4957D8828246600B4050" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioPreviouslyReportedMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioPreviouslyReportedMember_D0EF3C8A263B46D4FB5F8246600BA744" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_80C91485283B4957D8828246600B4050" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioPreviouslyReportedMember_D0EF3C8A263B46D4FB5F8246600BA744" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_A326228982827B84D9C58246600BC66E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_6A13F811DF98746454FE8246600B7B1F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_A326228982827B84D9C58246600BC66E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Revenues" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_277B881017E42495E62F8246600BB329" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_A326228982827B84D9C58246600BC66E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_277B881017E42495E62F8246600BB329" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_QuarterlyFinancialInformationQuarterlyChargesAndCreditsAmountReconcilingToPreviouslyReportedResults" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_QuarterlyFinancialInformationQuarterlyChargesAndCreditsAmountReconcilingToPreviouslyReportedResults_2BC0D5E6E52DAA4401EE8246600B9554" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_A326228982827B84D9C58246600BC66E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_QuarterlyFinancialInformationQuarterlyChargesAndCreditsAmountReconcilingToPreviouslyReportedResults_2BC0D5E6E52DAA4401EE8246600B9554" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_EEEED5BCB6D5E48F4C168246600B7A0D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_A326228982827B84D9C58246600BC66E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_EEEED5BCB6D5E48F4C168246600B7A0D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProfitLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_B45D2D5BF8642B46E70C8246600BF0D6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_A326228982827B84D9C58246600BC66E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_B45D2D5BF8642B46E70C8246600BF0D6" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/UnauditedQuarterlyFinancialDataNotes" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_QuarterlyFinancialInformationDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_QuarterlyFinancialInformationDisclosureAbstract_DFE207B443746E885582824660B64326" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_QuarterlyFinancialInformationTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_QuarterlyFinancialInformationTextBlock_A65D40D73AA16CD5D76D824660B60489" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_QuarterlyFinancialInformationDisclosureAbstract_DFE207B443746E885582824660B64326" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_QuarterlyFinancialInformationTextBlock_A65D40D73AA16CD5D76D824660B60489" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/UnauditedQuarterlyFinancialDataTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_QuarterlyFinancialInformationDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_QuarterlyFinancialInformationDisclosureAbstract_1664698FD9A2D189D0DC824660592C61" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfQuarterlyFinancialInformationTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfQuarterlyFinancialInformationTableTextBlock_B14F2CDDEFC277F00147824660597732" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_QuarterlyFinancialInformationDisclosureAbstract_1664698FD9A2D189D0DC824660592C61" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfQuarterlyFinancialInformationTableTextBlock_B14F2CDDEFC277F00147824660597732" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
</link:linkbase>
