

<!--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/AccountingForDerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivities" xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#AccountingForDerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivities" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/AccountingForDerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesAccountingForDerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesAociDetails" xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#AccountingForDerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesAccountingForDerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesAociDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/AccountingForDerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesAccountingForDerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesFvOfDerivativesDetails" xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#AccountingForDerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesAccountingForDerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesFvOfDerivativesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/AccountingForDerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesAccountingForDerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesImpactToStatementOfOperationsDetails" xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#AccountingForDerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesAccountingForDerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesImpactToStatementOfOperationsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/AccountingForDerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesTables" xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#AccountingForDerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/BusinessAcquisitions" xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#BusinessAcquisitions" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/BusinessAcquisitionsBusinessAcquisitionsCvsrDetails" xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#BusinessAcquisitionsBusinessAcquisitionsCvsrDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/BusinessAcquisitionsBusinessAcquisitionsDesertSunlightSpringCanyonfuelCellDetails" xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#BusinessAcquisitionsBusinessAcquisitionsDesertSunlightSpringCanyonfuelCellDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/BusinessAcquisitionsBusinessAcquisitionsJanuary2015DropDownsDetails" xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#BusinessAcquisitionsBusinessAcquisitionsJanuary2015DropDownsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/BusinessAcquisitionsBusinessAcquisitionsNovember2015DropDownDetails" xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#BusinessAcquisitionsBusinessAcquisitionsNovember2015DropDownDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/BusinessAcquisitionsBusinessAcquisitionsTables" xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#BusinessAcquisitionsBusinessAcquisitionsTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/ChangesInCapitalStructure" xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#ChangesInCapitalStructure" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/ChangesInCapitalStructureChangesInCapitalStructureDividendsDetails" xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#ChangesInCapitalStructureChangesInCapitalStructureDividendsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/ChangesInCapitalStructureChangesInCapitalStructureRecapitalizationAndStockIssuanceDetails" xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#ChangesInCapitalStructureChangesInCapitalStructureRecapitalizationAndStockIssuanceDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/ChangesInCapitalStructureStockholdersEquityTables" xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#ChangesInCapitalStructureStockholdersEquityTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheets" xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#ConsolidatedBalanceSheets" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical" xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#ConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows" xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#ConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveLoss" xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#ConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveLoss" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveLossParenthetical" xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#ConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveLossParenthetical" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfOperations" xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#ConsolidatedStatementsOfOperations" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/ContingenciesDetails" xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#ContingenciesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/ContingenciesNotes" xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#ContingenciesNotes" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/ContingenciesTables" xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#ContingenciesTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/DocumentAndEntityInformation" xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#DocumentAndEntityInformation" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/EarningsPerShare" xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#EarningsPerShare" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/EarningsPerShareDetails" xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#EarningsPerShareDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/EarningsPerShareTables" xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#EarningsPerShareTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/FairValueOfFinancialInstruments" xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#FairValueOfFinancialInstruments" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsFairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsBalanceSheetGroupingDetails" xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsFairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsBalanceSheetGroupingDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsFairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsCreditRiskAndDerivativeFvMeasurementsDetails" xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsFairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsCreditRiskAndDerivativeFvMeasurementsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsFairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsRecurringFairValueDetails" xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsFairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsRecurringFairValueDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsTables" xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/IncomeTaxes" xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#IncomeTaxes" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/IncomeTaxesProvisionDetails" xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#IncomeTaxesProvisionDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/IncomeTaxesTables" xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#IncomeTaxesTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/LongTermDebt" xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#LongTermDebt" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/LongTermDebtLongTermDebtDebtDisclosuresdetails" xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#LongTermDebtLongTermDebtDebtDisclosuresdetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/LongTermDebtLongTermDebtDebtTableDetails" xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#LongTermDebtLongTermDebtDebtTableDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/LongTermDebtTables" xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#LongTermDebtTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/NatureOfBusiness" xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#NatureOfBusiness" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/NatureOfBusinessDetails" xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#NatureOfBusinessDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/NatureOfBusinessNatureOfBusinessTables" xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#NatureOfBusinessNatureOfBusinessTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/RelatedPartyTransactions" xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#RelatedPartyTransactions" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/RelatedPartyTransactionsDetails" xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#RelatedPartyTransactionsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/SegmentReporting" xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#SegmentReporting" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/SegmentReportingDetails" xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#SegmentReportingDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/SegmentReportingSegmentReportingPolicies" xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#SegmentReportingSegmentReportingPolicies" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/SegmentReportingTables" xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#SegmentReportingTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicies" xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicies" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesDetails" xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies" xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTables" xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/VariableInterestEntities" xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#VariableInterestEntities" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/VariableInterestEntitiesTables" xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#VariableInterestEntitiesTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/VariableInterestEntitiesVariableInterestEntitiesConsolidatedEntitiesDetails" xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#VariableInterestEntitiesVariableInterestEntitiesConsolidatedEntitiesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/VariableInterestEntitiesVariableInterestEntitiesDgpvDetails" xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#VariableInterestEntitiesVariableInterestEntitiesDgpvDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/VariableInterestEntitiesVariableInterestEntitiesGenconnDetails" xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#VariableInterestEntitiesVariableInterestEntitiesGenconnDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/VariableInterestEntitiesVariableInterestEntitiesRpvDetails" xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#VariableInterestEntitiesVariableInterestEntitiesRpvDetails" 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/AccountingForDerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivities" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract_03D2A609F774CC717BF100163853A2DD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosureTextBlock_A71418A235536C3C40F400163853F51A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_03D2A609F774CC717BF100163853A2DD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosureTextBlock_A71418A235536C3C40F400163853F51A" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/AccountingForDerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesAccountingForDerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesAociDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract_32198241F332EC94E8A90165B32E51EA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_C1340346DAEBE5285A970165B32E0996" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_32198241F332EC94E8A90165B32E51EA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_C1340346DAEBE5285A970165B32E0996" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_7689334890B398199DFF0165B32EAA12" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_C1340346DAEBE5285A970165B32E0996" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_7689334890B398199DFF0165B32EAA12" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_DD46AE4F166B3C59078E0165B32EAFBA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_7689334890B398199DFF0165B32EAA12" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_DD46AE4F166B3C59078E0165B32EAFBA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SuccessorMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SuccessorMember_0AD983D76A9D551091F00165B32E4412" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_DD46AE4F166B3C59078E0165B32EAFBA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SuccessorMember_0AD983D76A9D551091F00165B32E4412" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_EA4CBE3DA9DB1CFE1EF90165B32F5035" 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_C1340346DAEBE5285A970165B32E0996" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_EA4CBE3DA9DB1CFE1EF90165B32F5035" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_FD0DC1E2FE1F4C4A12AC0165B32F2C66" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_EA4CBE3DA9DB1CFE1EF90165B32F5035" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_FD0DC1E2FE1F4C4A12AC0165B32F2C66" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember_3D8DB84E2548100463F90165B32FADB4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_FD0DC1E2FE1F4C4A12AC0165B32F2C66" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember_3D8DB84E2548100463F90165B32FADB4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeAxis_A87C105DBE03E122BD1B0165B32F83FD" 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_C1340346DAEBE5285A970165B32E0996" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeAxis_A87C105DBE03E122BD1B0165B32F83FD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeDomain_2D7D93E0FDD0663E18230165B32F1EC4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_A87C105DBE03E122BD1B0165B32F83FD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeDomain_2D7D93E0FDD0663E18230165B32F1EC4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_BF69251BA826F4D1A7250165B32F359A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_2D7D93E0FDD0663E18230165B32F1EC4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_BF69251BA826F4D1A7250165B32F359A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_FAEEFCD40BDBFAFD8D540165B32FEE30" 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_C1340346DAEBE5285A970165B32E0996" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_FAEEFCD40BDBFAFD8D540165B32FEE30" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossCumulativeChangesInNetGainLossFromCashFlowHedgesEffectNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossCumulativeChangesInNetGainLossFromCashFlowHedgesEffectNetOfTax_7D817090A794795D92670165B32FD6DB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_FAEEFCD40BDBFAFD8D540165B32FEE30" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossCumulativeChangesInNetGainLossFromCashFlowHedgesEffectNetOfTax_7D817090A794795D92670165B32FD6DB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AociIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AociIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestTax_18B1F9A02DB282C314240165B32FBD38" 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_FAEEFCD40BDBFAFD8D540165B32FEE30" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AociIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestTax_18B1F9A02DB282C314240165B32FBD38" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossReclassifiedFromAccumulatedOCIIntoIncomeEffectivePortionNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossReclassifiedFromAccumulatedOCIIntoIncomeEffectivePortionNet_F110821E09A43645DBD90165B32FFB3D" 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_FAEEFCD40BDBFAFD8D540165B32FEE30" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossReclassifiedFromAccumulatedOCIIntoIncomeEffectivePortionNet_F110821E09A43645DBD90165B32FFB3D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDerivativesQualifyingAsHedgesNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDerivativesQualifyingAsHedgesNetOfTax_2BD0BDA7FA253EB1BF990165B32F5227" 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_FAEEFCD40BDBFAFD8D540165B32FEE30" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDerivativesQualifyingAsHedgesNetOfTax_2BD0BDA7FA253EB1BF990165B32F5227" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashFlowHedgeGainLossToBeReclassifiedWithinTwelveMonths" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashFlowHedgeGainLossToBeReclassifiedWithinTwelveMonths_9EA81BB3A0B892618B7B0165B32F28EF" 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_FAEEFCD40BDBFAFD8D540165B32FEE30" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashFlowHedgeGainLossToBeReclassifiedWithinTwelveMonths_9EA81BB3A0B892618B7B0165B32F28EF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_CashFlowHedgeGainLossToBeReclassifiedWithinTwelveMonthsTax" xlink:label="loc_nrg_CashFlowHedgeGainLossToBeReclassifiedWithinTwelveMonthsTax_5FB567A930F5A579A9090165B33062B2" 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_FAEEFCD40BDBFAFD8D540165B32FEE30" xlink:to="loc_nrg_CashFlowHedgeGainLossToBeReclassifiedWithinTwelveMonthsTax_5FB567A930F5A579A9090165B33062B2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnCashFlowHedgeIneffectivenessNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnCashFlowHedgeIneffectivenessNet_E5AE1B59B23F9653CF7D0165B330938C" 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_DerivativeLineItems_FAEEFCD40BDBFAFD8D540165B32FEE30" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnCashFlowHedgeIneffectivenessNet_E5AE1B59B23F9653CF7D0165B330938C" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/AccountingForDerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesAccountingForDerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesFvOfDerivativesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract_91B799F5FD863B9DC2F7001637E6978F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable_6B8D2B3E3DCB930A1021001637E62385" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_91B799F5FD863B9DC2F7001637E6978F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable_6B8D2B3E3DCB930A1021001637E62385" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassAxis_1AD189C2704C9A9B4C81001637E6AF00" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_6B8D2B3E3DCB930A1021001637E62385" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassAxis_1AD189C2704C9A9B4C81001637E6AF00" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassDomain_B67310A570684457755C001637E6F466" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_1AD189C2704C9A9B4C81001637E6AF00" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassDomain_B67310A570684457755C001637E6F466" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_InterestMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_InterestMember_2827987DCDF12B9A5EFB001637E674AF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_B67310A570684457755C001637E6F466" xlink:to="loc_nrg_InterestMember_2827987DCDF12B9A5EFB001637E674AF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NaturalGasReservesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NaturalGasReservesMember_2A39CE169CFB04213287001637E61FCB" 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_B67310A570684457755C001637E6F466" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NaturalGasReservesMember_2A39CE169CFB04213287001637E61FCB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_3D9C1EAA1574E83E4892001637E68278" 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_6B8D2B3E3DCB930A1021001637E62385" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_3D9C1EAA1574E83E4892001637E68278" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_AD4FF6DE74DE64104B71001637E660A6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_3D9C1EAA1574E83E4892001637E68278" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_AD4FF6DE74DE64104B71001637E660A6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_InterestRateContractCurrentMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_InterestRateContractCurrentMember_AC3B307236FDA3DCA53B001637E61C9B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_AD4FF6DE74DE64104B71001637E660A6" xlink:to="loc_nrg_InterestRateContractCurrentMember_AC3B307236FDA3DCA53B001637E61C9B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_InterestRateContractNonCurrentMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_InterestRateContractNonCurrentMember_79908C46FD1830EF6B7E001637E657B4" 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_AD4FF6DE74DE64104B71001637E660A6" xlink:to="loc_nrg_InterestRateContractNonCurrentMember_79908C46FD1830EF6B7E001637E657B4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_CommodityContractCurrentMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_CommodityContractCurrentMember_DEAFAA0D64A6793123A2001637E602F0" 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_AD4FF6DE74DE64104B71001637E660A6" xlink:to="loc_nrg_CommodityContractCurrentMember_DEAFAA0D64A6793123A2001637E602F0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis_2F7DDF0AE724EC87234A001637E68D8A" 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_6B8D2B3E3DCB930A1021001637E62385" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis_2F7DDF0AE724EC87234A001637E68D8A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain_3ED295DF5ABC6BB1362B001637E684EE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_2F7DDF0AE724EC87234A001637E68D8A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain_3ED295DF5ABC6BB1362B001637E684EE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentMember_996017312F9A932B4A1F001637E63687" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_3ED295DF5ABC6BB1362B001637E684EE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentMember_996017312F9A932B4A1F001637E63687" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NondesignatedMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NondesignatedMember_19D9265A6993C3161A9D001637E6C62C" 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_3ED295DF5ABC6BB1362B001637E684EE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NondesignatedMember_19D9265A6993C3161A9D001637E6C62C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_MeasurementUnitAxis" xlink:label="loc_nrg_MeasurementUnitAxis_EB73713F53FC9C002119001637E68682" 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_6B8D2B3E3DCB930A1021001637E62385" xlink:to="loc_nrg_MeasurementUnitAxis_EB73713F53FC9C002119001637E68682" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_MeasurementUnitDomain" xlink:label="loc_nrg_MeasurementUnitDomain_DE81700A813EE9D56C6B001637E66374" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link: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_EB73713F53FC9C002119001637E68682" xlink:to="loc_nrg_MeasurementUnitDomain_DE81700A813EE9D56C6B001637E66374" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_MmbtuMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_MmbtuMember_79E3F5C07A3D75B7326D001637E6182E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link: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_DE81700A813EE9D56C6B001637E66374" xlink:to="loc_nrg_MmbtuMember_79E3F5C07A3D75B7326D001637E6182E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/currency/2016/currency-2016-01-31.xsd#currency_USD" xlink:label="loc_currency_USD_E2B244FA478AB5B3C56F001637E66B6A" 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_DE81700A813EE9D56C6B001637E66374" xlink:to="loc_currency_USD_E2B244FA478AB5B3C56F001637E66B6A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_F3ABA7FCAD8A9B4857CC001637E6E041" 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_6B8D2B3E3DCB930A1021001637E62385" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_F3ABA7FCAD8A9B4857CC001637E6E041" 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_A248105C3CF861C40D5D001637E6D364" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_F3ABA7FCAD8A9B4857CC001637E6E041" xlink:to="loc_invest_DerivativeNotionalAmount_A248105C3CF861C40D5D001637E6D364" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset_03C350231146831EDF60001637E6EF5D" 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_F3ABA7FCAD8A9B4857CC001637E6E041" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset_03C350231146831EDF60001637E6EF5D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability_DA9D9A2BB33E16665F4A001637E626FB" 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_F3ABA7FCAD8A9B4857CC001637E6E041" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability_DA9D9A2BB33E16665F4A001637E626FB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeCollateralRightToReclaimCash" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeCollateralRightToReclaimCash_92DB4B69A6741A5F8654001637E6B768" 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_F3ABA7FCAD8A9B4857CC001637E6E041" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeCollateralRightToReclaimCash_92DB4B69A6741A5F8654001637E6B768" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeCollateralObligationToReturnCash" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeCollateralObligationToReturnCash_64711553FCB29D1409AC001637E687B9" 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_F3ABA7FCAD8A9B4857CC001637E6E041" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeCollateralObligationToReturnCash_64711553FCB29D1409AC001637E687B9" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/AccountingForDerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesAccountingForDerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesImpactToStatementOfOperationsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract_BA56B2E690B63E04B97B21B698E9611D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable_B91CE196114E2DB80C4421B698E9D065" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_BA56B2E690B63E04B97B21B698E9611D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable_B91CE196114E2DB80C4421B698E9D065" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_C3885A7F5B840341818721B698E93186" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_B91CE196114E2DB80C4421B698E9D065" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_C3885A7F5B840341818721B698E93186" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_4B7603F00B9A57E43FE021B698E9EE89" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_C3885A7F5B840341818721B698E93186" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_4B7603F00B9A57E43FE021B698E9EE89" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestRateContractMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateContractMember_3BD4A27F0E4913ED8A9C21B698E919AB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_4B7603F00B9A57E43FE021B698E9EE89" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateContractMember_3BD4A27F0E4913ED8A9C21B698E919AB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommodityContractMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommodityContractMember_7A393CBCD232B9EF3E6721B698E9B411" 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_4B7603F00B9A57E43FE021B698E9EE89" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommodityContractMember_7A393CBCD232B9EF3E6721B698E9B411" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_97DB6B4BB343761F205F21B698E94130" 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_B91CE196114E2DB80C4421B698E9D065" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_97DB6B4BB343761F205F21B698E94130" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_934E49DB298AA24E174F21B698E95505" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_97DB6B4BB343761F205F21B698E94130" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_934E49DB298AA24E174F21B698E95505" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpenseMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpenseMember_8132ED19E8ED6BFA229621B698E993E8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_934E49DB298AA24E174F21B698E95505" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpenseMember_8132ED19E8ED6BFA229621B698E993E8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SalesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SalesMember_55D4D9D1FD4A586BE1C121B698E97DA7" 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_934E49DB298AA24E174F21B698E95505" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SalesMember_55D4D9D1FD4A586BE1C121B698E97DA7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems_76888732E8A27288C9E621B698E96ED0" 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_B91CE196114E2DB80C4421B698E9D065" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems_76888732E8A27288C9E621B698E96ED0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives_677B6FA0D6B15779BC4321B698EA6AEF" 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_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems_76888732E8A27288C9E621B698E96ED0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives_677B6FA0D6B15779BC4321B698EA6AEF" 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/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract_1F3918F1CDBF6298C36600163853A79F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfNotionalAmountsOfOutstandingDerivativePositionsTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfNotionalAmountsOfOutstandingDerivativePositionsTableTextBlock_E8840C3901B50FA10BD700163853E45A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_1F3918F1CDBF6298C36600163853A79F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfNotionalAmountsOfOutstandingDerivativePositionsTableTextBlock_E8840C3901B50FA10BD700163853E45A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfDerivativesInstrumentsStatementsOfFinancialPerformanceAndFinancialPositionLocationTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDerivativesInstrumentsStatementsOfFinancialPerformanceAndFinancialPositionLocationTableTextBlock_99DF967E2D3D7EA0120E001638534A8D" 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_1F3918F1CDBF6298C36600163853A79F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDerivativesInstrumentsStatementsOfFinancialPerformanceAndFinancialPositionLocationTableTextBlock_99DF967E2D3D7EA0120E001638534A8D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OffsettingLiabilitiesTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OffsettingLiabilitiesTableTextBlock_5786E6E16784768C25A900163853C144" 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_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract_1F3918F1CDBF6298C36600163853A79F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OffsettingLiabilitiesTableTextBlock_5786E6E16784768C25A900163853C144" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfCashFlowHedgesIncludedInAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCashFlowHedgesIncludedInAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTableTextBlock_D7E29FB63B9D83460B00001638535467" 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_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract_1F3918F1CDBF6298C36600163853A79F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCashFlowHedgesIncludedInAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTableTextBlock_D7E29FB63B9D83460B00001638535467" 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/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationsAbstract_0F8ADD544AA729FA8FDA0016375720E4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MergersAcquisitionsAndDispositionsDisclosuresTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MergersAcquisitionsAndDispositionsDisclosuresTextBlock_C553297F2AB934E5418E00163757F43B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_0F8ADD544AA729FA8FDA0016375720E4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MergersAcquisitionsAndDispositionsDisclosuresTextBlock_C553297F2AB934E5418E00163757F43B" 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/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationsAbstract_F40C7063B0DC81FAE1C00165B39A7400" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_4440450B71DAAB48DE7D0165B39A07C6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_F40C7063B0DC81FAE1C00165B39A7400" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_4440450B71DAAB48DE7D0165B39A07C6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_A8556AC41FA411FD4D760165B39A59AB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_4440450B71DAAB48DE7D0165B39A07C6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_A8556AC41FA411FD4D760165B39A59AB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_3FAA7C9BEBF8A560C4C30165B39AED04" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_A8556AC41FA411FD4D760165B39A59AB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_3FAA7C9BEBF8A560C4C30165B39AED04" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_CvsrMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_CvsrMember_568CA2F85D0AD150DA860165B39A79EA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_3FAA7C9BEBF8A560C4C30165B39AED04" xlink:to="loc_nrg_CvsrMember_568CA2F85D0AD150DA860165B39A79EA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_660B6323B3008C0FDB7C0165B39A8B66" 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_4440450B71DAAB48DE7D0165B39A07C6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_660B6323B3008C0FDB7C0165B39A8B66" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage_234513DFAA077A95B992017F51EA1C87" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_660B6323B3008C0FDB7C0165B39A8B66" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage_234513DFAA077A95B992017F51EA1C87" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPercentageOfVotingInterestsAcquired" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPercentageOfVotingInterestsAcquired_FC64D2E0602C89EF0E320165B39A1A1D" 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_660B6323B3008C0FDB7C0165B39A8B66" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPercentageOfVotingInterestsAcquired_FC64D2E0602C89EF0E320165B39A1A1D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross_006A3A45A134B84F8EC40165B39ABC18" 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_660B6323B3008C0FDB7C0165B39A8B66" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross_006A3A45A134B84F8EC40165B39ABC18" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNoncurrentLiabilitiesLongTermDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNoncurrentLiabilitiesLongTermDebt_987E8C10CE9C1D857FF6017F4C61DBB7" 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_660B6323B3008C0FDB7C0165B39A8B66" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNoncurrentLiabilitiesLongTermDebt_987E8C10CE9C1D857FF6017F4C61DBB7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationIndemnificationAssetsAmountAsOfAcquisitionDate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationIndemnificationAssetsAmountAsOfAcquisitionDate_36D3060C2D60F07D1F450165B39AAA7A" 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_660B6323B3008C0FDB7C0165B39A8B66" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationIndemnificationAssetsAmountAsOfAcquisitionDate_36D3060C2D60F07D1F450165B39AAA7A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrent_B4B90EC1CC68EB93510D017D1588888F" 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_660B6323B3008C0FDB7C0165B39A8B66" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrent_B4B90EC1CC68EB93510D017D1588888F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_CE6FC3475799EC37C92E01858BBD186D" 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_660B6323B3008C0FDB7C0165B39A8B66" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_CE6FC3475799EC37C92E01858BBD186D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrent_AB1BDBB695D41DA7A25A017DB51E712B" 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_660B6323B3008C0FDB7C0165B39A8B66" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrent_AB1BDBB695D41DA7A25A017DB51E712B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Assets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Assets_676BD57224B342034EE5017DEA73562E" 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_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_660B6323B3008C0FDB7C0165B39A8B66" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Assets_676BD57224B342034EE5017DEA73562E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsIncludingCurrentMaturities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsIncludingCurrentMaturities_4CFBFFB5B469A4B23A2C017EB28B919A" 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_660B6323B3008C0FDB7C0165B39A8B66" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsIncludingCurrentMaturities_4CFBFFB5B469A4B23A2C017EB28B919A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilities_1EB21D732FE4D632541A017FC0D8B2D3" 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_660B6323B3008C0FDB7C0165B39A8B66" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilities_1EB21D732FE4D632541A017FC0D8B2D3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Liabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Liabilities_6AB179D93AD190E89D6C01804EF8C965" 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_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_660B6323B3008C0FDB7C0165B39A8B66" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Liabilities_6AB179D93AD190E89D6C01804EF8C965" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsNet_B21E79661EDA6315289B018147BFDAB6" 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_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_660B6323B3008C0FDB7C0165B39A8B66" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsNet_B21E79661EDA6315289B018147BFDAB6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_F41A76C0CAD8E0E369940181AE7C00E8" 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_660B6323B3008C0FDB7C0165B39A8B66" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_F41A76C0CAD8E0E369940181AE7C00E8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_NetAssetsexcludingAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NetAssetsexcludingAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLoss_0526BBD955E96F8C0F63018379F9A6B5" 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_660B6323B3008C0FDB7C0165B39A8B66" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NetAssetsexcludingAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLoss_0526BBD955E96F8C0F63018379F9A6B5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNet_9645AD1C4912D07C4C9E0165B39BE67F" 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_660B6323B3008C0FDB7C0165B39A8B66" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNet_9645AD1C4912D07C4C9E0165B39BE67F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationProFormaInformationRevenueOfAcquireeSinceAcquisitionDateActual" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationProFormaInformationRevenueOfAcquireeSinceAcquisitionDateActual_AD6CE4EDDEBCD080EFC30165B39B46B3" 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_660B6323B3008C0FDB7C0165B39A8B66" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationProFormaInformationRevenueOfAcquireeSinceAcquisitionDateActual_AD6CE4EDDEBCD080EFC30165B39B46B3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationProFormaInformationEarningsOrLossOfAcquireeSinceAcquisitionDateActual" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationProFormaInformationEarningsOrLossOfAcquireeSinceAcquisitionDateActual_77C51DB8E02EF379B4070165B39BC6F4" 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_660B6323B3008C0FDB7C0165B39A8B66" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationProFormaInformationEarningsOrLossOfAcquireeSinceAcquisitionDateActual_77C51DB8E02EF379B4070165B39BC6F4" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/BusinessAcquisitionsBusinessAcquisitionsDesertSunlightSpringCanyonfuelCellDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationsAbstract_6BC4B9004E6B69DC1971001637772AF6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_1CD4F129E24F39EE8BAA0016377791F4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_6BC4B9004E6B69DC1971001637772AF6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_1CD4F129E24F39EE8BAA0016377791F4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis_DEE2BF3049F422B5BE7B00163777D2CE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_1CD4F129E24F39EE8BAA0016377791F4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis_DEE2BF3049F422B5BE7B00163777D2CE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_F33F6DB8E35E2361C7390016377790FC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_DEE2BF3049F422B5BE7B00163777D2CE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_F33F6DB8E35E2361C7390016377790FC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_SouthernCaliforniaEdisonMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_SouthernCaliforniaEdisonMember_CFCFE75464C2DA005929001637770DDA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_F33F6DB8E35E2361C7390016377790FC" xlink:to="loc_nrg_SouthernCaliforniaEdisonMember_CFCFE75464C2DA005929001637770DDA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_PacificGasandElectricMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_PacificGasandElectricMember_7DEBB45012A99E66E70A001637774537" 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_F33F6DB8E35E2361C7390016377790FC" xlink:to="loc_nrg_PacificGasandElectricMember_7DEBB45012A99E66E70A001637774537" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_D9352B031B8058EEC86F001637774C8D" 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_1CD4F129E24F39EE8BAA0016377791F4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_D9352B031B8058EEC86F001637774C8D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_FEA51EE8922320836BBA001637773C9F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_D9352B031B8058EEC86F001637774C8D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_FEA51EE8922320836BBA001637773C9F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SupplyCommitmentMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SupplyCommitmentMember_A4C2270F5FDBAA4EDE7600163777CFA5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_FEA51EE8922320836BBA001637773C9F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SupplyCommitmentMember_A4C2270F5FDBAA4EDE7600163777CFA5" 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_76BA3E5E273E6E8B3E3100163777FF1B" 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_1CD4F129E24F39EE8BAA0016377791F4" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_76BA3E5E273E6E8B3E3100163777FF1B" 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_66606643C20FEC74F03F00163777FA40" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link: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_76BA3E5E273E6E8B3E3100163777FF1B" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_66606643C20FEC74F03F00163777FA40" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_UBFuelCellMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_UBFuelCellMember_B72ED2F31959C6F6BAAE00163777E2D9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link: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_66606643C20FEC74F03F00163777FA40" xlink:to="loc_nrg_UBFuelCellMember_B72ED2F31959C6F6BAAE00163777E2D9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_AA0BD10FF16767BB6FC3001637779BA5" 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_1CD4F129E24F39EE8BAA0016377791F4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_AA0BD10FF16767BB6FC3001637779BA5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_5A057F0E23CA955AE8C600163777568F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_AA0BD10FF16767BB6FC3001637779BA5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_5A057F0E23CA955AE8C600163777568F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_DesertSunlightMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_DesertSunlightMember_CE8683A3C4D80AF8B430001637779618" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_5A057F0E23CA955AE8C600163777568F" xlink:to="loc_nrg_DesertSunlightMember_CE8683A3C4D80AF8B430001637779618" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_PowerGenerationFacilitiesByTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationFacilitiesByTypeAxis_AB05EFB6BACBEBC87C7000163777A67A" 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_1CD4F129E24F39EE8BAA0016377791F4" xlink:to="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationFacilitiesByTypeAxis_AB05EFB6BACBEBC87C7000163777A67A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_PowerGenerationFacilitiesTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationFacilitiesTypeDomain_DC5BC152CD7C5E9A2BC2001637774466" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link: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_AB05EFB6BACBEBC87C7000163777A67A" xlink:to="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationFacilitiesTypeDomain_DC5BC152CD7C5E9A2BC2001637774466" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_UtilityScaleSolarMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_UtilityScaleSolarMember_12861C18BE37D785AA6500163777EF81" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link: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_DC5BC152CD7C5E9A2BC2001637774466" xlink:to="loc_nrg_UtilityScaleSolarMember_12861C18BE37D785AA6500163777EF81" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_WindFarmsMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_WindFarmsMember_8E19D5F21E1436163025001637777D8A" 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_DC5BC152CD7C5E9A2BC2001637774466" xlink:to="loc_nrg_WindFarmsMember_8E19D5F21E1436163025001637777D8A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_ThermalMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_ThermalMember_D946F9579F423C709BA700163777A48D" 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_DC5BC152CD7C5E9A2BC2001637774466" xlink:to="loc_nrg_ThermalMember_D946F9579F423C709BA700163777A48D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_ADCE86D6CCE6971E7F1C0016377762A6" 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_1CD4F129E24F39EE8BAA0016377791F4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_ADCE86D6CCE6971E7F1C0016377762A6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_722280E91C5DEC7B61E6001637775E3D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_ADCE86D6CCE6971E7F1C0016377762A6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_722280E91C5DEC7B61E6001637775E3D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_SpringCanyonMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_SpringCanyonMember_D0704258F7236EA7D6500016377747CD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_722280E91C5DEC7B61E6001637775E3D" xlink:to="loc_nrg_SpringCanyonMember_D0704258F7236EA7D6500016377747CD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_SpringCanyonIIMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_SpringCanyonIIMember_3F80E13FE02831E9B871001637775AC1" 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_722280E91C5DEC7B61E6001637775E3D" xlink:to="loc_nrg_SpringCanyonIIMember_3F80E13FE02831E9B871001637775AC1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_SpringCanyonIIIMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_SpringCanyonIIIMember_AE2534907BD01838962100163777B768" 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_722280E91C5DEC7B61E6001637775E3D" xlink:to="loc_nrg_SpringCanyonIIIMember_AE2534907BD01838962100163777B768" 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_722280E91C5DEC7B61E6001637775E3D" xlink:to="loc_nrg_UBFuelCellMember_B72ED2F31959C6F6BAAE00163777E2D9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_9E41133B2108B4AD22600016377709A9" 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_1CD4F129E24F39EE8BAA0016377791F4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_9E41133B2108B4AD22600016377709A9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage_9CBFE6F5EEE921BD468700163777368F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_9E41133B2108B4AD22600016377709A9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage_9CBFE6F5EEE921BD468700163777368F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_NumberOfFacilities" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NumberOfFacilities_7D76DFDE0488B4B317C600163777C65A" 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_9E41133B2108B4AD22600016377709A9" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NumberOfFacilities_7D76DFDE0488B4B317C600163777C65A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_PowerGenerationCapacityMegawatts" xlink:label="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationCapacityMegawatts_ED03FA332BD00B614D1F001637773FC5" 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_9E41133B2108B4AD22600016377709A9" xlink:to="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationCapacityMegawatts_ED03FA332BD00B614D1F001637773FC5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPercentageOfVotingInterestsAcquired" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPercentageOfVotingInterestsAcquired_EDA40C03571157749699001637779D15" 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_9E41133B2108B4AD22600016377709A9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPercentageOfVotingInterestsAcquired_EDA40C03571157749699001637779D15" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireEquityMethodInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireEquityMethodInvestments_C1FB4B487A7DB978ED2C00163777BE3D" 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_9E41133B2108B4AD22600016377709A9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireEquityMethodInvestments_C1FB4B487A7DB978ED2C00163777BE3D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AcquiredFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsWeightedAverageUsefulLife" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AcquiredFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsWeightedAverageUsefulLife_24705B9EB30EDC52247E0016377763F6" 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_9E41133B2108B4AD22600016377709A9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AcquiredFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsWeightedAverageUsefulLife_24705B9EB30EDC52247E0016377763F6" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/BusinessAcquisitionsBusinessAcquisitionsJanuary2015DropDownsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationsAbstract_1D0669B1DE491A54012A00163824CCE8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_BDE3F0D2B063DD3DDB0300163824DA3B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_1D0669B1DE491A54012A00163824CCE8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_BDE3F0D2B063DD3DDB0300163824DA3B" 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_7DDE7188D87BA55460E4001638244F2C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_BDE3F0D2B063DD3DDB0300163824DA3B" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_7DDE7188D87BA55460E4001638244F2C" 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_4A6A0C09B08263403AD5001638242EF3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link: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_7DDE7188D87BA55460E4001638244F2C" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_4A6A0C09B08263403AD5001638242EF3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_LaredoRidgeMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_LaredoRidgeMember_BAD5BDC9A744D815334800163824FA3C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link: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_4A6A0C09B08263403AD5001638242EF3" xlink:to="loc_nrg_LaredoRidgeMember_BAD5BDC9A744D815334800163824FA3C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_BuffaloBearMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_BuffaloBearMember_29F78FE19E90D277B31F001638240282" 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_4A6A0C09B08263403AD5001638242EF3" xlink:to="loc_nrg_BuffaloBearMember_29F78FE19E90D277B31F001638240282" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_TalogaMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_TalogaMember_DFE108F674D92A46274C001638247C76" 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_4A6A0C09B08263403AD5001638242EF3" xlink:to="loc_nrg_TalogaMember_DFE108F674D92A46274C001638247C76" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_PinnacleMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_PinnacleMember_EEB53F54E3DEB73131B10016382406DF" 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_4A6A0C09B08263403AD5001638242EF3" xlink:to="loc_nrg_PinnacleMember_EEB53F54E3DEB73131B10016382406DF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_WalnutCreekMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_WalnutCreekMember_931D489CDC9E2E6773C600163824A245" 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_4A6A0C09B08263403AD5001638242EF3" xlink:to="loc_nrg_WalnutCreekMember_931D489CDC9E2E6773C600163824A245" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_PowerGenerationFacilitiesByTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationFacilitiesByTypeAxis_E93DA0ED4DE02CF3645C0016382481AE" 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_BDE3F0D2B063DD3DDB0300163824DA3B" xlink:to="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationFacilitiesByTypeAxis_E93DA0ED4DE02CF3645C0016382481AE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_PowerGenerationFacilitiesTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationFacilitiesTypeDomain_A36DC119E614FEBF09390016382420C2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link: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_E93DA0ED4DE02CF3645C0016382481AE" xlink:to="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationFacilitiesTypeDomain_A36DC119E614FEBF09390016382420C2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_WindFarmsMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_WindFarmsMember_16BF09E502D9256476B100163824927D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link: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_A36DC119E614FEBF09390016382420C2" xlink:to="loc_nrg_WindFarmsMember_16BF09E502D9256476B100163824927D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_ConventionalGenerationMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_ConventionalGenerationMember_20DB8EA01EEA6E88F22400163824A493" 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_A36DC119E614FEBF09390016382420C2" xlink:to="loc_nrg_ConventionalGenerationMember_20DB8EA01EEA6E88F22400163824A493" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_6218CB97B39B5721453D00163824EC70" 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_BDE3F0D2B063DD3DDB0300163824DA3B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_6218CB97B39B5721453D00163824EC70" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_6FE5FFE15CCDAD0267B7001638242309" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_6218CB97B39B5721453D00163824EC70" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_6FE5FFE15CCDAD0267B7001638242309" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_January2015DropDownAssetsMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_January2015DropDownAssetsMember_45B96FF6145E9736C2EE001638245F9B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_6FE5FFE15CCDAD0267B7001638242309" xlink:to="loc_nrg_January2015DropDownAssetsMember_45B96FF6145E9736C2EE001638245F9B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_BE8A87498F819C427AA800163824069D" 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_BDE3F0D2B063DD3DDB0300163824DA3B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_BE8A87498F819C427AA800163824069D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_PowerGenerationCapacityMegawatts" xlink:label="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationCapacityMegawatts_B54EEC4DBECE2A33A1A1001638246AB2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_BE8A87498F819C427AA800163824069D" xlink:to="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationCapacityMegawatts_B54EEC4DBECE2A33A1A1001638246AB2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1_E6CA1CB6131DBEA38575001638247B58" 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_BE8A87498F819C427AA800163824069D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1_E6CA1CB6131DBEA38575001638247B58" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_BusinessAcquisitionConsiderationTransferredWorkingCapital" xlink:label="loc_nrg_BusinessAcquisitionConsiderationTransferredWorkingCapital_2DE27641E8E4122B7C8700163824322D" 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_BE8A87498F819C427AA800163824069D" xlink:to="loc_nrg_BusinessAcquisitionConsiderationTransferredWorkingCapital_2DE27641E8E4122B7C8700163824322D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredLiabilitiesIncurred" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredLiabilitiesIncurred_E15FD6F4A098A86584C6001638246DF3" 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_BE8A87498F819C427AA800163824069D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredLiabilitiesIncurred_E15FD6F4A098A86584C6001638246DF3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsNetGainsAndLosses" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsNetGainsAndLosses_835E8EB72A13E23E3034001638248D38" 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_BE8A87498F819C427AA800163824069D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsNetGainsAndLosses_835E8EB72A13E23E3034001638248D38" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeTax1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeTax1_9939A56FB440BF8A45B300163824A1D2" 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_BE8A87498F819C427AA800163824069D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeTax1_9939A56FB440BF8A45B300163824A1D2" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/BusinessAcquisitionsBusinessAcquisitionsNovember2015DropDownDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationsAbstract_8D1E6A1FE055DB262DD0001637E68627" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_13240FBB1262B4A22191001637E6FD5F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_8D1E6A1FE055DB262DD0001637E68627" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_13240FBB1262B4A22191001637E6FD5F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_PowerGenerationFacilitiesByTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationFacilitiesByTypeAxis_AB0D6BB6046BD4F596B5001637E65D3C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_13240FBB1262B4A22191001637E6FD5F" xlink:to="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationFacilitiesByTypeAxis_AB0D6BB6046BD4F596B5001637E65D3C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_PowerGenerationFacilitiesTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationFacilitiesTypeDomain_2BCAA8ECB69D1E98A825001637E6D7EE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link: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_AB0D6BB6046BD4F596B5001637E65D3C" xlink:to="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationFacilitiesTypeDomain_2BCAA8ECB69D1E98A825001637E6D7EE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_WindFarmsMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_WindFarmsMember_3DF6251EFC84F1F9CB5E001637E69819" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link: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_2BCAA8ECB69D1E98A825001637E6D7EE" xlink:to="loc_nrg_WindFarmsMember_3DF6251EFC84F1F9CB5E001637E69819" 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_97C5C967587AA6650AA7001637E6FA98" 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_13240FBB1262B4A22191001637E6FD5F" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_97C5C967587AA6650AA7001637E6FA98" 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_0615D8B167938179D878001637E6F2BD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link: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_97C5C967587AA6650AA7001637E6FA98" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_0615D8B167938179D878001637E6F2BD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_PeriodAxis" xlink:label="loc_nrg_PeriodAxis_E9296FB2D4A249B11A88001637E6C4C2" 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_13240FBB1262B4A22191001637E6FD5F" xlink:to="loc_nrg_PeriodAxis_E9296FB2D4A249B11A88001637E6C4C2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_PeriodDomain" xlink:label="loc_nrg_PeriodDomain_44DD674BD40C9C89855E001637E60A4D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link: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_E9296FB2D4A249B11A88001637E6C4C2" xlink:to="loc_nrg_PeriodDomain_44DD674BD40C9C89855E001637E60A4D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_PostFlipPointMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_PostFlipPointMember_AD5CF3C9DA768F2B010B001637E61485" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link: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_44DD674BD40C9C89855E001637E60A4D" xlink:to="loc_nrg_PostFlipPointMember_AD5CF3C9DA768F2B010B001637E61485" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_PreFlipPointMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_PreFlipPointMember_06E5FEC90620F6FE1794001637E6F029" 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_44DD674BD40C9C89855E001637E60A4D" xlink:to="loc_nrg_PreFlipPointMember_06E5FEC90620F6FE1794001637E6F029" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_PredeterminedDateThroughFlipPointIfFlipHasNotOccuredMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_PredeterminedDateThroughFlipPointIfFlipHasNotOccuredMember_551B4AD480EAD48A09FC001637E68087" 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_44DD674BD40C9C89855E001637E60A4D" xlink:to="loc_nrg_PredeterminedDateThroughFlipPointIfFlipHasNotOccuredMember_551B4AD480EAD48A09FC001637E68087" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherOwnershipInterestsByNameAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherOwnershipInterestsByNameAxis_EFCA5D8D5CBE2B857FC0001637E6767E" 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_13240FBB1262B4A22191001637E6FD5F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherOwnershipInterestsByNameAxis_EFCA5D8D5CBE2B857FC0001637E6767E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherOwnershipInterestsNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherOwnershipInterestsNameDomain_D817618DEA3B1696958D001637E6D2F4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_EFCA5D8D5CBE2B857FC0001637E6767E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherOwnershipInterestsNameDomain_D817618DEA3B1696958D001637E6D2F4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_FinancialInstitutionsMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_FinancialInstitutionsMember_CE86003FD2F05B0CAA78001637E67082" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_D817618DEA3B1696958D001637E6D2F4" xlink:to="loc_nrg_FinancialInstitutionsMember_CE86003FD2F05B0CAA78001637E67082" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_5225C60E42F0597385CF001637F513B0" 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_13240FBB1262B4A22191001637E6FD5F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_5225C60E42F0597385CF001637F513B0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_DDBE3D71639B7A50853A001637F59A39" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_5225C60E42F0597385CF001637F513B0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_DDBE3D71639B7A50853A001637F59A39" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_November2015DropDownAssetsMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_November2015DropDownAssetsMember_5F397578C64156B60394001637F58078" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_DDBE3D71639B7A50853A001637F59A39" xlink:to="loc_nrg_November2015DropDownAssetsMember_5F397578C64156B60394001637F58078" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_C6BF93CC670E3E6FAC4E001637F5B8D1" 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_13240FBB1262B4A22191001637E6FD5F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_C6BF93CC670E3E6FAC4E001637F5B8D1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPercentageOfVotingInterestsAcquired" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPercentageOfVotingInterestsAcquired_AE033E7C3D0A9184B91D001637F5D77C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_C6BF93CC670E3E6FAC4E001637F5B8D1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPercentageOfVotingInterestsAcquired_AE033E7C3D0A9184B91D001637F5D77C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_NumberOfFacilities" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NumberOfFacilities_C82EA5ACC71D0B89F696001637F59E47" 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_C6BF93CC670E3E6FAC4E001637F5B8D1" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NumberOfFacilities_C82EA5ACC71D0B89F696001637F59E47" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_PowerGenerationCapacityMegawatts" xlink:label="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationCapacityMegawatts_488BFCF26EEB84AAF024001637F567A0" 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_C6BF93CC670E3E6FAC4E001637F5B8D1" xlink:to="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationCapacityMegawatts_488BFCF26EEB84AAF024001637F567A0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross_7A30C2C25DDA8A9DB841001637F561C8" 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_C6BF93CC670E3E6FAC4E001637F5B8D1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross_7A30C2C25DDA8A9DB841001637F561C8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNoncurrentLiabilitiesLongTermDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNoncurrentLiabilitiesLongTermDebt_826F84E0AF742B1623FD001637F5D6FB" 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_C6BF93CC670E3E6FAC4E001637F5B8D1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNoncurrentLiabilitiesLongTermDebt_826F84E0AF742B1623FD001637F5D6FB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_BusinessAcquisitionConsiderationTransferredWorkingCapital" xlink:label="loc_nrg_BusinessAcquisitionConsiderationTransferredWorkingCapital_ABCE09775A8FCA07E822001637F517C6" 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_C6BF93CC670E3E6FAC4E001637F5B8D1" xlink:to="loc_nrg_BusinessAcquisitionConsiderationTransferredWorkingCapital_ABCE09775A8FCA07E822001637F517C6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionOfLessThan100PercentNoncontrollingInterestFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionOfLessThan100PercentNoncontrollingInterestFairValue_6474882DFD6E086AE786001637F5E292" 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_C6BF93CC670E3E6FAC4E001637F5B8D1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionOfLessThan100PercentNoncontrollingInterestFairValue_6474882DFD6E086AE786001637F5E292" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_TaxableIncomeAllocationPreFlip" xlink:label="loc_nrg_TaxableIncomeAllocationPreFlip_0F38B947D64251EE951E001637F511F5" 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_C6BF93CC670E3E6FAC4E001637F5B8D1" xlink:to="loc_nrg_TaxableIncomeAllocationPreFlip_0F38B947D64251EE951E001637F511F5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_TaxableIncomeAllocationPostFlip" xlink:label="loc_nrg_TaxableIncomeAllocationPostFlip_191C45F81D885EE46AAB001637F52B9D" 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_C6BF93CC670E3E6FAC4E001637F5B8D1" xlink:to="loc_nrg_TaxableIncomeAllocationPostFlip_191C45F81D885EE46AAB001637F52B9D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_PercentageofCashAvailableforDistributions" xlink:label="loc_nrg_PercentageofCashAvailableforDistributions_A0006310B5F35B51F083001637F592D8" 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_C6BF93CC670E3E6FAC4E001637F5B8D1" xlink:to="loc_nrg_PercentageofCashAvailableforDistributions_A0006310B5F35B51F083001637F592D8" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/BusinessAcquisitionsBusinessAcquisitionsTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationsAbstract_CD77EAF2D28C2595938E0165B39EF758" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_8432D1393F3F112F72C90165B39EC668" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_CD77EAF2D28C2595938E0165B39EF758" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_8432D1393F3F112F72C90165B39EC668" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_E83AD10E715DA08126E10165B39EBC5E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_8432D1393F3F112F72C90165B39EC668" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_E83AD10E715DA08126E10165B39EBC5E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_9D8BBF0FCFCDA79549780165B39E9DE4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_E83AD10E715DA08126E10165B39EBC5E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_9D8BBF0FCFCDA79549780165B39E9DE4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_CvsrMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_CvsrMember_903FEE9FDD44A932E18E0272BA3F5537" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_9D8BBF0FCFCDA79549780165B39E9DE4" xlink:to="loc_nrg_CvsrMember_903FEE9FDD44A932E18E0272BA3F5537" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_13D70C50EAE83E0011290165B39F4428" 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_8432D1393F3F112F72C90165B39EC668" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_13D70C50EAE83E0011290165B39F4428" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTextBlock_8034E8E3C7C21223787D0271EEFF1C26" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_13D70C50EAE83E0011290165B39F4428" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTextBlock_8034E8E3C7C21223787D0271EEFF1C26" 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/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_B30F76CF275D00ED498A20750CA2CBA3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_A6BB0E5F7339FA4A95B420750CA20F5A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_B30F76CF275D00ED498A20750CA2CBA3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_A6BB0E5F7339FA4A95B420750CA20F5A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_4A43AACFA3DAA944BB7220750CA2B04C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_A6BB0E5F7339FA4A95B420750CA20F5A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_4A43AACFA3DAA944BB7220750CA2B04C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_868374B454253952372C20750CA2DD75" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_4A43AACFA3DAA944BB7220750CA2B04C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_868374B454253952372C20750CA2DD75" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_F35702FB1E5AF9BD6DE020750CA27B68" 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_4A43AACFA3DAA944BB7220750CA2B04C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_F35702FB1E5AF9BD6DE020750CA27B68" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent_CF20692EB72E497EA1F420750CA27959" 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_4A43AACFA3DAA944BB7220750CA2B04C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent_CF20692EB72E497EA1F420750CA27959" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DueFromAffiliateCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DueFromAffiliateCurrent_D0FA07CAE2ED7824FED720750CA2599C" 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_4A43AACFA3DAA944BB7220750CA2B04C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DueFromAffiliateCurrent_D0FA07CAE2ED7824FED720750CA2599C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InventoryNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InventoryNet_2BB7A257FD840885DCE920750CA39F27" 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_4A43AACFA3DAA944BB7220750CA2B04C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InventoryNet_2BB7A257FD840885DCE920750CA39F27" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsCurrent_C5DC624F4D18CD7A49D520750CA3365E" 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_4A43AACFA3DAA944BB7220750CA2B04C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsCurrent_C5DC624F4D18CD7A49D520750CA3365E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NotesAndLoansReceivableNetCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NotesAndLoansReceivableNetCurrent_C58208707C968EE24CD720750CA399CF" 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_AssetsCurrentAbstract_4A43AACFA3DAA944BB7220750CA2B04C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NotesAndLoansReceivableNetCurrent_C58208707C968EE24CD720750CA399CF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssetsCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssetsCurrent_BDA950BE671E1384E7EB20750CA3A920" 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_AssetsCurrentAbstract_4A43AACFA3DAA944BB7220750CA2B04C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssetsCurrent_BDA950BE671E1384E7EB20750CA3A920" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrent_8456475206C9F516F3F720750CA351DB" 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_AssetsCurrentAbstract_4A43AACFA3DAA944BB7220750CA2B04C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrent_8456475206C9F516F3F720750CA351DB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_0EFA17FC82A07FD337DF20750CA3F34B" 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_AssetsAbstract_A6BB0E5F7339FA4A95B420750CA20F5A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_0EFA17FC82A07FD337DF20750CA3F34B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrentAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrentAbstract_C31915CF8743A04537D020750CA3854D" 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_A6BB0E5F7339FA4A95B420750CA20F5A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrentAbstract_C31915CF8743A04537D020750CA3854D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments_4A2A70034E9609D132C020750CA3F117" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_C31915CF8743A04537D020750CA3854D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments_4A2A70034E9609D132C020750CA3F117" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NotesAndLoansReceivableNetNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NotesAndLoansReceivableNetNoncurrent_0FB734020ACE5852FECE20750CA3A71F" 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_AssetsNoncurrentAbstract_C31915CF8743A04537D020750CA3854D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NotesAndLoansReceivableNetNoncurrent_0FB734020ACE5852FECE20750CA3A71F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet_CB6638E24DE86DDD87F720750CA3EBB1" 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_AssetsNoncurrentAbstract_C31915CF8743A04537D020750CA3854D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet_CB6638E24DE86DDD87F720750CA3EBB1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsLiabilitiesNetNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsLiabilitiesNetNoncurrent_EC4F6C43B192B3F3245A20750CA46E34" 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_AssetsNoncurrentAbstract_C31915CF8743A04537D020750CA3854D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsLiabilitiesNetNoncurrent_EC4F6C43B192B3F3245A20750CA46E34" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent_598200F83479B732C09E20750CA45386" 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_AssetsNoncurrentAbstract_C31915CF8743A04537D020750CA3854D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent_598200F83479B732C09E20750CA45386" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssets_9B72B5BE5BEA107E5FF020750CA47E48" 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_AssetsNoncurrentAbstract_C31915CF8743A04537D020750CA3854D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssets_9B72B5BE5BEA107E5FF020750CA47E48" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Assets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Assets_9765AF3916E3D09B71D720750CA49771" 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_A6BB0E5F7339FA4A95B420750CA20F5A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Assets_9765AF3916E3D09B71D720750CA49771" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_EB833CCDD2771835B1B120750CA4413A" 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_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_B30F76CF275D00ED498A20750CA2CBA3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_EB833CCDD2771835B1B120750CA4413A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_038DB5788C09E815542220750CA44A21" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_EB833CCDD2771835B1B120750CA4413A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_038DB5788C09E815542220750CA44A21" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsCurrent_86051F1E221E9273F2BF20750CA4AA4C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_038DB5788C09E815542220750CA44A21" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsCurrent_86051F1E221E9273F2BF20750CA4AA4C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent_2841B7D7A40181CF65F920750CA4C42C" 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_038DB5788C09E815542220750CA44A21" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent_2841B7D7A40181CF65F920750CA4C42C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DueToAffiliateCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DueToAffiliateCurrent_A6E1BB631225706ABB0E20750CA4CFF8" 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_038DB5788C09E815542220750CA44A21" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DueToAffiliateCurrent_A6E1BB631225706ABB0E20750CA4CFF8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesCurrent_D82844F34CAF22D330FB20750CA4676B" 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_038DB5788C09E815542220750CA44A21" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesCurrent_D82844F34CAF22D330FB20750CA4676B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent_C46C169D4FDEF4EDB78820750CA473AE" 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_038DB5788C09E815542220750CA44A21" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent_C46C169D4FDEF4EDB78820750CA473AE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_3401FE71160A96B4F60A20750CA4EBCE" 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_038DB5788C09E815542220750CA44A21" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_3401FE71160A96B4F60A20750CA4EBCE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract_AC4BAE4162E20DA47D5120750CA5149C" 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_EB833CCDD2771835B1B120750CA4413A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract_AC4BAE4162E20DA47D5120750CA5149C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations_3AF7D910F247C6F5B2A920750CA5C705" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_AC4BAE4162E20DA47D5120750CA5149C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations_3AF7D910F247C6F5B2A920750CA5C705" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DueToAffiliateNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DueToAffiliateNoncurrent_23BB31D118704E88FB9B20750CA5C76E" 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_AC4BAE4162E20DA47D5120750CA5149C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DueToAffiliateNoncurrent_23BB31D118704E88FB9B20750CA5C76E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesNoncurrent_7054187BC5669628AA1420750CA5C407" 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_AC4BAE4162E20DA47D5120750CA5149C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesNoncurrent_7054187BC5669628AA1420750CA5C407" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent_90C92C5CCFBDF408624820750CA5575B" 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_AC4BAE4162E20DA47D5120750CA5149C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent_90C92C5CCFBDF408624820750CA5575B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrent_2CB250230C50869CD34E20750CA516CC" 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_LiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract_AC4BAE4162E20DA47D5120750CA5149C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrent_2CB250230C50869CD34E20750CA516CC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Liabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Liabilities_0E3A852BFD8E01E6FA5720750CA53DE2" 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_EB833CCDD2771835B1B120750CA4413A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Liabilities_0E3A852BFD8E01E6FA5720750CA53DE2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies_2E67ECCDE266548B624020750CA562EC" 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_EB833CCDD2771835B1B120750CA4413A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies_2E67ECCDE266548B624020750CA562EC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_8295002F7ADE26BA18D920750CA55BCE" 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_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_EB833CCDD2771835B1B120750CA4413A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_8295002F7ADE26BA18D920750CA55BCE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockValue_FDC6F7201BF8BAD73F4820750CA5969B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_8295002F7ADE26BA18D920750CA55BCE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockValue_FDC6F7201BF8BAD73F4820750CA5969B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockValue_CB77E247ED1910D4DF1020750CA51C95" 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_8295002F7ADE26BA18D920750CA55BCE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockValue_CB77E247ED1910D4DF1020750CA51C95" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapital" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapital_DC14601BA19AE9BE860020750CA5A8E9" 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_8295002F7ADE26BA18D920750CA55BCE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapital_DC14601BA19AE9BE860020750CA5A8E9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit_33CCF239EACC9D2D561C20750CA5E4D0" 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_8295002F7ADE26BA18D920750CA55BCE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit_33CCF239EACC9D2D561C20750CA5E4D0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_DA0E165AEF4A290E12C720750CA55903" 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_StockholdersEquityAbstract_8295002F7ADE26BA18D920750CA55BCE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_DA0E165AEF4A290E12C720750CA55903" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinorityInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinorityInterest_7724F02574235B2CACBD20750CA6C5EA" 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_StockholdersEquityAbstract_8295002F7ADE26BA18D920750CA55BCE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinorityInterest_7724F02574235B2CACBD20750CA6C5EA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_95BE8CB135C8B6CE5A1920750CA61495" 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_StockholdersEquityAbstract_8295002F7ADE26BA18D920750CA55BCE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_95BE8CB135C8B6CE5A1920750CA61495" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_616C00FB03D57433896220750CA66F1F" 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_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_EB833CCDD2771835B1B120750CA4413A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_616C00FB03D57433896220750CA66F1F" 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/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_EFDCA8B1E3CABEFC5DEC262957DCC7D5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_7CD36645FFBCAFA778DC262957DC1BD5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_EFDCA8B1E3CABEFC5DEC262957DCC7D5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_7CD36645FFBCAFA778DC262957DC1BD5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_E1E948CCEBEFC2EA0771262957DDF36C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_7CD36645FFBCAFA778DC262957DC1BD5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_E1E948CCEBEFC2EA0771262957DDF36C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_C6F90424C53A0B46485B262957DD8522" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_E1E948CCEBEFC2EA0771262957DDF36C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_C6F90424C53A0B46485B262957DD8522" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassAMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassAMember_F17361BD8516A05D444D262957DDAD69" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_C6F90424C53A0B46485B262957DD8522" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassAMember_F17361BD8516A05D444D262957DDAD69" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockMember_DA9B20CB993EA690216E262957DD4BEF" 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_C6F90424C53A0B46485B262957DD8522" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockMember_DA9B20CB993EA690216E262957DD4BEF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassBMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassBMember_EAA3F5F4C8F0006B0458262957DD69AE" 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_C6F90424C53A0B46485B262957DD8522" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassBMember_EAA3F5F4C8F0006B0458262957DD69AE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassCMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassCMember_71EB3D723F2EE3E789F9262957DDA935" 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_C6F90424C53A0B46485B262957DD8522" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassCMember_71EB3D723F2EE3E789F9262957DDA935" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_CommonClassDMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_CommonClassDMember_88B6BFFB09A34C28501E262957DD71AD" 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_ClassOfStockDomain_C6F90424C53A0B46485B262957DD8522" xlink:to="loc_nrg_CommonClassDMember_88B6BFFB09A34C28501E262957DD71AD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_39FD01F59FD2B3041C23262957DD6335" 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_7CD36645FFBCAFA778DC262957DC1BD5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_39FD01F59FD2B3041C23262957DD6335" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_68E4EAC8D6178EC32289262957DDD75A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_39FD01F59FD2B3041C23262957DD6335" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_68E4EAC8D6178EC32289262957DDD75A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_92676441631195153221262957DD06A1" 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_39FD01F59FD2B3041C23262957DD6335" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_92676441631195153221262957DD06A1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized_ABCC21A2D4C6D7F388CE262957DD8C2B" 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_39FD01F59FD2B3041C23262957DD6335" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized_ABCC21A2D4C6D7F388CE262957DD8C2B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued_BDCC3A8F87D21FF2FE1B262957DDE271" 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_39FD01F59FD2B3041C23262957DD6335" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued_BDCC3A8F87D21FF2FE1B262957DDE271" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized_D2D36375B07437252775262957DEB278" 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_StatementLineItems_39FD01F59FD2B3041C23262957DD6335" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized_D2D36375B07437252775262957DEB278" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued_9067298619B696CD3BDF262957DE33E6" 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_39FD01F59FD2B3041C23262957DD6335" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued_9067298619B696CD3BDF262957DE33E6" 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/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_9FB7E77C905013984AB82075569EEC8B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_84B846D0231E50B83A0D2075569EA886" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_9FB7E77C905013984AB82075569EEC8B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_84B846D0231E50B83A0D2075569EA886" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProfitLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_D3A4BC1CE2058169D3902075569E21DC" 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_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_84B846D0231E50B83A0D2075569EA886" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_D3A4BC1CE2058169D3902075569E21DC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_8142D34EF1060B9CAD0F2075569ECF4D" 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_84B846D0231E50B83A0D2075569EA886" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_8142D34EF1060B9CAD0F2075569ECF4D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_C0EA9A2A4ECE9217E9352075569E14C5" 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_8142D34EF1060B9CAD0F2075569ECF4D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_C0EA9A2A4ECE9217E9352075569E14C5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentDividendsOrDistributions" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentDividendsOrDistributions_17AEAD6AD729FE6F4EC42075569FAA95" 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_8142D34EF1060B9CAD0F2075569ECF4D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentDividendsOrDistributions_17AEAD6AD729FE6F4EC42075569FAA95" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DepreciationAmortizationAndAccretionNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationAmortizationAndAccretionNet_1533FA3CEB2FCF7642B02075569FF827" 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_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_8142D34EF1060B9CAD0F2075569ECF4D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationAmortizationAndAccretionNet_1533FA3CEB2FCF7642B02075569FF827" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AmortizationOfFinancingCostsAndDiscounts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfFinancingCostsAndDiscounts_B36E9283046FA2F722B82075569F0B2C" 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_8142D34EF1060B9CAD0F2075569ECF4D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfFinancingCostsAndDiscounts_B36E9283046FA2F722B82075569F0B2C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_AmortizationOfIntangiblesAndOutOfMarketContracts" xlink:label="loc_nrg_AmortizationOfIntangiblesAndOutOfMarketContracts_4D705A7352A36ED739292075569FCBFE" 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_8142D34EF1060B9CAD0F2075569ECF4D" xlink:to="loc_nrg_AmortizationOfIntangiblesAndOutOfMarketContracts_4D705A7352A36ED739292075569FCBFE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt_526B30D630063C4DACF12075569FD274" 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_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_8142D34EF1060B9CAD0F2075569ECF4D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt_526B30D630063C4DACF12075569FD274" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInIncomeTaxes" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInIncomeTaxes_896EBCC51273353DF2C62075569F1B8C" 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_8142D34EF1060B9CAD0F2075569ECF4D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInIncomeTaxes_896EBCC51273353DF2C62075569F1B8C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInDerivativeAssetsAndLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInDerivativeAssetsAndLiabilities_16D07847F317729F72C92075569F0476" 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_8142D34EF1060B9CAD0F2075569ECF4D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInDerivativeAssetsAndLiabilities_16D07847F317729F72C92075569F0476" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfPropertyPlantEquipment" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfPropertyPlantEquipment_7BE397A54E9BB48786012075569F4D75" 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_8142D34EF1060B9CAD0F2075569ECF4D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfPropertyPlantEquipment_7BE397A54E9BB48786012075569F4D75" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_ChangesinPrepaidandAccruedCapacityPayments" xlink:label="loc_nrg_ChangesinPrepaidandAccruedCapacityPayments_4C2B412EF040CAD3BACD2075569FB7A7" 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_8142D34EF1060B9CAD0F2075569ECF4D" xlink:to="loc_nrg_ChangesinPrepaidandAccruedCapacityPayments_4C2B412EF040CAD3BACD2075569FB7A7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingCapitalNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingCapitalNet_A1DEEE04D782E4B940872075569F0AEB" 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_8142D34EF1060B9CAD0F2075569ECF4D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingCapitalNet_A1DEEE04D782E4B940872075569F0AEB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_0367E23833AFEB6A25DA2075569F35B1" 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_84B846D0231E50B83A0D2075569EA886" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_0367E23833AFEB6A25DA2075569F35B1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_681225B04F465B89C8052075569FF69D" 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_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_9FB7E77C905013984AB82075569EEC8B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_681225B04F465B89C8052075569FF69D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired_EECA2049398AAAC9E87B2075569F3D78" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_681225B04F465B89C8052075569FF69D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired_EECA2049398AAAC9E87B2075569F3D78" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_PaymenttoAcquireBusinessunderCommonControl" xlink:label="loc_nrg_PaymenttoAcquireBusinessunderCommonControl_63B22CAC07285F2058D82075569FE8E1" 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_681225B04F465B89C8052075569FF69D" xlink:to="loc_nrg_PaymenttoAcquireBusinessunderCommonControl_63B22CAC07285F2058D82075569FE8E1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment_8419BA65CD9F950FA8462075569F04FA" 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_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_681225B04F465B89C8052075569FF69D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment_8419BA65CD9F950FA8462075569F04FA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInRestrictedCash" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInRestrictedCash_C85215E870CFE350E3422075569FF45D" 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_681225B04F465B89C8052075569FF69D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInRestrictedCash_C85215E870CFE350E3422075569FF45D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInNotesReceivables" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInNotesReceivables_88A041720BF8B2826744207556A02F1F" 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_681225B04F465B89C8052075569FF69D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInNotesReceivables_88A041720BF8B2826744207556A02F1F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_ProceedsFromRenewableEnergyGrants" xlink:label="loc_nrg_ProceedsFromRenewableEnergyGrants_74BD5D6264A246D00AD7207556A0EBDC" 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_681225B04F465B89C8052075569FF69D" xlink:to="loc_nrg_ProceedsFromRenewableEnergyGrants_74BD5D6264A246D00AD7207556A0EBDC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromEquityMethodInvestmentDividendsOrDistributionsReturnOfCapital" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromEquityMethodInvestmentDividendsOrDistributionsReturnOfCapital_52AED7030F698BADF7D7207556A08C0C" 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_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_681225B04F465B89C8052075569FF69D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromEquityMethodInvestmentDividendsOrDistributionsReturnOfCapital_52AED7030F698BADF7D7207556A08C0C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesAndInterestInAffiliates" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesAndInterestInAffiliates_49A9D5CDDCFB482EEB4C207556A0AD64" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_681225B04F465B89C8052075569FF69D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesAndInterestInAffiliates_49A9D5CDDCFB482EEB4C207556A0AD64" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities_980E82A9AC1F193C28FB207556A04A00" 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_681225B04F465B89C8052075569FF69D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities_980E82A9AC1F193C28FB207556A04A00" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_C15E88B8F0730A9D237C207556A072FA" 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_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_9FB7E77C905013984AB82075569EEC8B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_C15E88B8F0730A9D237C207556A072FA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromMinorityShareholders" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromMinorityShareholders_DF7DA29CAFCAF63735FF207556A05DB5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_C15E88B8F0730A9D237C207556A072FA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromMinorityShareholders_DF7DA29CAFCAF63735FF207556A05DB5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsOfCapitalDistribution" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfCapitalDistribution_41049BDE37798BDCBF3B207556A04FCB" 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_C15E88B8F0730A9D237C207556A072FA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfCapitalDistribution_41049BDE37798BDCBF3B207556A04FCB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock_DB1276C4A259547B765F207556A05736" 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_C15E88B8F0730A9D237C207556A072FA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock_DB1276C4A259547B765F207556A05736" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividends" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividends_BD2C4D6E55305AD6F81C207556A0EC92" 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_C15E88B8F0730A9D237C207556A072FA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividends_BD2C4D6E55305AD6F81C207556A0EC92" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtIssuanceCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtIssuanceCosts_ECFB301C2F748674DB3F207556A0E78E" 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_C15E88B8F0730A9D237C207556A072FA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtIssuanceCosts_ECFB301C2F748674DB3F207556A0E78E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfLinesOfCredit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfLinesOfCredit_2E8B0112404E159EA39E207556A08922" 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_C15E88B8F0730A9D237C207556A072FA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfLinesOfCredit_2E8B0112404E159EA39E207556A08922" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt_630FB9E842B36436151B207556A0ABCA" 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_C15E88B8F0730A9D237C207556A072FA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt_630FB9E842B36436151B207556A0ABCA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt_23167A94A32B48FE46AC207556A04EBF" 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_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_C15E88B8F0730A9D237C207556A072FA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt_23167A94A32B48FE46AC207556A04EBF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities_D67D8F6DA4E5CDBFED36207556A01234" 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_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_C15E88B8F0730A9D237C207556A072FA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities_D67D8F6DA4E5CDBFED36207556A01234" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease_D7A5D72CF6291B0111F9207556A0473E" 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_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_9FB7E77C905013984AB82075569EEC8B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease_D7A5D72CF6291B0111F9207556A0473E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_0D43BB436968FB349666207556A015A8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_9FB7E77C905013984AB82075569EEC8B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_0D43BB436968FB349666207556A015A8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_F9CE1E7F82B9CED07F5B207556A1F5D5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_9FB7E77C905013984AB82075569EEC8B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_F9CE1E7F82B9CED07F5B207556A1F5D5" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveLoss" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeAbstract_6C6C5C3E6CB907730CD70165B3C85BF0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_8060A3EB90F95B26A2F50165B3C8EC62" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_6C6C5C3E6CB907730CD70165B3C85BF0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_8060A3EB90F95B26A2F50165B3C8EC62" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_A34634502047ACE394850165B3C82778" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_8060A3EB90F95B26A2F50165B3C8EC62" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_A34634502047ACE394850165B3C82778" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_4FF2AAB50678237837F50165B3C8D35D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_A34634502047ACE394850165B3C82778" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_4FF2AAB50678237837F50165B3C8D35D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_9D4926820C2F3E979ED10165B3C8976E" 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_8060A3EB90F95B26A2F50165B3C8EC62" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_9D4926820C2F3E979ED10165B3C8976E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProfitLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_9B1A8B334D82797A04540165B3C9C2CF" 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_9D4926820C2F3E979ED10165B3C8976E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_9B1A8B334D82797A04540165B3C9C2CF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAbstract_A33EEC33DEAE006CC2680165B3C957E6" 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_9D4926820C2F3E979ED10165B3C8976E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAbstract_A33EEC33DEAE006CC2680165B3C957E6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedGainLossOnDerivativesArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedGainLossOnDerivativesArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax_B89BD5FCCBDF808A7B270165B3C92C24" 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_A33EEC33DEAE006CC2680165B3C957E6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedGainLossOnDerivativesArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax_B89BD5FCCBDF808A7B270165B3C92C24" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_641EDB6EE3EBC0301B390165B3C9EBFD" 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_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAbstract_A33EEC33DEAE006CC2680165B3C957E6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_641EDB6EE3EBC0301B390165B3C9EBFD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_206AD3B63C77EF7A444B0165B3C92D0E" 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_A33EEC33DEAE006CC2680165B3C957E6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_206AD3B63C77EF7A444B0165B3C92D0E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_LessPreacquisitionnetincomeofAcquiredROFOassets" xlink:label="loc_nrg_LessPreacquisitionnetincomeofAcquiredROFOassets_A1BD2D923CC2DFB2F2210165B3C9002A" 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_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAbstract_A33EEC33DEAE006CC2680165B3C957E6" xlink:to="loc_nrg_LessPreacquisitionnetincomeofAcquiredROFOassets_A1BD2D923CC2DFB2F2210165B3C9002A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_47CC0FD83137EBEA90C40165B3C98DD9" 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_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAbstract_A33EEC33DEAE006CC2680165B3C957E6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_47CC0FD83137EBEA90C40165B3C98DD9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax_0B6DE46D7CB62BBA287A0165B3C958DB" 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_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAbstract_A33EEC33DEAE006CC2680165B3C957E6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax_0B6DE46D7CB62BBA287A0165B3C958DB" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveLossParenthetical" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeAbstract_E36DF35C58E9E9542C45001637675415" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDerivativesQualifyingAsHedgesTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDerivativesQualifyingAsHedgesTax_AA370D3637C47EEF7E8E0016376749DB" 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_StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeAbstract_E36DF35C58E9E9542C45001637675415" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDerivativesQualifyingAsHedgesTax_AA370D3637C47EEF7E8E0016376749DB" 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/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_4D14C8F87C46A4E256120C7C8D12F5C8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_E9AA812861F93EB2EEBF0C7C8D12C0AE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_4D14C8F87C46A4E256120C7C8D12F5C8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_E9AA812861F93EB2EEBF0C7C8D12C0AE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_83BD5FA7CF64C7874FB20C7C8D12B42E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_E9AA812861F93EB2EEBF0C7C8D12C0AE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_83BD5FA7CF64C7874FB20C7C8D12B42E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_A7D4F822BBEA29D06E420C7C8D122C85" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_83BD5FA7CF64C7874FB20C7C8D12B42E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_A7D4F822BBEA29D06E420C7C8D122C85" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassCMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassCMember_81DA2AAF9B2C7C722AAA0C7C8D138874" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_A7D4F822BBEA29D06E420C7C8D122C85" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassCMember_81DA2AAF9B2C7C722AAA0C7C8D138874" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassAMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassAMember_4B6307CD50B2D578C9900C7C8D138150" 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_A7D4F822BBEA29D06E420C7C8D122C85" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassAMember_4B6307CD50B2D578C9900C7C8D138150" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_9DFEDDDD46D570393D4E0C7C8D13B7D4" 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_E9AA812861F93EB2EEBF0C7C8D12C0AE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_9DFEDDDD46D570393D4E0C7C8D13B7D4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_06C1CDC60FEA51B6C5650C7C8D131135" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_9DFEDDDD46D570393D4E0C7C8D13B7D4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_06C1CDC60FEA51B6C5650C7C8D131135" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Revenues" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_48005CC7C997D625D0E50C7C8D18BADA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_06C1CDC60FEA51B6C5650C7C8D131135" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_48005CC7C997D625D0E50C7C8D18BADA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingCostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingCostsAndExpensesAbstract_CA85D2DC02B0A3E216CB0C7C8D183C40" 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_9DFEDDDD46D570393D4E0C7C8D13B7D4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingCostsAndExpensesAbstract_CA85D2DC02B0A3E216CB0C7C8D183C40" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostOfRevenue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CostOfRevenue_10E40E94665D86F31D270C7C8D194659" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_CA85D2DC02B0A3E216CB0C7C8D183C40" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CostOfRevenue_10E40E94665D86F31D270C7C8D194659" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_E006AB62C798839615840C7C8D19A59C" 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_OperatingCostsAndExpensesAbstract_CA85D2DC02B0A3E216CB0C7C8D183C40" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_E006AB62C798839615840C7C8D19A59C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_36B6188E90B305F648F00C7C8D193E43" 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_CA85D2DC02B0A3E216CB0C7C8D183C40" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_36B6188E90B305F648F00C7C8D193E43" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts_E53FDA06B255FB6C361E0C7C8D19BB79" 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_CA85D2DC02B0A3E216CB0C7C8D183C40" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts_E53FDA06B255FB6C361E0C7C8D19BB79" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses_28035B48E4552C3B61130C7C8D19C184" 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_OperatingCostsAndExpensesAbstract_CA85D2DC02B0A3E216CB0C7C8D183C40" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses_28035B48E4552C3B61130C7C8D19C184" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_1260FA9F0C49AEC4989D0C7C8D19549D" 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_9DFEDDDD46D570393D4E0C7C8D13B7D4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_1260FA9F0C49AEC4989D0C7C8D19549D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_31C04E3BD34A418846750C7C8D1954EC" 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_9DFEDDDD46D570393D4E0C7C8D13B7D4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_31C04E3BD34A418846750C7C8D1954EC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_17F8A56A7F85C005EBAC0C7C8D193FF2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_31C04E3BD34A418846750C7C8D1954EC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_17F8A56A7F85C005EBAC0C7C8D193FF2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense_303A2AD5EB4F727454860C7C8D1AE949" 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_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_31C04E3BD34A418846750C7C8D1954EC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense_303A2AD5EB4F727454860C7C8D1AE949" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt_6CD46769446F73E2BAD90C7C8D1A1436" 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_31C04E3BD34A418846750C7C8D1954EC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt_6CD46769446F73E2BAD90C7C8D1A1436" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpense_442E7DAA466592BF83060C7C8D1A83C1" 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_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_31C04E3BD34A418846750C7C8D1954EC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpense_442E7DAA466592BF83060C7C8D1A83C1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense_81F8D8BBBC02C2A939D40C7C8D1A67BC" 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_31C04E3BD34A418846750C7C8D1954EC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense_81F8D8BBBC02C2A939D40C7C8D1A67BC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest_A0AD301893A74F621EC60C7C8D1ACE63" 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_StatementLineItems_9DFEDDDD46D570393D4E0C7C8D13B7D4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest_A0AD301893A74F621EC60C7C8D1ACE63" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_FA35F972E406C88EA5340C7C8D1AE320" 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_9DFEDDDD46D570393D4E0C7C8D13B7D4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_FA35F972E406C88EA5340C7C8D1AE320" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProfitLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_B593D89CFB6CDACABA240C7C8D1A7DB0" 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_9DFEDDDD46D570393D4E0C7C8D13B7D4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_B593D89CFB6CDACABA240C7C8D1A7DB0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_LessPreacquisitionnetincomeofAcquiredROFOassets" xlink:label="loc_nrg_LessPreacquisitionnetincomeofAcquiredROFOassets_B39E00C83EAF2A8D007C0C7C8D1A3B1C" 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_9DFEDDDD46D570393D4E0C7C8D13B7D4" xlink:to="loc_nrg_LessPreacquisitionnetincomeofAcquiredROFOassets_B39E00C83EAF2A8D007C0C7C8D1A3B1C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_NetIncomeexcludingpreacquisitionnetincomeofAcquiredROFOassets" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NetIncomeexcludingpreacquisitionnetincomeofAcquiredROFOassets_D782DBEB97C4F9CD4BC00C7C8D1FFFF4" 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_StatementLineItems_9DFEDDDD46D570393D4E0C7C8D13B7D4" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NetIncomeexcludingpreacquisitionnetincomeofAcquiredROFOassets_D782DBEB97C4F9CD4BC00C7C8D1FFFF4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_6251D4F5A2FDBEEA6E3B0C7C8D1F341A" 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_9DFEDDDD46D570393D4E0C7C8D13B7D4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_6251D4F5A2FDBEEA6E3B0C7C8D1F341A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic_6BBC9E552542EC104CCA0C7C8D1FB6F5" 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_StatementLineItems_9DFEDDDD46D570393D4E0C7C8D13B7D4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic_6BBC9E552542EC104CCA0C7C8D1FB6F5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_E5F5C8D7D9198F1987720C7C8D1F81EF" 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_9DFEDDDD46D570393D4E0C7C8D13B7D4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_E5F5C8D7D9198F1987720C7C8D1F81EF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic_53F023C1CB8EC8C7FA650C7C8D20A597" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_E5F5C8D7D9198F1987720C7C8D1F81EF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic_53F023C1CB8EC8C7FA650C7C8D20A597" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding_41EC6E1AE1CAD6D9A3CE0C7C8D208C2D" 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_EarningsPerShareAbstract_E5F5C8D7D9198F1987720C7C8D1F81EF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding_41EC6E1AE1CAD6D9A3CE0C7C8D208C2D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic_7F0CA1BCAB43E21510CF0C7C8D207306" 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_EarningsPerShareAbstract_E5F5C8D7D9198F1987720C7C8D1F81EF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic_7F0CA1BCAB43E21510CF0C7C8D207306" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted_8CF943AEECF8186D4DCF0C7C8D205E8F" 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_EarningsPerShareAbstract_E5F5C8D7D9198F1987720C7C8D1F81EF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted_8CF943AEECF8186D4DCF0C7C8D205E8F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareCashPaid" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareCashPaid_E1150F8AA7429693E13C0C7C8D207AD3" 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_9DFEDDDD46D570393D4E0C7C8D13B7D4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareCashPaid_E1150F8AA7429693E13C0C7C8D207AD3" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/ContingenciesNotes" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_40AEF37DD0ED362166BF0016378707DF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyDisclosures" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyDisclosures_8B8CD5066D00BB9FE2AA001637878CDD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_40AEF37DD0ED362166BF0016378707DF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyDisclosures_8B8CD5066D00BB9FE2AA001637878CDD" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/DocumentAndEntityInformation" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract" xlink:label="loc_nrg_DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract_14CE9CDA11C7EAABEB0E001637F5EEEA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityRegistrantName" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityRegistrantName_ACA44A52641F76A9CA55001637F5BDEB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link: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_14CE9CDA11C7EAABEB0E001637F5EEEA" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityRegistrantName_ACA44A52641F76A9CA55001637F5BDEB" 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_D775042B41DF016838CE001637F59D2B" 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_DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract_14CE9CDA11C7EAABEB0E001637F5EEEA" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityCentralIndexKey_D775042B41DF016838CE001637F59D2B" 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_4A1D9BAD7338B78A53A6001637F5BA2D" 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_DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract_14CE9CDA11C7EAABEB0E001637F5EEEA" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentType_4A1D9BAD7338B78A53A6001637F5BA2D" 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_FBA47B08729FC3F21E08001637F5E565" 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_DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract_14CE9CDA11C7EAABEB0E001637F5EEEA" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate_FBA47B08729FC3F21E08001637F5E565" 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_E162CAF86C1E09CCF1A6001637F5E534" 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_DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract_14CE9CDA11C7EAABEB0E001637F5EEEA" xlink:to="loc_dei_AmendmentFlag_E162CAF86C1E09CCF1A6001637F5E534" 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_1A67B8BDCFDA6F10378D001637F58716" 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_DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract_14CE9CDA11C7EAABEB0E001637F5EEEA" xlink:to="loc_dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate_1A67B8BDCFDA6F10378D001637F58716" 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_1DA7763F14B113C6E90D001637F55819" 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_DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract_14CE9CDA11C7EAABEB0E001637F5EEEA" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityCurrentReportingStatus_1DA7763F14B113C6E90D001637F55819" 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_42217CDE1A5AB83528C6001637F5A899" 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_DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract_14CE9CDA11C7EAABEB0E001637F5EEEA" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityFilerCategory_42217CDE1A5AB83528C6001637F5A899" 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_2C60079278E27CFF974E001637F5808D" 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_DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract_14CE9CDA11C7EAABEB0E001637F5EEEA" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityVoluntaryFilers_2C60079278E27CFF974E001637F5808D" 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_DEC6EE9CA1A9D13AFEC9001637F5B2FB" 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_DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract_14CE9CDA11C7EAABEB0E001637F5EEEA" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityWellKnownSeasonedIssuer_DEC6EE9CA1A9D13AFEC9001637F5B2FB" 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_77D5F8505B7FCD0C8C62001637F5DBA3" 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_DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract_14CE9CDA11C7EAABEB0E001637F5EEEA" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus_77D5F8505B7FCD0C8C62001637F5DBA3" 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_CB49F9860A45955312A2001637F529A5" 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_DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract_14CE9CDA11C7EAABEB0E001637F5EEEA" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus_CB49F9860A45955312A2001637F529A5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_7570A76CCF57BCC1C3B4001637F52B65" 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_DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract_14CE9CDA11C7EAABEB0E001637F5EEEA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_7570A76CCF57BCC1C3B4001637F52B65" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_5930BDCFC620B9AE1B4D001637F5F237" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_7570A76CCF57BCC1C3B4001637F52B65" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_5930BDCFC620B9AE1B4D001637F5F237" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_31B249CAD3728306EB56001637F57F7D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_5930BDCFC620B9AE1B4D001637F5F237" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_31B249CAD3728306EB56001637F57F7D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassAMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassAMember_252DB4EE5AAA245B0612001637F53735" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_31B249CAD3728306EB56001637F57F7D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassAMember_252DB4EE5AAA245B0612001637F53735" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassBMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassBMember_3D379C855F3F4D35DE2B001637F55C70" 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_31B249CAD3728306EB56001637F57F7D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassBMember_3D379C855F3F4D35DE2B001637F55C70" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassCMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassCMember_E3C4AA97122261282452001637F598F1" 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_31B249CAD3728306EB56001637F57F7D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassCMember_E3C4AA97122261282452001637F598F1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_CommonClassDMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_CommonClassDMember_184F70DA7540A961CF50001637F5FB55" 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_31B249CAD3728306EB56001637F57F7D" xlink:to="loc_nrg_CommonClassDMember_184F70DA7540A961CF50001637F5FB55" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_2837DFE64D2DCB09F6D4001637F5C2F3" 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_7570A76CCF57BCC1C3B4001637F52B65" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_2837DFE64D2DCB09F6D4001637F5C2F3" 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_A216F8D6DCBFE3B7562C001637F5EA16" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_2837DFE64D2DCB09F6D4001637F5C2F3" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding_A216F8D6DCBFE3B7562C001637F5EA16" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/EarningsPerShare" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_28C5B4235311F801B19D00163843E243" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareTextBlock_644D60DCE51D18CEFFA800163843009B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_28C5B4235311F801B19D00163843E243" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareTextBlock_644D60DCE51D18CEFFA800163843009B" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/EarningsPerShareDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_E8BE86989E688BE32BC4015D16C70F36" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable_109731E76220677C9DE1015D16C7CF64" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_E8BE86989E688BE32BC4015D16C70F36" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable_109731E76220677C9DE1015D16C7CF64" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_33F61F1BBA1BFE39D10F015D16C7060B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable_109731E76220677C9DE1015D16C7CF64" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_33F61F1BBA1BFE39D10F015D16C7060B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_9C3385051A9626773A9C015D16C71F56" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_33F61F1BBA1BFE39D10F015D16C7060B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_9C3385051A9626773A9C015D16C71F56" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_A3.5ConvertibleNotesdue2019Member" xlink:label="loc_nrg_A3.5ConvertibleNotesdue2019Member_077A1A25F9E241DF4089015D16C793FE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_9C3385051A9626773A9C015D16C71F56" xlink:to="loc_nrg_A3.5ConvertibleNotesdue2019Member_077A1A25F9E241DF4089015D16C793FE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_A3.25ConvertibleNotesdue2020Member" xlink:label="loc_nrg_A3.25ConvertibleNotesdue2020Member_CDAF2EE826CD40D795CC015D16C73511" 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_9C3385051A9626773A9C015D16C71F56" xlink:to="loc_nrg_A3.25ConvertibleNotesdue2020Member_CDAF2EE826CD40D795CC015D16C73511" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_22CC4B19F31BBE935086015D16C75638" 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_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable_109731E76220677C9DE1015D16C7CF64" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_22CC4B19F31BBE935086015D16C75638" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_DF5C6E1FA5C78B0763F7015D16C79208" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_22CC4B19F31BBE935086015D16C75638" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_DF5C6E1FA5C78B0763F7015D16C79208" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassAMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassAMember_56585A572DBA05891DDF015D16C83DA5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_DF5C6E1FA5C78B0763F7015D16C79208" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassAMember_56585A572DBA05891DDF015D16C83DA5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassCMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassCMember_4DC99AA746C5993A4294015D16C8A9CC" 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_DF5C6E1FA5C78B0763F7015D16C79208" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassCMember_4DC99AA746C5993A4294015D16C8A9CC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems_B893EE59EA8A0C0CB9D5015D16C8EFD1" 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_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable_109731E76220677C9DE1015D16C7CF64" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems_B893EE59EA8A0C0CB9D5015D16C8EFD1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic_01599422D4D4C642F77A015D16C80316" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems_B893EE59EA8A0C0CB9D5015D16C8EFD1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic_01599422D4D4C642F77A015D16C80316" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic_B7A72E0DD40C46B3851D015D16C8CA01" 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_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems_B893EE59EA8A0C0CB9D5015D16C8EFD1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic_B7A72E0DD40C46B3851D015D16C8CA01" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic_E1E54FC0E32CCE76BE49016A43FDCA0F" 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_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems_B893EE59EA8A0C0CB9D5015D16C8EFD1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic_E1E54FC0E32CCE76BE49016A43FDCA0F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersDiluted" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersDiluted_1CB992FC1860E10BEE7C016218386AEF" 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_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems_B893EE59EA8A0C0CB9D5015D16C8EFD1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersDiluted_1CB992FC1860E10BEE7C016218386AEF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding_A2172D161ABD828C7078016223E55CE0" 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_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems_B893EE59EA8A0C0CB9D5015D16C8EFD1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding_A2172D161ABD828C7078016223E55CE0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted_924571733BD9B359B9C401622CEAF808" 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_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems_B893EE59EA8A0C0CB9D5015D16C8EFD1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted_924571733BD9B359B9C401622CEAF808" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount_09052C5B8996FAAB3B29015D16C854BF" 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_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems_B893EE59EA8A0C0CB9D5015D16C8EFD1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount_09052C5B8996FAAB3B29015D16C854BF" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/EarningsPerShareTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_E3D8728F50A9103A9AED001637578A95" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedTableTextBlock_F3E579939EE0DC772DD6001637572B7E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_E3D8728F50A9103A9AED001637578A95" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedTableTextBlock_F3E579939EE0DC772DD6001637572B7E" 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/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_B2D61AC8CCFDBE2A787B2075561994C0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresTextBlock_D0EBF866E4A15E4F34B62075561987EA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_B2D61AC8CCFDBE2A787B2075561994C0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresTextBlock_D0EBF866E4A15E4F34B62075561987EA" 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/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_116D74B69690AD80B60F26158CBD4B5E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable_6229092467E9DD20444526158CBE3235" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_116D74B69690AD80B60F26158CBD4B5E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable_6229092467E9DD20444526158CBE3235" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_2B6F496F2DEC2740CA8026158CBE1EA2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_6229092467E9DD20444526158CBE3235" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_2B6F496F2DEC2740CA8026158CBE1EA2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_EDB763B11798C5BA68CA26158CBE498B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_2B6F496F2DEC2740CA8026158CBE1EA2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_EDB763B11798C5BA68CA26158CBE498B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_60C07266F5B3821ECFC126158CBE0267" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_EDB763B11798C5BA68CA26158CBE498B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_60C07266F5B3821ECFC126158CBE0267" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_975CE6B3F3D8CD11BA0426158CBE04C3" 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_EDB763B11798C5BA68CA26158CBE498B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_975CE6B3F3D8CD11BA0426158CBE04C3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis_B7C458053FC4D329AC6F26158CBE95B9" 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_6229092467E9DD20444526158CBE3235" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis_B7C458053FC4D329AC6F26158CBE95B9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain_16DC8247C8FD69B489AD26172176E63C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_B7C458053FC4D329AC6F26158CBE95B9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain_16DC8247C8FD69B489AD26172176E63C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember_3CE8BF2FC32AA7AC87F72616DCA5D016" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_16DC8247C8FD69B489AD26172176E63C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember_3CE8BF2FC32AA7AC87F72616DCA5D016" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_D24986500635D67A15DB2616DCBC04BC" 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_16DC8247C8FD69B489AD26172176E63C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_D24986500635D67A15DB2616DCBC04BC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_0AFCAD95A39686553DB726158CBFF609" 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_6229092467E9DD20444526158CBE3235" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_0AFCAD95A39686553DB726158CBFF609" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NotesReceivableNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NotesReceivableNet_6285BC10301D74B1D2B526158CBFB6AB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_0AFCAD95A39686553DB726158CBFF609" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NotesReceivableNet_6285BC10301D74B1D2B526158CBFB6AB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsIncludingCurrentMaturities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsIncludingCurrentMaturities_0BABCD82D4243392B95326158CBF29AF" 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_0AFCAD95A39686553DB726158CBFF609" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsIncludingCurrentMaturities_0BABCD82D4243392B95326158CBF29AF" 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/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_55FDAA0B060E2CC6969100163843E2DE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueConcentrationOfRiskTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueConcentrationOfRiskTable_2E422D08667E52B2F0E80016384333E7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_55FDAA0B060E2CC6969100163843E2DE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueConcentrationOfRiskTable_2E422D08667E52B2F0E80016384333E7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_1360A880D3458A5D679500163843BEA9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueConcentrationOfRiskTable_2E422D08667E52B2F0E80016384333E7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_1360A880D3458A5D679500163843BEA9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_0222379265E5741612AF00163843BF8C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_1360A880D3458A5D679500163843BEA9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_0222379265E5741612AF00163843BF8C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpenseMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpenseMember_1857678507FD211B76A900163843FB75" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_0222379265E5741612AF00163843BF8C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpenseMember_1857678507FD211B76A900163843FB75" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLocationAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLocationAxis_FB8A551630A9AB73CA56001638433909" 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_FairValueConcentrationOfRiskTable_2E422D08667E52B2F0E80016384333E7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLocationAxis_FB8A551630A9AB73CA56001638433909" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLocationDomain_7F4B13DA6291371D9B7E00163843F18E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_FB8A551630A9AB73CA56001638433909" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLocationDomain_7F4B13DA6291371D9B7E00163843F18E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnDerivativeInstrumentsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnDerivativeInstrumentsMember_09857A69EC1ADA4BBBDA001638431AE0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLocationDomain_7F4B13DA6291371D9B7E00163843F18E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnDerivativeInstrumentsMember_09857A69EC1ADA4BBBDA001638431AE0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueConcentrationOfRiskFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueConcentrationOfRiskFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_AD82691A1299A39D68A500163843926C" 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_FairValueConcentrationOfRiskTable_2E422D08667E52B2F0E80016384333E7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueConcentrationOfRiskFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_AD82691A1299A39D68A500163843926C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisValuationTechniquesImpactOfCreditReserveToFairValue" xlink:label="loc_nrg_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisValuationTechniquesImpactOfCreditReserveToFairValue_E52FFF60D11F322443F200163843D653" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueConcentrationOfRiskFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_AD82691A1299A39D68A500163843926C" xlink:to="loc_nrg_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisValuationTechniquesImpactOfCreditReserveToFairValue_E52FFF60D11F322443F200163843D653" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_EstimatedCounterpartyCreditRiskExposureToCertainCounterpartiesPeriod" xlink:label="loc_nrg_EstimatedCounterpartyCreditRiskExposureToCertainCounterpartiesPeriod_8FE23135C2756BE9CAC600163843F929" 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_FairValueConcentrationOfRiskFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_AD82691A1299A39D68A500163843926C" xlink:to="loc_nrg_EstimatedCounterpartyCreditRiskExposureToCertainCounterpartiesPeriod_8FE23135C2756BE9CAC600163843F929" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskCreditRiskFinancialInstrumentMaximumExposure" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskCreditRiskFinancialInstrumentMaximumExposure_2F8B3DD5AA9AB436D00300163843F405" 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_FairValueConcentrationOfRiskFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_AD82691A1299A39D68A500163843926C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskCreditRiskFinancialInstrumentMaximumExposure_2F8B3DD5AA9AB436D00300163843F405" 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/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_617AB85DF6A07999AAFD00163748668B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_E233E446E551C574E2EA00163748D04E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_617AB85DF6A07999AAFD00163748668B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_E233E446E551C574E2EA00163748D04E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_360BE46BCF778B23D82A0016374870E6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_E233E446E551C574E2EA00163748D04E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_360BE46BCF778B23D82A0016374870E6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_28E97B7B964A457CB2560016374899BE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_360BE46BCF778B23D82A0016374870E6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_28E97B7B964A457CB2560016374899BE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommodityContractMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommodityContractMember_9EB508D4613A445377EE00163748D550" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_28E97B7B964A457CB2560016374899BE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommodityContractMember_9EB508D4613A445377EE00163748D550" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestRateContractMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateContractMember_ECA3B3FD2C9212D5C8D8001637480D90" 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_28E97B7B964A457CB2560016374899BE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateContractMember_ECA3B3FD2C9212D5C8D8001637480D90" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_2E0E251ACE9EA3BD11D6001637482036" 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_E233E446E551C574E2EA00163748D04E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_2E0E251ACE9EA3BD11D6001637482036" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_1DFA272BD28CDE5D51C10016374854A4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_2E0E251ACE9EA3BD11D6001637482036" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_1DFA272BD28CDE5D51C10016374854A4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember_C54529C333B09C20DDBB001637487099" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_1DFA272BD28CDE5D51C10016374854A4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember_C54529C333B09C20DDBB001637487099" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_20F863C82E7FB9E87FB300163748CF4C" 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_E233E446E551C574E2EA00163748D04E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_20F863C82E7FB9E87FB300163748CF4C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_73164C2478EBEA863AF4001637483128" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_20F863C82E7FB9E87FB300163748CF4C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_73164C2478EBEA863AF4001637483128" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_A0D4F0AD2DF9CDE76EB300163748BE38" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_73164C2478EBEA863AF4001637483128" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_A0D4F0AD2DF9CDE76EB300163748BE38" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_34F540FC04891A8C676D00163748E101" 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_73164C2478EBEA863AF4001637483128" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_34F540FC04891A8C676D00163748E101" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_6183F011210581FA5F5500163748E19F" 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_73164C2478EBEA863AF4001637483128" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_6183F011210581FA5F5500163748E19F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_0928536F20EBEA51C474001637489354" 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_E233E446E551C574E2EA00163748D04E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_0928536F20EBEA51C474001637489354" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset_D630FF004A64E43614D500163748DA34" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_0928536F20EBEA51C474001637489354" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset_D630FF004A64E43614D500163748DA34" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability_E8717E856D9EC9269F54001637488A7E" 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_0928536F20EBEA51C474001637489354" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability_E8717E856D9EC9269F54001637488A7E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsLiabilitiesAtFairValueNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsLiabilitiesAtFairValueNet_40540531B6BFF3E0EF630016374872C2" 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_0928536F20EBEA51C474001637489354" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsLiabilitiesAtFairValueNet_40540531B6BFF3E0EF630016374872C2" 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/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_E6F4480D1D2902707BF00165B34FEAE9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTextBlock_647919805D356854EAA30165B34FA9E9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_E6F4480D1D2902707BF00165B34FEAE9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTextBlock_647919805D356854EAA30165B34FA9E9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresTextBlock_307F269BAB70F51F58950284B681E208" 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_E6F4480D1D2902707BF00165B34FEAE9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresTextBlock_307F269BAB70F51F58950284B681E208" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfFairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisTableTextBlock_652F8AF8B5A97F0607DB0165B34FFB86" 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_E6F4480D1D2902707BF00165B34FEAE9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisTableTextBlock_652F8AF8B5A97F0607DB0165B34FFB86" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/IncomeTaxes" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_BA18D2B820FC869AAEFD00163786AC48" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureTextBlock_5749058358E9DA605B73001637869844" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_BA18D2B820FC869AAEFD00163786AC48" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureTextBlock_5749058358E9DA605B73001637869844" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/IncomeTaxesProvisionDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_AD320A6241DB8B09BAEB001637481FE4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxContingencyTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxContingencyTable_E6D84DFF8757ADF583FC001637480F1E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_AD320A6241DB8B09BAEB001637481FE4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxContingencyTable_E6D84DFF8757ADF583FC001637480F1E" 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_A1573BC47B9E7C8FDF08001637480C4B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxContingencyTable_E6D84DFF8757ADF583FC001637480F1E" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_A1573BC47B9E7C8FDF08001637480C4B" 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_660D18C70E07F7075B2400163748DD53" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link: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_A1573BC47B9E7C8FDF08001637480C4B" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_660D18C70E07F7075B2400163748DD53" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_NRGYieldLLCMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NRGYieldLLCMember_FD92BC36EB575B66D5430016374876C5" 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_dei_EntityDomain_660D18C70E07F7075B2400163748DD53" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NRGYieldLLCMember_FD92BC36EB575B66D5430016374876C5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxContingencyLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxContingencyLineItems_87794F35826B403F908E001637486036" 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_IncomeTaxContingencyTable_E6D84DFF8757ADF583FC001637480F1E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxContingencyLineItems_87794F35826B403F908E001637486036" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract_83C7F94670956870C9E200163748FE15" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxContingencyLineItems_87794F35826B403F908E001637486036" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract_83C7F94670956870C9E200163748FE15" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest_F4F23E482B642F44351100163748C39C" 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_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract_83C7F94670956870C9E200163748FE15" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest_F4F23E482B642F44351100163748C39C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_F8AB5C2455FD531D015C0016374898CF" 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_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract_83C7F94670956870C9E200163748FE15" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_F8AB5C2455FD531D015C0016374898CF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperations" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperations_117B00D4E50FBE0B8AD0001637487F04" 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_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract_83C7F94670956870C9E200163748FE15" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperations_117B00D4E50FBE0B8AD0001637487F04" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationAtFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationAtFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRate_24DC4C50600ED92021AA001637489010" 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_IncomeTaxContingencyLineItems_87794F35826B403F908E001637486036" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationAtFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRate_24DC4C50600ED92021AA001637489010" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/IncomeTaxesTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_58C2046B402255A74667001637E62A5E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationTableTextBlock_2ED7AA6140A4380AD6A9001637E6E884" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_58C2046B402255A74667001637E62A5E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationTableTextBlock_2ED7AA6140A4380AD6A9001637E6E884" 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/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_3C55396AE325ED03FB6400163815CAC3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtTextBlock_16DE4D5855CE33FC0C60001638155F47" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_3C55396AE325ED03FB6400163815CAC3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtTextBlock_16DE4D5855CE33FC0C60001638155F47" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/LongTermDebtLongTermDebtDebtDisclosuresdetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_7B0009AFF7F31316C0D12CC102497063" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_CF078F4AB73BACCAEE1E2CC1024CD8CD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_7B0009AFF7F31316C0D12CC102497063" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_CF078F4AB73BACCAEE1E2CC1024CD8CD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_DFB1AFD1F26530997E762CC1024D45CE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_CF078F4AB73BACCAEE1E2CC1024CD8CD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_DFB1AFD1F26530997E762CC1024D45CE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_C72719580DE7FA33CE4A2CC1024D0231" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_DFB1AFD1F26530997E762CC1024D45CE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_C72719580DE7FA33CE4A2CC1024D0231" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_CvsrMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_CvsrMember_9DB1E587CFACC66269DB2CC1024DC792" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_C72719580DE7FA33CE4A2CC1024D0231" xlink:to="loc_nrg_CvsrMember_9DB1E587CFACC66269DB2CC1024DC792" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_PowerGenerationFacilitiesByTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationFacilitiesByTypeAxis_32243D75C8AA20E381A82CC1024D2CC0" 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_CF078F4AB73BACCAEE1E2CC1024CD8CD" xlink:to="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationFacilitiesByTypeAxis_32243D75C8AA20E381A82CC1024D2CC0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_PowerGenerationFacilitiesTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationFacilitiesTypeDomain_0A617FFC48892BD06ED92CC1024D0694" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link: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_32243D75C8AA20E381A82CC1024D2CC0" xlink:to="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationFacilitiesTypeDomain_0A617FFC48892BD06ED92CC1024D0694" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_UtilityScaleSolarMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_UtilityScaleSolarMember_DA79152984D85F9B18092CC1024DB859" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link: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_0A617FFC48892BD06ED92CC1024D0694" xlink:to="loc_nrg_UtilityScaleSolarMember_DA79152984D85F9B18092CC1024DB859" 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_85441FA05BF8B58610012CC1024D212F" 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_CF078F4AB73BACCAEE1E2CC1024CD8CD" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_85441FA05BF8B58610012CC1024D212F" 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_BDCF11B3BA4D6B0758712CC1024E8453" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link: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_85441FA05BF8B58610012CC1024D212F" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_BDCF11B3BA4D6B0758712CC1024E8453" 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_dei_EntityDomain_BDCF11B3BA4D6B0758712CC1024E8453" xlink:to="loc_nrg_CvsrMember_9DB1E587CFACC66269DB2CC1024DC792" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_B7AFF051A659973BA6902CC1024E570C" 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_CF078F4AB73BACCAEE1E2CC1024CD8CD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_B7AFF051A659973BA6902CC1024E570C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_6E4183ECA02C34DCA78E2CC1024E6148" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_B7AFF051A659973BA6902CC1024E570C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_6E4183ECA02C34DCA78E2CC1024E6148" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_7619EA56E58191E5FB182CC1024E43E0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_6E4183ECA02C34DCA78E2CC1024E6148" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_7619EA56E58191E5FB182CC1024E43E0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_6687FDB47779573DA12C2CC1024EA269" 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_CF078F4AB73BACCAEE1E2CC1024CD8CD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_6687FDB47779573DA12C2CC1024EA269" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_FB6E5B8E618720FE04052CC1024E0D45" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_6687FDB47779573DA12C2CC1024EA269" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_FB6E5B8E618720FE04052CC1024E0D45" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LetterOfCreditMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LetterOfCreditMember_CDF525B6AC62AF9EA2152CC1024EC912" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_FB6E5B8E618720FE04052CC1024E0D45" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LetterOfCreditMember_CDF525B6AC62AF9EA2152CC1024EC912" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_9FF5EEA49C804D0D1A112CC1024E016B" 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_CF078F4AB73BACCAEE1E2CC1024CD8CD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_9FF5EEA49C804D0D1A112CC1024E016B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_B2BF7DEE0CC9D0A4EC292CC1024EC598" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_9FF5EEA49C804D0D1A112CC1024E016B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_B2BF7DEE0CC9D0A4EC292CC1024EC598" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_A3.5ConvertibleNotesdue2019Member" xlink:label="loc_nrg_A3.5ConvertibleNotesdue2019Member_CAC844C976B8AAC93B4C2CC1024E040F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_B2BF7DEE0CC9D0A4EC292CC1024EC598" xlink:to="loc_nrg_A3.5ConvertibleNotesdue2019Member_CAC844C976B8AAC93B4C2CC1024E040F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_NRGYieldRevolvingCreditFacilityMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NRGYieldRevolvingCreditFacilityMember_59F181EF4BE05833224C2CC1024E04F6" 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_B2BF7DEE0CC9D0A4EC292CC1024EC598" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NRGYieldRevolvingCreditFacilityMember_59F181EF4BE05833224C2CC1024E04F6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_CvsrFinancingAgreementMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_CvsrFinancingAgreementMember_2497623479DB7919197B2CC1024E2596" 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_B2BF7DEE0CC9D0A4EC292CC1024EC598" xlink:to="loc_nrg_CvsrFinancingAgreementMember_2497623479DB7919197B2CC1024E2596" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_A5.00SeniorNotesduein2026Member" xlink:label="loc_nrg_A5.00SeniorNotesduein2026Member_B4BA018EFCB48A3C8DDE2CC1024E4977" 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_B2BF7DEE0CC9D0A4EC292CC1024EC598" xlink:to="loc_nrg_A5.00SeniorNotesduein2026Member_B4BA018EFCB48A3C8DDE2CC1024E4977" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_A3.25ConvertibleNotesdue2020Member" xlink:label="loc_nrg_A3.25ConvertibleNotesdue2020Member_3C0270F0E73FC629145E2CC1024E9782" 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_B2BF7DEE0CC9D0A4EC292CC1024EC598" xlink:to="loc_nrg_A3.25ConvertibleNotesdue2020Member_3C0270F0E73FC629145E2CC1024E9782" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_NRGEnergyCenterMinneapolisSeriesDNotesMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NRGEnergyCenterMinneapolisSeriesDNotesMember_33E2283A20AF366ECD212CC1F2B64E40" 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_B2BF7DEE0CC9D0A4EC292CC1024EC598" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NRGEnergyCenterMinneapolisSeriesDNotesMember_33E2283A20AF366ECD212CC1F2B64E40" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_00F2BB69874E7B34C8D52CC1024EF9CF" 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_CF078F4AB73BACCAEE1E2CC1024CD8CD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_00F2BB69874E7B34C8D52CC1024EF9CF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfDebt_9859CDBD4AC20A5069E72CC1024FEB3D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_00F2BB69874E7B34C8D52CC1024EF9CF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfDebt_9859CDBD4AC20A5069E72CC1024FEB3D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepaymentsOfDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfDebt_899687E1F5AFE7F2F3C62CC1024F02E9" 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_00F2BB69874E7B34C8D52CC1024EF9CF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfDebt_899687E1F5AFE7F2F3C62CC1024F02E9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityFairValueOfAmountOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityFairValueOfAmountOutstanding_0C1543D260B6B3D5434D2CC1024F8CAE" 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_00F2BB69874E7B34C8D52CC1024EF9CF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityFairValueOfAmountOutstanding_0C1543D260B6B3D5434D2CC1024F8CAE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount_79574D02CE7FBD2B9E3B2CC1024F0ED2" 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_00F2BB69874E7B34C8D52CC1024EF9CF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount_79574D02CE7FBD2B9E3B2CC1024F0ED2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage_8BA6D5717D500C1B9DA02CC1024FEAFA" 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_00F2BB69874E7B34C8D52CC1024EF9CF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage_8BA6D5717D500C1B9DA02CC1024FEAFA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_151D8194153F27E711F72CC1024F6414" 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_00F2BB69874E7B34C8D52CC1024EF9CF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_151D8194153F27E711F72CC1024F6414" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromDebtNetOfIssuanceCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromDebtNetOfIssuanceCosts_3DDC46A8854585FEA5A32CC1024F91A6" 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_00F2BB69874E7B34C8D52CC1024EF9CF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromDebtNetOfIssuanceCosts_3DDC46A8854585FEA5A32CC1024F91A6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfUnsecuredDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfUnsecuredDebt_8C1CF059B587AEA196262CC1024F0393" 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_00F2BB69874E7B34C8D52CC1024EF9CF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfUnsecuredDebt_8C1CF059B587AEA196262CC1024F0393" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPercentageOfVotingInterestsAcquired" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPercentageOfVotingInterestsAcquired_682D69951A4B7A51EE622CC1024F8395" 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_00F2BB69874E7B34C8D52CC1024EF9CF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPercentageOfVotingInterestsAcquired_682D69951A4B7A51EE622CC1024F8395" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNoncurrentLiabilitiesLongTermDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNoncurrentLiabilitiesLongTermDebt_75D793D674E69CEC8F622CC1024F9276" 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_00F2BB69874E7B34C8D52CC1024EF9CF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNoncurrentLiabilitiesLongTermDebt_75D793D674E69CEC8F622CC1024F9276" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/LongTermDebtLongTermDebtDebtTableDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_B03849EBBBAF73E1C13B0146D20A2F10" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_13AF2072A81149AC6B4D0146D20A047E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_B03849EBBBAF73E1C13B0146D20A2F10" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_13AF2072A81149AC6B4D0146D20A047E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_1D8F31ED7BBE4FAF434C0146D20A6A6C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_13AF2072A81149AC6B4D0146D20A047E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_1D8F31ED7BBE4FAF434C0146D20A6A6C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_312D8FD21FA6F6F777060146D20A961D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_1D8F31ED7BBE4FAF434C0146D20A6A6C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_312D8FD21FA6F6F777060146D20A961D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LetterOfCreditMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LetterOfCreditMember_1C1E82796C94B094E8620146D20AFF82" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_312D8FD21FA6F6F777060146D20A961D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LetterOfCreditMember_1C1E82796C94B094E8620146D20AFF82" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_3C0FE3CE3C3E1FFC812E0146D20ABFDE" 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_13AF2072A81149AC6B4D0146D20A047E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_3C0FE3CE3C3E1FFC812E0146D20ABFDE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_FA3106AFBED5DEFF50F80146D20AFEF6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_3C0FE3CE3C3E1FFC812E0146D20ABFDE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_FA3106AFBED5DEFF50F80146D20AFEF6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinimumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_16759DD0FA337060CA9C0146D20A6F79" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_FA3106AFBED5DEFF50F80146D20AFEF6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_16759DD0FA337060CA9C0146D20A6F79" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_89D20ACE72AF2EB4D4710146D20F9FD8" 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_FA3106AFBED5DEFF50F80146D20AFEF6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_89D20ACE72AF2EB4D4710146D20F9FD8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_7A600C4A3EAA4711F6F40146D210DB3E" 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_13AF2072A81149AC6B4D0146D20A047E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_7A600C4A3EAA4711F6F40146D210DB3E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_D964B75694C50BDD75D90146D210AD89" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_7A600C4A3EAA4711F6F40146D210DB3E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_D964B75694C50BDD75D90146D210AD89" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_A3.5ConvertibleNotesdue2019Member" xlink:label="loc_nrg_A3.5ConvertibleNotesdue2019Member_2EDF9C1734849A1EABA10146D210C2F6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_D964B75694C50BDD75D90146D210AD89" xlink:to="loc_nrg_A3.5ConvertibleNotesdue2019Member_2EDF9C1734849A1EABA10146D210C2F6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_A3.25ConvertibleNotesdue2020Member" xlink:label="loc_nrg_A3.25ConvertibleNotesdue2020Member_65433FFFA2462392F44E0146D2101688" 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_D964B75694C50BDD75D90146D210AD89" xlink:to="loc_nrg_A3.25ConvertibleNotesdue2020Member_65433FFFA2462392F44E0146D2101688" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_A5.375SeniorNotesduein2024Member" xlink:label="loc_nrg_A5.375SeniorNotesduein2024Member_B2B0FCF6B7DBF49DF7870146D210A508" 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_D964B75694C50BDD75D90146D210AD89" xlink:to="loc_nrg_A5.375SeniorNotesduein2024Member_B2B0FCF6B7DBF49DF7870146D210A508" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_A5.00SeniorNotesduein2026Member" xlink:label="loc_nrg_A5.00SeniorNotesduein2026Member_C13724B2CFECC16C20E10146D210D710" 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_D964B75694C50BDD75D90146D210AD89" xlink:to="loc_nrg_A5.00SeniorNotesduein2026Member_C13724B2CFECC16C20E10146D210D710" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_NRGYieldRevolvingCreditFacilityMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NRGYieldRevolvingCreditFacilityMember_EC707C64F77931E157120146D2106636" 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_D964B75694C50BDD75D90146D210AD89" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NRGYieldRevolvingCreditFacilityMember_EC707C64F77931E157120146D2106636" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_AltaWindIleasefinancingarrangementdue2034Member" xlink:label="loc_nrg_AltaWindIleasefinancingarrangementdue2034Member_C1CF17DF08F755FDD9630146D210F173" 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_D964B75694C50BDD75D90146D210AD89" xlink:to="loc_nrg_AltaWindIleasefinancingarrangementdue2034Member_C1CF17DF08F755FDD9630146D210F173" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_AltaWindIIleasefinancingarrangementdue2034Member" xlink:label="loc_nrg_AltaWindIIleasefinancingarrangementdue2034Member_698A2A8336D9AD1E82720146D2100020" 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_D964B75694C50BDD75D90146D210AD89" xlink:to="loc_nrg_AltaWindIIleasefinancingarrangementdue2034Member_698A2A8336D9AD1E82720146D2100020" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_AltaWindIIIleasefinancingarrangementdue2034Member" xlink:label="loc_nrg_AltaWindIIIleasefinancingarrangementdue2034Member_F510AE79BBDB43911A480146D21075BE" 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_D964B75694C50BDD75D90146D210AD89" xlink:to="loc_nrg_AltaWindIIIleasefinancingarrangementdue2034Member_F510AE79BBDB43911A480146D21075BE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_AltaWindIVleasefinancingarrangementdue2034Member" xlink:label="loc_nrg_AltaWindIVleasefinancingarrangementdue2034Member_B04CE8A914217EEBC36E0146D210BD55" 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_D964B75694C50BDD75D90146D210AD89" xlink:to="loc_nrg_AltaWindIVleasefinancingarrangementdue2034Member_B04CE8A914217EEBC36E0146D210BD55" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_AltaWindVleasefinancingarrangementdue2035Member" xlink:label="loc_nrg_AltaWindVleasefinancingarrangementdue2035Member_9CBEC7429D77AEE4A6C90146D2113FEB" 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_D964B75694C50BDD75D90146D210AD89" xlink:to="loc_nrg_AltaWindVleasefinancingarrangementdue2035Member_9CBEC7429D77AEE4A6C90146D2113FEB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_AltaRealtyInvestmentsdue2031Member" xlink:label="loc_nrg_AltaRealtyInvestmentsdue2031Member_8628FF22AE80FE3255EA0146D2116DB9" 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_D964B75694C50BDD75D90146D210AD89" xlink:to="loc_nrg_AltaRealtyInvestmentsdue2031Member_8628FF22AE80FE3255EA0146D2116DB9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_AltaWindAssetManagementdue2031Member" xlink:label="loc_nrg_AltaWindAssetManagementdue2031Member_7820BB46DD6D1B2EEE0B0146D211ECB8" 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_D964B75694C50BDD75D90146D210AD89" xlink:to="loc_nrg_AltaWindAssetManagementdue2031Member_7820BB46DD6D1B2EEE0B0146D211ECB8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_WestHoldingsCreditAgreementMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_WestHoldingsCreditAgreementMember_5C7EA3347D0747D039870146D211AD75" 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_D964B75694C50BDD75D90146D210AD89" xlink:to="loc_nrg_WestHoldingsCreditAgreementMember_5C7EA3347D0747D039870146D211AD75" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_WestHoldingsCreditAgreementdue2023TrancheAMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_WestHoldingsCreditAgreementdue2023TrancheAMember_8E283D5B4097C402BE9E0146D2117E1B" 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_D964B75694C50BDD75D90146D210AD89" xlink:to="loc_nrg_WestHoldingsCreditAgreementdue2023TrancheAMember_8E283D5B4097C402BE9E0146D2117E1B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_MarshLandingTermLoanFacilityMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_MarshLandingTermLoanFacilityMember_F53508D26B2B4E38DACA0146D211975A" 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_D964B75694C50BDD75D90146D210AD89" xlink:to="loc_nrg_MarshLandingTermLoanFacilityMember_F53508D26B2B4E38DACA0146D211975A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_WalnutCreekEnergyLLCduein2023Member" xlink:label="loc_nrg_WalnutCreekEnergyLLCduein2023Member_2151E0165CC60D78AE3F0146D211E567" 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_D964B75694C50BDD75D90146D210AD89" xlink:to="loc_nrg_WalnutCreekEnergyLLCduein2023Member_2151E0165CC60D78AE3F0146D211E567" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_TapestryWindLLCduein2021Member" xlink:label="loc_nrg_TapestryWindLLCduein2021Member_279830E715A6CF56D7750146D211E624" 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_D964B75694C50BDD75D90146D210AD89" xlink:to="loc_nrg_TapestryWindLLCduein2021Member_279830E715A6CF56D7750146D211E624" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_VientoFundingIIInc.duein2023Member" xlink:label="loc_nrg_VientoFundingIIInc.duein2023Member_F0D0C48B4CCC0BFD068D0146D2110799" 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_D964B75694C50BDD75D90146D210AD89" xlink:to="loc_nrg_VientoFundingIIInc.duein2023Member_F0D0C48B4CCC0BFD068D0146D2110799" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_NrgEnergyCenterMinneapolisLlcSeniorSecuredNotesMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NrgEnergyCenterMinneapolisLlcSeniorSecuredNotesMember_839E7431928F199281F80146D2115AAB" 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_D964B75694C50BDD75D90146D210AD89" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NrgEnergyCenterMinneapolisLlcSeniorSecuredNotesMember_839E7431928F199281F80146D2115AAB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_LaredoRidgeWindLLCduein2026Member" xlink:label="loc_nrg_LaredoRidgeWindLLCduein2026Member_987C863FDA4D4AF0351C0146D211C81F" 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_D964B75694C50BDD75D90146D210AD89" xlink:to="loc_nrg_LaredoRidgeWindLLCduein2026Member_987C863FDA4D4AF0351C0146D211C81F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_BorregoMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_BorregoMember_E0ECB9E0BEAAE6982EB10146D2118551" 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_D964B75694C50BDD75D90146D210AD89" xlink:to="loc_nrg_BorregoMember_E0ECB9E0BEAAE6982EB10146D2118551" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_SouthTrentFinancingAgreementMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_SouthTrentFinancingAgreementMember_5A0CA4BFBDE583661F7E0146D211DA97" 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_D964B75694C50BDD75D90146D210AD89" xlink:to="loc_nrg_SouthTrentFinancingAgreementMember_5A0CA4BFBDE583661F7E0146D211DA97" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_AvraValleyFinancingAgreementMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_AvraValleyFinancingAgreementMember_A0C6FE49D714137249040146D211FA4B" 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_D964B75694C50BDD75D90146D210AD89" xlink:to="loc_nrg_AvraValleyFinancingAgreementMember_A0C6FE49D714137249040146D211FA4B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_HighDesertFacilityMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_HighDesertFacilityMember_76969F5023C3ADEC7EEE0146D211C1C4" 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_D964B75694C50BDD75D90146D210AD89" xlink:to="loc_nrg_HighDesertFacilityMember_76969F5023C3ADEC7EEE0146D211C1C4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_WCEPHoldingsLLCduein2023Member" xlink:label="loc_nrg_WCEPHoldingsLLCduein2023Member_62137E164554DC8481F90146D21146BB" 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_D964B75694C50BDD75D90146D210AD89" xlink:to="loc_nrg_WCEPHoldingsLLCduein2023Member_62137E164554DC8481F90146D21146BB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_WCEPHoldingsLLCMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_WCEPHoldingsLLCMember_0CCDB3FBFA9147A4E60D0146D211C988" 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_D964B75694C50BDD75D90146D210AD89" xlink:to="loc_nrg_WCEPHoldingsLLCMember_0CCDB3FBFA9147A4E60D0146D211C988" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_OtherDebtMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_OtherDebtMember_A1DA4EAA52713BC66E430146D212266C" 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_D964B75694C50BDD75D90146D210AD89" xlink:to="loc_nrg_OtherDebtMember_A1DA4EAA52713BC66E430146D212266C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_RoadrunnerFinancingAgreementMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_RoadrunnerFinancingAgreementMember_2AA8CC8C019BEFB041470146D21289B6" 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_D964B75694C50BDD75D90146D210AD89" xlink:to="loc_nrg_RoadrunnerFinancingAgreementMember_2AA8CC8C019BEFB041470146D21289B6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_KansasSouthFacilitydue2031Member" xlink:label="loc_nrg_KansasSouthFacilitydue2031Member_4AB5B7E11DD0110C12D10146D212F45C" 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_D964B75694C50BDD75D90146D210AD89" xlink:to="loc_nrg_KansasSouthFacilitydue2031Member_4AB5B7E11DD0110C12D10146D212F45C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_KansasSouthMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_KansasSouthMember_C0B734AFBC57C73866770146D2124ED3" 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_D964B75694C50BDD75D90146D210AD89" xlink:to="loc_nrg_KansasSouthMember_C0B734AFBC57C73866770146D2124ED3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_NrgSolarBlytheLlcCreditAgreementDue2028Member" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NrgSolarBlytheLlcCreditAgreementDue2028Member_68045F45B8F14A82AA000146D212268E" 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_D964B75694C50BDD75D90146D210AD89" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NrgSolarBlytheLlcCreditAgreementDue2028Member_68045F45B8F14A82AA000146D212268E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_PFMGFinancingAgreementMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_PFMGFinancingAgreementMember_6C7FEC06DA05C5D6E6710146D21201CA" 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_D964B75694C50BDD75D90146D210AD89" xlink:to="loc_nrg_PFMGFinancingAgreementMember_6C7FEC06DA05C5D6E6710146D21201CA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_PFMGDGSolarProjectsMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_PFMGDGSolarProjectsMember_19F5C078E9D62FDDD8D70146D2120FA3" 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_D964B75694C50BDD75D90146D210AD89" xlink:to="loc_nrg_PFMGDGSolarProjectsMember_19F5C078E9D62FDDD8D70146D2120FA3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProjectMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProjectMember_541F911D5EF5F643424B0146D2124015" 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_D964B75694C50BDD75D90146D210AD89" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProjectMember_541F911D5EF5F643424B0146D2124015" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_WestHoldingsCreditAgreementdue2023TrancheBMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_WestHoldingsCreditAgreementdue2023TrancheBMember_F5F1071EB9EA1A80EB7F0146D2122BFE" 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_D964B75694C50BDD75D90146D210AD89" xlink:to="loc_nrg_WestHoldingsCreditAgreementdue2023TrancheBMember_F5F1071EB9EA1A80EB7F0146D2122BFE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_MarshLandingTrancheAdueDecember2017Member" xlink:label="loc_nrg_MarshLandingTrancheAdueDecember2017Member_474FB4C6D4D50EBC38680146D212B956" 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_D964B75694C50BDD75D90146D210AD89" xlink:to="loc_nrg_MarshLandingTrancheAdueDecember2017Member_474FB4C6D4D50EBC38680146D212B956" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_MarshLandingTrancheBdue2023Member" xlink:label="loc_nrg_MarshLandingTrancheBdue2023Member_18E8D5ED86657A6E75F90146D212FB7A" 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_D964B75694C50BDD75D90146D210AD89" xlink:to="loc_nrg_MarshLandingTrancheBdue2023Member_18E8D5ED86657A6E75F90146D212FB7A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_AlpineFinancingAgreementDue2022Member" xlink:label="loc_nrg_AlpineFinancingAgreementDue2022Member_FEF0E5DBA3E749FA9B350146D212947C" 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_D964B75694C50BDD75D90146D210AD89" xlink:to="loc_nrg_AlpineFinancingAgreementDue2022Member_FEF0E5DBA3E749FA9B350146D212947C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_NrgEnergyCenterMinneapolisLlcSeniorSecuredNotesDue2017Member" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NrgEnergyCenterMinneapolisLlcSeniorSecuredNotesDue2017Member_0346496216E5F4B142AC0146D2122329" 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_D964B75694C50BDD75D90146D210AD89" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NrgEnergyCenterMinneapolisLlcSeniorSecuredNotesDue2017Member_0346496216E5F4B142AC0146D2122329" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_NrgEnergyCenterMinneapolisLlcSeniorSecuredNotesDue2025Member" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NrgEnergyCenterMinneapolisLlcSeniorSecuredNotesDue2025Member_3E12916D360AF3776F1D0146D212C373" 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_D964B75694C50BDD75D90146D210AD89" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NrgEnergyCenterMinneapolisLlcSeniorSecuredNotesDue2025Member_3E12916D360AF3776F1D0146D212C373" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_BorregoFinancingAgreementDue2024Member" xlink:label="loc_nrg_BorregoFinancingAgreementDue2024Member_9F57ECEBEE55BB89501A0146D212733A" 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_D964B75694C50BDD75D90146D210AD89" xlink:to="loc_nrg_BorregoFinancingAgreementDue2024Member_9F57ECEBEE55BB89501A0146D212733A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_CvsrFinancingAgreementMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_CvsrFinancingAgreementMember_CBE0660DB7818B71834C0146D2127775" 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_D964B75694C50BDD75D90146D210AD89" xlink:to="loc_nrg_CvsrFinancingAgreementMember_CBE0660DB7818B71834C0146D2127775" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_CVSRHoldcodue2037Member" xlink:label="loc_nrg_CVSRHoldcodue2037Member_D5CE9430000A73E15164028FEC130C5A" 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_D964B75694C50BDD75D90146D210AD89" xlink:to="loc_nrg_CVSRHoldcodue2037Member_D5CE9430000A73E15164028FEC130C5A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_BorregoFinancingAgreementDue2038Member" xlink:label="loc_nrg_BorregoFinancingAgreementDue2038Member_A929D9AC00107D2B736B0146D2128FD2" 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_D964B75694C50BDD75D90146D210AD89" xlink:to="loc_nrg_BorregoFinancingAgreementDue2038Member_A929D9AC00107D2B736B0146D2128FD2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_HighDesertFacilityDue2033Member" xlink:label="loc_nrg_HighDesertFacilityDue2033Member_514B9D57B3455AEB6D820146D21345BE" 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_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_D964B75694C50BDD75D90146D210AD89" xlink:to="loc_nrg_HighDesertFacilityDue2033Member_514B9D57B3455AEB6D820146D21345BE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_TAHighDesertdue2023Member" xlink:label="loc_nrg_TAHighDesertdue2023Member_FC5DC04338AC86E503290146D2135803" 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_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_D964B75694C50BDD75D90146D210AD89" xlink:to="loc_nrg_TAHighDesertdue2023Member_FC5DC04338AC86E503290146D2135803" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_4973EDA3BA4443F9C0160146D21345C1" 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_13AF2072A81149AC6B4D0146D20A047E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_4973EDA3BA4443F9C0160146D21345C1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SeniorNotes" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeniorNotes_A58B3B36041EE51868C80146D213E729" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_4973EDA3BA4443F9C0160146D21345C1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SeniorNotes_A58B3B36041EE51868C80146D213E729" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_19C30009EC4153466B520146D2133D83" 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_4973EDA3BA4443F9C0160146D21345C1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_19C30009EC4153466B520146D2133D83" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsCurrent_37A2C5D1E3BDE34D80350146D21338D8" 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_4973EDA3BA4443F9C0160146D21345C1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsCurrent_37A2C5D1E3BDE34D80350146D21338D8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNet_07F1DA9DD5A2BA5137290146D2181881" 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_4973EDA3BA4443F9C0160146D21345C1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNet_07F1DA9DD5A2BA5137290146D2181881" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_3FBA5272418F75CAE9FF0146D218F6DA" 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_4973EDA3BA4443F9C0160146D21345C1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_3FBA5272418F75CAE9FF0146D218F6DA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount_2FCF91C076ABBEFBE4050146D21896ED" 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_4973EDA3BA4443F9C0160146D21345C1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount_2FCF91C076ABBEFBE4050146D21896ED" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent_0A06EB57D152745C309D0146D218228D" 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_4973EDA3BA4443F9C0160146D21345C1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent_0A06EB57D152745C309D0146D218228D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentDescriptionOfVariableRateBasis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentDescriptionOfVariableRateBasis_BB287592E74596A9621E0146D2183258" 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_4973EDA3BA4443F9C0160146D21345C1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentDescriptionOfVariableRateBasis_BB287592E74596A9621E0146D2183258" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1_7821108B1297C29A63320146D219EA00" 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_4973EDA3BA4443F9C0160146D21345C1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1_7821108B1297C29A63320146D219EA00" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscount_37EA5F83D27C9F558FB00146D219DAC3" 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_4973EDA3BA4443F9C0160146D21345C1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscount_37EA5F83D27C9F558FB00146D219DAC3" 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/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_CF026859823D55CB364E001637870559" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfDebtTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDebtTableTextBlock_E6BC2D6A99FB4EE09AB300163787F86A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_CF026859823D55CB364E001637870559" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDebtTableTextBlock_E6BC2D6A99FB4EE09AB300163787F86A" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/NatureOfBusiness" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract_6D2CF69093F6FBE752F500163767E655" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessDescriptionAndBasisOfPresentationTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessDescriptionAndBasisOfPresentationTextBlock_A22802BF569CC738AA2900163767238F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract_6D2CF69093F6FBE752F500163767E655" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessDescriptionAndBasisOfPresentationTextBlock_A22802BF569CC738AA2900163767238F" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/NatureOfBusinessDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract_E53A93BDD496E3157B7C01788AEE545B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_NatureOfBusinessTable" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NatureOfBusinessTable_EB1A0ADF7CE4D2CA3CE701788AEE2E81" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract_E53A93BDD496E3157B7C01788AEE545B" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NatureOfBusinessTable_EB1A0ADF7CE4D2CA3CE701788AEE2E81" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherOwnershipInterestsByNameAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherOwnershipInterestsByNameAxis_3EFF134FF5214DB16B0901788AEE8AA2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link: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_EB1A0ADF7CE4D2CA3CE701788AEE2E81" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherOwnershipInterestsByNameAxis_3EFF134FF5214DB16B0901788AEE8AA2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherOwnershipInterestsNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherOwnershipInterestsNameDomain_BAE764388BA8F78312AD01788AEFF397" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_3EFF134FF5214DB16B0901788AEE8AA2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherOwnershipInterestsNameDomain_BAE764388BA8F78312AD01788AEFF397" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_FinancialInstitutionsMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_FinancialInstitutionsMember_CA4166DD2B397786C8B801788AEF80B2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_BAE764388BA8F78312AD01788AEFF397" xlink:to="loc_nrg_FinancialInstitutionsMember_CA4166DD2B397786C8B801788AEF80B2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_DD4F9F23EC42D8D7E3C801788AEF3A95" 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_EB1A0ADF7CE4D2CA3CE701788AEE2E81" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_DD4F9F23EC42D8D7E3C801788AEF3A95" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_A161FA648D6CC97243CE01788AEF1679" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_DD4F9F23EC42D8D7E3C801788AEF3A95" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_A161FA648D6CC97243CE01788AEF1679" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_CommonClassDMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_CommonClassDMember_ABD763049F85648FB2A301788AEF8D9C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_A161FA648D6CC97243CE01788AEF1679" xlink:to="loc_nrg_CommonClassDMember_ABD763049F85648FB2A301788AEF8D9C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassAMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassAMember_F27BF2C97A07F70D389901788AEF1A98" 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_A161FA648D6CC97243CE01788AEF1679" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassAMember_F27BF2C97A07F70D389901788AEF1A98" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassCMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassCMember_D45A61763318CE2D4A6801788AEFC91A" 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_A161FA648D6CC97243CE01788AEF1679" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassCMember_D45A61763318CE2D4A6801788AEFC91A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermContractForPurchaseOfElectricPowerAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermContractForPurchaseOfElectricPowerAxis_2D3F2F412A3DB5E07DC001788AEF5536" 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_EB1A0ADF7CE4D2CA3CE701788AEE2E81" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermContractForPurchaseOfElectricPowerAxis_2D3F2F412A3DB5E07DC001788AEF5536" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermContractForPurchaseOfElectricPowerDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermContractForPurchaseOfElectricPowerDomain_59F40DA0C6AA8067E55101788AEF9314" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_2D3F2F412A3DB5E07DC001788AEF5536" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermContractForPurchaseOfElectricPowerDomain_59F40DA0C6AA8067E55101788AEF9314" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_SouthernCaliforniaEdisonMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_SouthernCaliforniaEdisonMember_FCEED70CD65E832DEC9101788AEF9E0E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_59F40DA0C6AA8067E55101788AEF9314" xlink:to="loc_nrg_SouthernCaliforniaEdisonMember_FCEED70CD65E832DEC9101788AEF9E0E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_PacificGasandElectricMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_PacificGasandElectricMember_A2C5F380B89D3A5AAB0601788AEFDDE1" 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_59F40DA0C6AA8067E55101788AEF9314" xlink:to="loc_nrg_PacificGasandElectricMember_A2C5F380B89D3A5AAB0601788AEFDDE1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_20B8226653C911EB4C7301788AEF1CF5" 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_EB1A0ADF7CE4D2CA3CE701788AEE2E81" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_20B8226653C911EB4C7301788AEF1CF5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_B1B7335BEA9D210C1DB401788AEF4D5C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_20B8226653C911EB4C7301788AEF1CF5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_B1B7335BEA9D210C1DB401788AEF4D5C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_NrgMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NrgMember_ABA483983D10228ED51601788AEFAE8C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_B1B7335BEA9D210C1DB401788AEF4D5C" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NrgMember_ABA483983D10228ED51601788AEFAE8C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_3592D1DBC4627871F05B01788AF073BC" 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_EB1A0ADF7CE4D2CA3CE701788AEE2E81" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_3592D1DBC4627871F05B01788AF073BC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_7051A2CE829CD80B5F0901788AF0BDA3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_3592D1DBC4627871F05B01788AF073BC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_7051A2CE829CD80B5F0901788AF0BDA3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_November2015DropDownAssetsMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_November2015DropDownAssetsMember_BE66FD3E093E9A7EB1BF01788AF074CC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_7051A2CE829CD80B5F0901788AF0BDA3" xlink:to="loc_nrg_November2015DropDownAssetsMember_BE66FD3E093E9A7EB1BF01788AF074CC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_January2015DropDownAssetsMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_January2015DropDownAssetsMember_E15219540617671E6E0A01788AF0A51D" 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_7051A2CE829CD80B5F0901788AF0BDA3" xlink:to="loc_nrg_January2015DropDownAssetsMember_E15219540617671E6E0A01788AF0A51D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_CvsrMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_CvsrMember_30AFBA509B37D881E15301788AF0F264" 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_7051A2CE829CD80B5F0901788AF0BDA3" xlink:to="loc_nrg_CvsrMember_30AFBA509B37D881E15301788AF0F264" 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_EC1FD3F10BE4FEC5EA6401788AF0C628" 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_EB1A0ADF7CE4D2CA3CE701788AEE2E81" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_EC1FD3F10BE4FEC5EA6401788AF0C628" 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_B49DF031676C3789BEB101788AF0D436" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link: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_EC1FD3F10BE4FEC5EA6401788AF0C628" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_B49DF031676C3789BEB101788AF0D436" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_ThermalMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_ThermalMember_76D39543269695E3181301788AF5A785" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link: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_B49DF031676C3789BEB101788AF0D436" xlink:to="loc_nrg_ThermalMember_76D39543269695E3181301788AF5A785" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_NRGYieldMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NRGYieldMember_AD4641BE192EB3E605B501788AF01E93" 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_B49DF031676C3789BEB101788AF0D436" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NRGYieldMember_AD4641BE192EB3E605B501788AF01E93" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_NrgYieldIncMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NrgYieldIncMember_E50F1A5B4C31449EB9FB01788AF02D95" 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_B49DF031676C3789BEB101788AF0D436" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NrgYieldIncMember_E50F1A5B4C31449EB9FB01788AF02D95" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_NRGYieldLLCMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NRGYieldLLCMember_6B5F0EDEFB2EBB8CCB2401788AF0A29C" 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_B49DF031676C3789BEB101788AF0D436" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NRGYieldLLCMember_6B5F0EDEFB2EBB8CCB2401788AF0A29C" 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_dei_EntityDomain_B49DF031676C3789BEB101788AF0D436" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NrgMember_ABA483983D10228ED51601788AEFAE8C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_GenConnMiddletownMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_GenConnMiddletownMember_7B0FF65B10B20BE8199A01788AF0D879" 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_B49DF031676C3789BEB101788AF0D436" xlink:to="loc_nrg_GenConnMiddletownMember_7B0FF65B10B20BE8199A01788AF0D879" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_GenConnDevonMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_GenConnDevonMember_645D4A88F2751775746301788AF0E391" 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_B49DF031676C3789BEB101788AF0D436" xlink:to="loc_nrg_GenConnDevonMember_645D4A88F2751775746301788AF0E391" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_MarshLandingMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_MarshLandingMember_B6C396204E5E6EEBF0A701788AF100FC" 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_B49DF031676C3789BEB101788AF0D436" xlink:to="loc_nrg_MarshLandingMember_B6C396204E5E6EEBF0A701788AF100FC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_ElSegundoMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_ElSegundoMember_0B3E7CCC5D9221A59CF601788AF110D6" 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_B49DF031676C3789BEB101788AF0D436" xlink:to="loc_nrg_ElSegundoMember_0B3E7CCC5D9221A59CF601788AF110D6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_WalnutCreekMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_WalnutCreekMember_56DFE9244FA983F0D05901788AF17D5B" 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_B49DF031676C3789BEB101788AF0D436" xlink:to="loc_nrg_WalnutCreekMember_56DFE9244FA983F0D05901788AF17D5B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_AlpineMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_AlpineMember_43AC0CD85A36BC59E48501788AF19378" 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_B49DF031676C3789BEB101788AF0D436" xlink:to="loc_nrg_AlpineMember_43AC0CD85A36BC59E48501788AF19378" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_AZDGSolarProjectsMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_AZDGSolarProjectsMember_FFCDBE98F4A59E44814E01788AF176D3" 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_B49DF031676C3789BEB101788AF0D436" xlink:to="loc_nrg_AZDGSolarProjectsMember_FFCDBE98F4A59E44814E01788AF176D3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_PFMGDGSolarProjectsMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_PFMGDGSolarProjectsMember_8375CA0C110B5F531FA601788AF1DE32" 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_B49DF031676C3789BEB101788AF0D436" xlink:to="loc_nrg_PFMGDGSolarProjectsMember_8375CA0C110B5F531FA601788AF1DE32" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_AvenalMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_AvenalMember_D6886A3C37D2204850A301788AF10F5F" 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_B49DF031676C3789BEB101788AF0D436" xlink:to="loc_nrg_AvenalMember_D6886A3C37D2204850A301788AF10F5F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_AvraValleyMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_AvraValleyMember_1EEECA9EE61B253EA04901788AF13118" 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_B49DF031676C3789BEB101788AF0D436" xlink:to="loc_nrg_AvraValleyMember_1EEECA9EE61B253EA04901788AF13118" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_NrgSolarBlytheLlcMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NrgSolarBlytheLlcMember_97B0296554D465E0B2F301788AF150FB" 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_B49DF031676C3789BEB101788AF0D436" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NrgSolarBlytheLlcMember_97B0296554D465E0B2F301788AF150FB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_BorregoMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_BorregoMember_EEA201F22FF4DAB92AC701788AF16D4E" 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_B49DF031676C3789BEB101788AF0D436" xlink:to="loc_nrg_BorregoMember_EEA201F22FF4DAB92AC701788AF16D4E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_NrgSolarRoadrunnerLlcMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NrgSolarRoadrunnerLlcMember_C61432CC67CB87FD7C1C01788AF1BA51" 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_B49DF031676C3789BEB101788AF0D436" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NrgSolarRoadrunnerLlcMember_C61432CC67CB87FD7C1C01788AF1BA51" xlink:type="arc" />
    <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_B49DF031676C3789BEB101788AF0D436" xlink:to="loc_nrg_CvsrMember_30AFBA509B37D881E15301788AF0F264" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_KansasSouthMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_KansasSouthMember_C032C58C7DBE8289C3C401788AF2219E" 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_B49DF031676C3789BEB101788AF0D436" xlink:to="loc_nrg_KansasSouthMember_C032C58C7DBE8289C3C401788AF2219E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_TaHighDesertLlcMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_TaHighDesertLlcMember_74664FBACA66928DE52801788AF24151" 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_dei_EntityDomain_B49DF031676C3789BEB101788AF0D436" xlink:to="loc_nrg_TaHighDesertLlcMember_74664FBACA66928DE52801788AF24151" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_DesertSunlightMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_DesertSunlightMember_FD0F0326A6C44705638D01788AF2F0A8" 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_B49DF031676C3789BEB101788AF0D436" xlink:to="loc_nrg_DesertSunlightMember_FD0F0326A6C44705638D01788AF2F0A8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_AltaIMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_AltaIMember_BB31368DAB67FB83108E01788AF29FFA" 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_B49DF031676C3789BEB101788AF0D436" xlink:to="loc_nrg_AltaIMember_BB31368DAB67FB83108E01788AF29FFA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_AltaIIMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_AltaIIMember_B915A50510A60C21430801788AF2C991" 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_B49DF031676C3789BEB101788AF0D436" xlink:to="loc_nrg_AltaIIMember_B915A50510A60C21430801788AF2C991" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_AltaIIIMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_AltaIIIMember_B1C8171F92D62E99DF7A01788AF2615B" 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_B49DF031676C3789BEB101788AF0D436" xlink:to="loc_nrg_AltaIIIMember_B1C8171F92D62E99DF7A01788AF2615B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_AltaIVMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_AltaIVMember_9DFE753DDFC9AC99997201788AF20274" 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_B49DF031676C3789BEB101788AF0D436" xlink:to="loc_nrg_AltaIVMember_9DFE753DDFC9AC99997201788AF20274" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_AltaVMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_AltaVMember_93ED99F766C858E579F801788AF2F165" 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_B49DF031676C3789BEB101788AF0D436" xlink:to="loc_nrg_AltaVMember_93ED99F766C858E579F801788AF2F165" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_AltaXMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_AltaXMember_EFF236D7C8792BF8697E01788AF2A57B" 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_B49DF031676C3789BEB101788AF0D436" xlink:to="loc_nrg_AltaXMember_EFF236D7C8792BF8697E01788AF2A57B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_AltaXIMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_AltaXIMember_707A9BE1AED4ED883A9901788AF2DA78" 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_B49DF031676C3789BEB101788AF0D436" xlink:to="loc_nrg_AltaXIMember_707A9BE1AED4ED883A9901788AF2DA78" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_SouthTrentHoldingLlcMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_SouthTrentHoldingLlcMember_9775EB1DE0C2F8678D5401788AF3D4BC" 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_B49DF031676C3789BEB101788AF0D436" xlink:to="loc_nrg_SouthTrentHoldingLlcMember_9775EB1DE0C2F8678D5401788AF3D4BC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_SpanishForkMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_SpanishForkMember_231DEDE2B954827FD92F01788AF31A9B" 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_B49DF031676C3789BEB101788AF0D436" xlink:to="loc_nrg_SpanishForkMember_231DEDE2B954827FD92F01788AF31A9B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_LaredoRidgeMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_LaredoRidgeMember_E14C4C19B457ED951D1001788AF3939D" 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_B49DF031676C3789BEB101788AF0D436" xlink:to="loc_nrg_LaredoRidgeMember_E14C4C19B457ED951D1001788AF3939D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_LookoutMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_LookoutMember_01BBCA345D48562C54D301788AF3239C" 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_B49DF031676C3789BEB101788AF0D436" xlink:to="loc_nrg_LookoutMember_01BBCA345D48562C54D301788AF3239C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_OdinWindFarmMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_OdinWindFarmMember_13D28434DA7AD0A0243701788AF32A0F" 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_B49DF031676C3789BEB101788AF0D436" xlink:to="loc_nrg_OdinWindFarmMember_13D28434DA7AD0A0243701788AF32A0F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_TalogaMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_TalogaMember_21D62FD12BC290F8301401788AF382E9" 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_B49DF031676C3789BEB101788AF0D436" xlink:to="loc_nrg_TalogaMember_21D62FD12BC290F8301401788AF382E9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_WildoradoMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_WildoradoMember_6DC76061B937BEE90ADA01788AF395D5" 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_B49DF031676C3789BEB101788AF0D436" xlink:to="loc_nrg_WildoradoMember_6DC76061B937BEE90ADA01788AF395D5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_PinnacleMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_PinnacleMember_923278C355B5D4B5E09501788AF3DE85" 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_B49DF031676C3789BEB101788AF0D436" xlink:to="loc_nrg_PinnacleMember_923278C355B5D4B5E09501788AF3DE85" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_SanJuanMesaWindProjectLLCMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_SanJuanMesaWindProjectLLCMember_1EF9F18503301C1B007401788AF33C9B" 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_B49DF031676C3789BEB101788AF0D436" xlink:to="loc_nrg_SanJuanMesaWindProjectLLCMember_1EF9F18503301C1B007401788AF33C9B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_SleepingBearMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_SleepingBearMember_3B0D89A27D68333698AF01788AF374C6" 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_B49DF031676C3789BEB101788AF0D436" xlink:to="loc_nrg_SleepingBearMember_3B0D89A27D68333698AF01788AF374C6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_BuffaloBearMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_BuffaloBearMember_2A2D844E67DE63E8D09801788AF360F5" 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_B49DF031676C3789BEB101788AF0D436" xlink:to="loc_nrg_BuffaloBearMember_2A2D844E67DE63E8D09801788AF360F5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_CrosswindsMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_CrosswindsMember_D36CF5C0D6C426A1CE0F01788AF3979A" 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_B49DF031676C3789BEB101788AF0D436" xlink:to="loc_nrg_CrosswindsMember_D36CF5C0D6C426A1CE0F01788AF3979A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_ElbowCreekMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_ElbowCreekMember_5A4EE6FBD8306B75255C01788AF3A807" 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_B49DF031676C3789BEB101788AF0D436" xlink:to="loc_nrg_ElbowCreekMember_5A4EE6FBD8306B75255C01788AF3A807" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_ElkhornRidgeWindLLCMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_ElkhornRidgeWindLLCMember_5F7C89FA77DB41E9B7F301788AF3C318" 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_B49DF031676C3789BEB101788AF0D436" xlink:to="loc_nrg_ElkhornRidgeWindLLCMember_5F7C89FA77DB41E9B7F301788AF3C318" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_ForwardMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_ForwardMember_0329ADA097605ABFFED901788AF3DF48" 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_B49DF031676C3789BEB101788AF0D436" xlink:to="loc_nrg_ForwardMember_0329ADA097605ABFFED901788AF3DF48" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_GoatWindMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_GoatWindMember_EBE97225D6212D620ED401788AF3B22A" 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_B49DF031676C3789BEB101788AF0D436" xlink:to="loc_nrg_GoatWindMember_EBE97225D6212D620ED401788AF3B22A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_HardinMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_HardinMember_B904C5178E12CA7B382201788AF36389" 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_B49DF031676C3789BEB101788AF0D436" xlink:to="loc_nrg_HardinMember_B904C5178E12CA7B382201788AF36389" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_SpringCanyonIIMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_SpringCanyonIIMember_1D0459CAB4D72E7BD97E01788AF452D6" 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_B49DF031676C3789BEB101788AF0D436" xlink:to="loc_nrg_SpringCanyonIIMember_1D0459CAB4D72E7BD97E01788AF452D6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_SpringCanyonIIIMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_SpringCanyonIIIMember_73B800A13D0E3970898E01788AF44E73" 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_B49DF031676C3789BEB101788AF0D436" xlink:to="loc_nrg_SpringCanyonIIIMember_73B800A13D0E3970898E01788AF44E73" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_NRGRPVHoldcoMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NRGRPVHoldcoMember_1E1E97008EE3D923B7FD01788AF45603" 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_B49DF031676C3789BEB101788AF0D436" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NRGRPVHoldcoMember_1E1E97008EE3D923B7FD01788AF45603" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_NRGDGPVHoldcoMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NRGDGPVHoldcoMember_5E82B4C62F4BD7E7392D01788AF43710" 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_B49DF031676C3789BEB101788AF0D436" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NRGDGPVHoldcoMember_5E82B4C62F4BD7E7392D01788AF43710" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_NRGEnergyCenterDoverMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NRGEnergyCenterDoverMember_C82615158FAD308F8F0C01788AF497E0" 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_B49DF031676C3789BEB101788AF0D436" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NRGEnergyCenterDoverMember_C82615158FAD308F8F0C01788AF497E0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis_D543DDD3A5427A97E09601788AF44C8A" 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_EB1A0ADF7CE4D2CA3CE701788AEE2E81" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis_D543DDD3A5427A97E09601788AF44C8A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_B97AB66605124961C66001788AF4DF84" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_D543DDD3A5427A97E09601788AF44C8A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_B97AB66605124961C66001788AF4DF84" 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_B97AB66605124961C66001788AF4DF84" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NRGYieldMember_AD4641BE192EB3E605B501788AF01E93" 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_B97AB66605124961C66001788AF4DF84" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NrgYieldIncMember_E50F1A5B4C31449EB9FB01788AF02D95" 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_us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_B97AB66605124961C66001788AF4DF84" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NrgMember_ABA483983D10228ED51601788AEFAE8C" 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_B97AB66605124961C66001788AF4DF84" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NRGYieldLLCMember_6B5F0EDEFB2EBB8CCB2401788AF0A29C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_PowerGenerationFacilitiesByTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationFacilitiesByTypeAxis_98C4059D44CA33D2B85F01788AF41746" 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_EB1A0ADF7CE4D2CA3CE701788AEE2E81" xlink:to="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationFacilitiesByTypeAxis_98C4059D44CA33D2B85F01788AF41746" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_PowerGenerationFacilitiesTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationFacilitiesTypeDomain_F38B55B925808078216301788AF5FA4F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link: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_98C4059D44CA33D2B85F01788AF41746" xlink:to="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationFacilitiesTypeDomain_F38B55B925808078216301788AF5FA4F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_ConventionalGenerationMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_ConventionalGenerationMember_672DA1DC79B91F3A9D9C01788AF5A5A1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link: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_F38B55B925808078216301788AF5FA4F" xlink:to="loc_nrg_ConventionalGenerationMember_672DA1DC79B91F3A9D9C01788AF5A5A1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_UtilityScaleSolarMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_UtilityScaleSolarMember_99B60FA2A64377DACCF901788AF53F6D" 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_nrg_PowerGenerationFacilitiesTypeDomain_F38B55B925808078216301788AF5FA4F" xlink:to="loc_nrg_UtilityScaleSolarMember_99B60FA2A64377DACCF901788AF53F6D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_DistributedSolarMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_DistributedSolarMember_BE3ADC2F7700570A74F801788AF5AA94" 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_F38B55B925808078216301788AF5FA4F" xlink:to="loc_nrg_DistributedSolarMember_BE3ADC2F7700570A74F801788AF5AA94" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_WindFarmsMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_WindFarmsMember_7AF569BA4BAA33F6898601788AF5F1A9" 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_PowerGenerationFacilitiesTypeDomain_F38B55B925808078216301788AF5FA4F" xlink:to="loc_nrg_WindFarmsMember_7AF569BA4BAA33F6898601788AF5F1A9" 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_nrg_PowerGenerationFacilitiesTypeDomain_F38B55B925808078216301788AF5FA4F" xlink:to="loc_nrg_ThermalMember_76D39543269695E3181301788AF5A785" xlink:type="arc" />
    <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_PowerGenerationFacilitiesTypeDomain_F38B55B925808078216301788AF5FA4F" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NRGEnergyCenterDoverMember_C82615158FAD308F8F0C01788AF497E0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_BasisofPresentationLineItems" xlink:label="loc_nrg_BasisofPresentationLineItems_FA41DE1D36216CABCE1301788AF5D1E2" 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_EB1A0ADF7CE4D2CA3CE701788AEE2E81" xlink:to="loc_nrg_BasisofPresentationLineItems_FA41DE1D36216CABCE1301788AF5D1E2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SaleOfStockPercentageOfOwnershipAfterTransaction" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockPercentageOfOwnershipAfterTransaction_49F36ABF7D38B8327B8601788AF5BABE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link: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_FA41DE1D36216CABCE1301788AF5D1E2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockPercentageOfOwnershipAfterTransaction_49F36ABF7D38B8327B8601788AF5BABE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SaleOfStockNumberOfSharesIssuedInTransaction" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockNumberOfSharesIssuedInTransaction_3221110C5D3B49159BF601788AF5F5E9" 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_FA41DE1D36216CABCE1301788AF5D1E2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockNumberOfSharesIssuedInTransaction_3221110C5D3B49159BF601788AF5F5E9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock_695D9593D1B254B513B101788AF56973" 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_FA41DE1D36216CABCE1301788AF5D1E2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock_695D9593D1B254B513B101788AF56973" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_LimitedLiabilityCompanyLLCorLimitedPartnershipLPMembersorLimitedPartnersVotingInterest" xlink:label="loc_nrg_LimitedLiabilityCompanyLLCorLimitedPartnershipLPMembersorLimitedPartnersVotingInterest_CE31DF9C4FF740F4937501788AF59F4F" 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_FA41DE1D36216CABCE1301788AF5D1E2" xlink:to="loc_nrg_LimitedLiabilityCompanyLLCorLimitedPartnershipLPMembersorLimitedPartnersVotingInterest_CE31DF9C4FF740F4937501788AF59F4F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_MegawattsThermalEquivalentAvailableUnderrighttouseProvisions" xlink:label="loc_nrg_MegawattsThermalEquivalentAvailableUnderrighttouseProvisions_A5A82A5E0A83BFEC810F01788AF60AB6" 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_FA41DE1D36216CABCE1301788AF5D1E2" xlink:to="loc_nrg_MegawattsThermalEquivalentAvailableUnderrighttouseProvisions_A5A82A5E0A83BFEC810F01788AF60AB6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage_D6C5E7F1B350E0462D1E01788AF62027" 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_FA41DE1D36216CABCE1301788AF5D1E2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage_D6C5E7F1B350E0462D1E01788AF62027" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LimitedLiabilityCompanyLLCOrLimitedPartnershipLPMembersOrLimitedPartnersOwnershipInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LimitedLiabilityCompanyLLCOrLimitedPartnershipLPMembersOrLimitedPartnersOwnershipInterest_F80CBBB01188404117ED01788AF6A4D4" 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_FA41DE1D36216CABCE1301788AF5D1E2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LimitedLiabilityCompanyLLCOrLimitedPartnershipLPMembersOrLimitedPartnersOwnershipInterest_F80CBBB01188404117ED01788AF6A4D4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_PercentageOfOwnership" xlink:label="loc_nrg_PercentageOfOwnership_7C3AA8507349379C558D01788AF66FCF" 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_FA41DE1D36216CABCE1301788AF5D1E2" xlink:to="loc_nrg_PercentageOfOwnership_7C3AA8507349379C558D01788AF66FCF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_PowerGenerationCapacityMegawatts" xlink:label="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationCapacityMegawatts_DFC3C5ED6AD7EDA169D301788AF681B0" 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_FA41DE1D36216CABCE1301788AF5D1E2" xlink:to="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationCapacityMegawatts_DFC3C5ED6AD7EDA169D301788AF681B0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_SteamAndChilledWaterCapacityMegawattsThermalEquivalent" xlink:label="loc_nrg_SteamAndChilledWaterCapacityMegawattsThermalEquivalent_9B64ADB732F4A1773E5001788AF60617" 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_FA41DE1D36216CABCE1301788AF5D1E2" xlink:to="loc_nrg_SteamAndChilledWaterCapacityMegawattsThermalEquivalent_9B64ADB732F4A1773E5001788AF60617" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1_DEC457FA33BCF8D2CA1B01788AF6930A" 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_nrg_BasisofPresentationLineItems_FA41DE1D36216CABCE1301788AF5D1E2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1_DEC457FA33BCF8D2CA1B01788AF6930A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_BusinessAcquisitionConsiderationTransferredWorkingCapital" xlink:label="loc_nrg_BusinessAcquisitionConsiderationTransferredWorkingCapital_6113B6CC28C97B36889701788AF69D01" 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_BasisofPresentationLineItems_FA41DE1D36216CABCE1301788AF5D1E2" xlink:to="loc_nrg_BusinessAcquisitionConsiderationTransferredWorkingCapital_6113B6CC28C97B36889701788AF69D01" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPercentageOfVotingInterestsAcquired" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPercentageOfVotingInterestsAcquired_BB8BBF425C3A670A8AFF01788AF6A475" 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_BasisofPresentationLineItems_FA41DE1D36216CABCE1301788AF5D1E2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPercentageOfVotingInterestsAcquired_BB8BBF425C3A670A8AFF01788AF6A475" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross_6046EC6406D2E92C7F2101788AF633AD" 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_nrg_BasisofPresentationLineItems_FA41DE1D36216CABCE1301788AF5D1E2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross_6046EC6406D2E92C7F2101788AF633AD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionOfLessThan100PercentNoncontrollingInterestFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionOfLessThan100PercentNoncontrollingInterestFairValue_CF242C9B51C5EB67CC0301788AF75AAD" 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_nrg_BasisofPresentationLineItems_FA41DE1D36216CABCE1301788AF5D1E2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionOfLessThan100PercentNoncontrollingInterestFairValue_CF242C9B51C5EB67CC0301788AF75AAD" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/NatureOfBusinessNatureOfBusinessTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_NatureOfBusinessDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NatureOfBusinessDisclosureAbstract_038F3CD30515DE37986B00163843FFE3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_IPOofNRGYieldTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_nrg_IPOofNRGYieldTableTextBlock_B9B4C5734CAB4EA973AA00163843CD97" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link: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_038F3CD30515DE37986B00163843FFE3" xlink:to="loc_nrg_IPOofNRGYieldTableTextBlock_B9B4C5734CAB4EA973AA00163843CD97" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_ScheduleofOwnershipPercentageNetCapacityOfftakeCounterpartyandYearofOfftakeExpirationbyOperatingAssetTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_nrg_ScheduleofOwnershipPercentageNetCapacityOfftakeCounterpartyandYearofOfftakeExpirationbyOperatingAssetTableTextBlock_C9757CE2F98F95DC186300163843AC89" 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_NatureOfBusinessDisclosureAbstract_038F3CD30515DE37986B00163843FFE3" xlink:to="loc_nrg_ScheduleofOwnershipPercentageNetCapacityOfftakeCounterpartyandYearofOfftakeExpirationbyOperatingAssetTableTextBlock_C9757CE2F98F95DC186300163843AC89" 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/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsAbstract_15612D3BF4C5C398BCC0001638340B1C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsDisclosureTextBlock_E4C005F6D30200619BDF00163834A34C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_15612D3BF4C5C398BCC0001638340B1C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsDisclosureTextBlock_E4C005F6D30200619BDF00163834A34C" 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/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsAbstract_C936A1182AC95831440807B2AA1901CE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_C7F3195B59438A09C99107B2AA1C135C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_C936A1182AC95831440807B2AA1901CE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_C7F3195B59438A09C99107B2AA1C135C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_E9F42AAA825BDF3C8E7607B2AA1DDBE1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_C7F3195B59438A09C99107B2AA1C135C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_E9F42AAA825BDF3C8E7607B2AA1DDBE1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_6FC4C23D0B5BEECE0B5107B2AA1D25B1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_E9F42AAA825BDF3C8E7607B2AA1DDBE1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_6FC4C23D0B5BEECE0B5107B2AA1D25B1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_30ACEFE6B1D8725CE28807B2AA1D9CB8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_6FC4C23D0B5BEECE0B5107B2AA1D25B1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_30ACEFE6B1D8725CE28807B2AA1D9CB8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis_6C8A5D4B265F21742F0A07B2AA1EC79E" 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_C7F3195B59438A09C99107B2AA1C135C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis_6C8A5D4B265F21742F0A07B2AA1EC79E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain_DCFF6D4A583992DEDA1507B2AA1ED519" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_6C8A5D4B265F21742F0A07B2AA1EC79E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain_DCFF6D4A583992DEDA1507B2AA1ED519" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_OperationsandMaintenanceservicesMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_OperationsandMaintenanceservicesMember_F3BDFCF1F8BBD5BF31ED07B2AA1E7F7B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_DCFF6D4A583992DEDA1507B2AA1ED519" xlink:to="loc_nrg_OperationsandMaintenanceservicesMember_F3BDFCF1F8BBD5BF31ED07B2AA1E7F7B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_NRGElSegundoOperationsInc.Member" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NRGElSegundoOperationsInc.Member_718193934FBB5EC6FE8207B2AA1EC87F" 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_DCFF6D4A583992DEDA1507B2AA1ED519" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NRGElSegundoOperationsInc.Member_718193934FBB5EC6FE8207B2AA1EC87F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_SupportservicesMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_SupportservicesMember_FB08887ADF334DCCD8BF07B2AA23E9CA" 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_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain_DCFF6D4A583992DEDA1507B2AA1ED519" xlink:to="loc_nrg_SupportservicesMember_FB08887ADF334DCCD8BF07B2AA23E9CA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis_9B140B9BDA34FAEA324207B2AA23F9D6" 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_C7F3195B59438A09C99107B2AA1C135C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis_9B140B9BDA34FAEA324207B2AA23F9D6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_9EFA600D9691AADC671607B2AA2397B4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_9B140B9BDA34FAEA324207B2AA23F9D6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_9EFA600D9691AADC671607B2AA2397B4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_TaxEquityFinancedPortfolioofLeasesMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_TaxEquityFinancedPortfolioofLeasesMember_2CF67BB787D13AFD1E3607B2AA23E730" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_9EFA600D9691AADC671607B2AA2397B4" xlink:to="loc_nrg_TaxEquityFinancedPortfolioofLeasesMember_2CF67BB787D13AFD1E3607B2AA23E730" 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_B522DAFA6EFC3948A71E07B2AA23E18E" 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_C7F3195B59438A09C99107B2AA1C135C" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_B522DAFA6EFC3948A71E07B2AA23E18E" 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_2483529C3ED7F81F01FA07B2AA2484F9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link: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_B522DAFA6EFC3948A71E07B2AA23E18E" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_2483529C3ED7F81F01FA07B2AA2484F9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_NRGYieldMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NRGYieldMember_95F0C2F850C5A772D54B07B2AA246194" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link: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_2483529C3ED7F81F01FA07B2AA2484F9" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NRGYieldMember_95F0C2F850C5A772D54B07B2AA246194" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_NrgYieldIncMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NrgYieldIncMember_7029DD29EEBB4F49041307B2AA24602F" 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_2483529C3ED7F81F01FA07B2AA2484F9" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NrgYieldIncMember_7029DD29EEBB4F49041307B2AA24602F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_ThermalMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_ThermalMember_4166DD591F1864E944B007B2AA248CD2" 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_dei_EntityDomain_2483529C3ED7F81F01FA07B2AA2484F9" xlink:to="loc_nrg_ThermalMember_4166DD591F1864E944B007B2AA248CD2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_NRGEnergyCenterDoverMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NRGEnergyCenterDoverMember_CBA4965D9A5A2BF2DC3807B2AA24D872" 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_2483529C3ED7F81F01FA07B2AA2484F9" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NRGEnergyCenterDoverMember_CBA4965D9A5A2BF2DC3807B2AA24D872" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_NRGEnergyCenterMinneapolisLLCMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NRGEnergyCenterMinneapolisLLCMember_30077CAC8B7B2716ED5707B2AA2418EF" 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_2483529C3ED7F81F01FA07B2AA2484F9" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NRGEnergyCenterMinneapolisLLCMember_30077CAC8B7B2716ED5707B2AA2418EF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_MarshLandingMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_MarshLandingMember_0DC4D68C339589ABD6CC07B2AA24F38B" 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_2483529C3ED7F81F01FA07B2AA2484F9" xlink:to="loc_nrg_MarshLandingMember_0DC4D68C339589ABD6CC07B2AA24F38B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_ElSegundoMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_ElSegundoMember_AA721C127F67D9FB731707B2AA24E88B" 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_2483529C3ED7F81F01FA07B2AA2484F9" xlink:to="loc_nrg_ElSegundoMember_AA721C127F67D9FB731707B2AA24E88B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_GenConnEnergyLlcMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_GenConnEnergyLlcMember_7BCD07DF70A4997DC88A07B2AA243D2D" 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_2483529C3ED7F81F01FA07B2AA2484F9" xlink:to="loc_nrg_GenConnEnergyLlcMember_7BCD07DF70A4997DC88A07B2AA243D2D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_CvsrMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_CvsrMember_63D7426D9BEA5DF59DF107B2AA24C119" 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_2483529C3ED7F81F01FA07B2AA2484F9" xlink:to="loc_nrg_CvsrMember_63D7426D9BEA5DF59DF107B2AA24C119" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_November2015DropDownAssetsMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_November2015DropDownAssetsMember_E131CE1C8FB8D0F1EF2707B2AA2438CB" 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_2483529C3ED7F81F01FA07B2AA2484F9" xlink:to="loc_nrg_November2015DropDownAssetsMember_E131CE1C8FB8D0F1EF2707B2AA2438CB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_ElbowCreekMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_ElbowCreekMember_0DC2A93CDC3F108CA94E07B2AA241E6A" 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_2483529C3ED7F81F01FA07B2AA2484F9" xlink:to="loc_nrg_ElbowCreekMember_0DC2A93CDC3F108CA94E07B2AA241E6A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_9D0D5CE64AF7EA15E9C707B2AA245605" 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_C7F3195B59438A09C99107B2AA1C135C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_9D0D5CE64AF7EA15E9C707B2AA245605" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_C5BF7D8656E9FF07FCA507B2AA2468EC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_9D0D5CE64AF7EA15E9C707B2AA245605" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_C5BF7D8656E9FF07FCA507B2AA2468EC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_GenOnEnergyServicesLLCMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_GenOnEnergyServicesLLCMember_A4319C800BC6FA32948207B2AA24EB0E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_C5BF7D8656E9FF07FCA507B2AA2468EC" xlink:to="loc_nrg_GenOnEnergyServicesLLCMember_A4319C800BC6FA32948207B2AA24EB0E" 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_RelatedPartyDomain_C5BF7D8656E9FF07FCA507B2AA2468EC" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NRGElSegundoOperationsInc.Member_718193934FBB5EC6FE8207B2AA1EC87F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_NrgMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NrgMember_D722EC64FA914B0F6E3007B2AA2585FE" 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_C5BF7D8656E9FF07FCA507B2AA2468EC" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NrgMember_D722EC64FA914B0F6E3007B2AA2585FE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_NRGRepoweringHoldingsLLCMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NRGRepoweringHoldingsLLCMember_9E5A4D993CC010F2E36807B2AA25189B" 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_C5BF7D8656E9FF07FCA507B2AA2468EC" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NRGRepoweringHoldingsLLCMember_9E5A4D993CC010F2E36807B2AA25189B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_NRGEnergyServicesLLCMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NRGEnergyServicesLLCMember_2DCFE9843E1549819C8607B2AA2592A4" 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_RelatedPartyDomain_C5BF7D8656E9FF07FCA507B2AA2468EC" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NRGEnergyServicesLLCMember_2DCFE9843E1549819C8607B2AA2592A4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_2D4F1C321EBBBF8D84F207B2AA2546BC" 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_C7F3195B59438A09C99107B2AA1C135C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_2D4F1C321EBBBF8D84F207B2AA2546BC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_2F8524E7295EEED11FCE07B2AA25D624" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_2D4F1C321EBBBF8D84F207B2AA2546BC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_2F8524E7295EEED11FCE07B2AA25D624" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioPlanMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioPlanMember_8588ADAC4727BAACF76007B2AA2531FB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_2F8524E7295EEED11FCE07B2AA25D624" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioPlanMember_8588ADAC4727BAACF76007B2AA2531FB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_5134DA78E710F1CC3E2B07B2AA25A0CD" 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_C7F3195B59438A09C99107B2AA1C135C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_5134DA78E710F1CC3E2B07B2AA25A0CD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ServiceManagementCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ServiceManagementCosts_C352E55849E60ACF3EE907B2AA25205C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_5134DA78E710F1CC3E2B07B2AA25A0CD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ServiceManagementCosts_C352E55849E60ACF3EE907B2AA25205C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_ServiceManagementCostsFeeIncrease" xlink:label="loc_nrg_ServiceManagementCostsFeeIncrease_14D0F5D5ADF3D122BF4407B2AA25D30D" 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_5134DA78E710F1CC3E2B07B2AA25A0CD" xlink:to="loc_nrg_ServiceManagementCostsFeeIncrease_14D0F5D5ADF3D122BF4407B2AA25D30D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_AAC861022947E00B6DE707B2AA2ACF66" 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_5134DA78E710F1CC3E2B07B2AA25A0CD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_AAC861022947E00B6DE707B2AA2ACF66" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionExpensesFromTransactionsWithRelatedParty" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionExpensesFromTransactionsWithRelatedParty_64A976173895D55A5E8807B2AA2A914D" 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_5134DA78E710F1CC3E2B07B2AA25A0CD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionExpensesFromTransactionsWithRelatedParty_64A976173895D55A5E8807B2AA2A914D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DueToAffiliateCurrentAndNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DueToAffiliateCurrentAndNoncurrent_8909DA5319BF16B36F8807B2AA2AEFC6" 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_5134DA78E710F1CC3E2B07B2AA25A0CD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DueToAffiliateCurrentAndNoncurrent_8909DA5319BF16B36F8807B2AA2AEFC6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionOtherRevenuesFromTransactionsWithRelatedParty" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionOtherRevenuesFromTransactionsWithRelatedParty_71668E92FBE5B2C745F407B2AA2A2CF2" 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_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_5134DA78E710F1CC3E2B07B2AA25A0CD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionOtherRevenuesFromTransactionsWithRelatedParty_71668E92FBE5B2C745F407B2AA2A2CF2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties_EE1FDEFDB45881F71CB007B2AA2B3667" 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_5134DA78E710F1CC3E2B07B2AA25A0CD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties_EE1FDEFDB45881F71CB007B2AA2B3667" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepaymentsOfRelatedPartyDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfRelatedPartyDebt_EEDB7E4CC26E4DCECAFF07B2AA2BEAAA" 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_5134DA78E710F1CC3E2B07B2AA25A0CD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfRelatedPartyDebt_EEDB7E4CC26E4DCECAFF07B2AA2BEAAA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostOfNaturalGasPurchases" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CostOfNaturalGasPurchases_7D206DFD36BD683184B807B2AA2B317D" 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_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_5134DA78E710F1CC3E2B07B2AA25A0CD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CostOfNaturalGasPurchases_7D206DFD36BD683184B807B2AA2B317D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DueToAffiliateCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DueToAffiliateCurrent_042C125C83F8F4E1168907B2AA2B2DFD" 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_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_5134DA78E710F1CC3E2B07B2AA25A0CD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DueToAffiliateCurrent_042C125C83F8F4E1168907B2AA2B2DFD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DueToAffiliateNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DueToAffiliateNoncurrent_AB5D0B73745D5CA75A4607B2AA2BD435" 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_5134DA78E710F1CC3E2B07B2AA25A0CD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DueToAffiliateNoncurrent_AB5D0B73745D5CA75A4607B2AA2BD435" 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/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract_D2216ADF0C12DAB65A2000163786C7E4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingDisclosureTextBlock_B86EB5F3AC67F296DAB600163786FA54" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_D2216ADF0C12DAB65A2000163786C7E4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingDisclosureTextBlock_B86EB5F3AC67F296DAB600163786FA54" 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/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract_625B2AFF979DE278D29226297F8C32C3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_EDF2F7404019C8DE24B326297F8D4EBD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_625B2AFF979DE278D29226297F8C32C3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_EDF2F7404019C8DE24B326297F8D4EBD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_F996B4350411FEB3986C26297F8DDF54" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_EDF2F7404019C8DE24B326297F8D4EBD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_F996B4350411FEB3986C26297F8DDF54" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_C895D54567D389980A9B26297F8DE484" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_F996B4350411FEB3986C26297F8DDF54" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_C895D54567D389980A9B26297F8DE484" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_ConventionalGenerationMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_ConventionalGenerationMember_A115657B86828664710426297F8D9DF5" 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_SegmentDomain_C895D54567D389980A9B26297F8DE484" xlink:to="loc_nrg_ConventionalGenerationMember_A115657B86828664710426297F8D9DF5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_RenewablesMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_RenewablesMember_C55135D96AC37BB1C31D26297F8DA7BA" 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_C895D54567D389980A9B26297F8DE484" xlink:to="loc_nrg_RenewablesMember_C55135D96AC37BB1C31D26297F8DA7BA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_ThermalMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_ThermalMember_F1377DE915D049790EBB26297F8D2126" 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_C895D54567D389980A9B26297F8DE484" xlink:to="loc_nrg_ThermalMember_F1377DE915D049790EBB26297F8D2126" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CorporateMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CorporateMember_9A5A96297421ACDA181726297F8D2A23" 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_C895D54567D389980A9B26297F8DE484" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CorporateMember_9A5A96297421ACDA181726297F8D2A23" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_E58A4681AD8FE3DB794126297F8D0C3D" 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_EDF2F7404019C8DE24B326297F8D4EBD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_E58A4681AD8FE3DB794126297F8D0C3D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Revenues" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_750688DBA6D4E5D7DA6426297F8D4AA0" 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_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_E58A4681AD8FE3DB794126297F8D0C3D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_750688DBA6D4E5D7DA6426297F8D4AA0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingExpenses" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpenses_E711E76F695188FA204826297F8DFB34" 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_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_E58A4681AD8FE3DB794126297F8D0C3D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpenses_E711E76F695188FA204826297F8DFB34" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_984D575A0A400527E8E126297F8DFEF1" 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_E58A4681AD8FE3DB794126297F8D0C3D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_984D575A0A400527E8E126297F8DFEF1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_430822978EDDF4BC9ACD26297F8D526E" 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_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_E58A4681AD8FE3DB794126297F8D0C3D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_430822978EDDF4BC9ACD26297F8D526E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts_5C1E44F739091AB91BAB26297F8E60AE" 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_E58A4681AD8FE3DB794126297F8D0C3D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts_5C1E44F739091AB91BAB26297F8E60AE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_E0222CC78FA97439177226297F8ECA99" 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_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_E58A4681AD8FE3DB794126297F8D0C3D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_E0222CC78FA97439177226297F8ECA99" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_CCFF35A63E02FFFD80CE26297F8EC7D2" 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_E58A4681AD8FE3DB794126297F8D0C3D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_CCFF35A63E02FFFD80CE26297F8EC7D2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense_83EB9259A0D65896D8DE26297F8E2E00" 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_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_E58A4681AD8FE3DB794126297F8D0C3D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense_83EB9259A0D65896D8DE26297F8E2E00" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt_CCCB7216EC7786AD366D26297F8EAE4A" 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_E58A4681AD8FE3DB794126297F8D0C3D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt_CCCB7216EC7786AD366D26297F8EAE4A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpense_160DDF15500FF2476DD426297F8E892F" 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_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_E58A4681AD8FE3DB794126297F8D0C3D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpense_160DDF15500FF2476DD426297F8E892F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest_9D34377D6E611DAFD0BD26297F8EE2E9" 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_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_E58A4681AD8FE3DB794126297F8D0C3D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest_9D34377D6E611DAFD0BD26297F8EE2E9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_935436F832ADD01C9B7C26297F8ED7C2" 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_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_E58A4681AD8FE3DB794126297F8D0C3D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_935436F832ADD01C9B7C26297F8ED7C2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProfitLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_0F43621756B9A37DC5A926297F8EF50F" 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_E58A4681AD8FE3DB794126297F8D0C3D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_0F43621756B9A37DC5A926297F8EF50F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Assets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Assets_2F1CBB6F471222CD462826297F8EBED0" 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_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_E58A4681AD8FE3DB794126297F8D0C3D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Assets_2F1CBB6F471222CD462826297F8EBED0" 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/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract_7AE777A425D839E1E49700163843E734" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingPolicyPolicyTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingPolicyPolicyTextBlock_116A1AFD76DE548948F800163843CA90" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_7AE777A425D839E1E49700163843E734" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingPolicyPolicyTextBlock_116A1AFD76DE548948F800163843CA90" 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/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract_CF5993D82BA3B3C9E4A600163805044F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTextBlock_48E26CDDBBC12BAF7DBF001638050725" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_CF5993D82BA3B3C9E4A600163805044F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTextBlock_48E26CDDBBC12BAF7DBF001638050725" 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/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_ACF90707F328160E576A001638344B56" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTextBlock_326C47C0954FA99D61F1001638345979" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_ACF90707F328160E576A001638344B56" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTextBlock_326C47C0954FA99D61F1001638345979" 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/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_3580471262E0F2CE87FE25D81D71FB75" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" xlink:label="loc_nrg_SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesTable_8F52D6DE5A9FA4FE393525D81D76D288" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_3580471262E0F2CE87FE25D81D71FB75" xlink:to="loc_nrg_SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesTable_8F52D6DE5A9FA4FE393525D81D76D288" 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_31A826206683521AD69D25D81D77E53D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link: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_8F52D6DE5A9FA4FE393525D81D76D288" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_31A826206683521AD69D25D81D77E53D" 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_05CB65CB8BDE1D87C83D25D81D77E506" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link: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_31A826206683521AD69D25D81D77E53D" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_05CB65CB8BDE1D87C83D25D81D77E506" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_DropDownAssetsMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_DropDownAssetsMember_5F67A54D110936F7AA4D25D81D77F28C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link: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_05CB65CB8BDE1D87C83D25D81D77E506" xlink:to="loc_nrg_DropDownAssetsMember_5F67A54D110936F7AA4D25D81D77F28C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_CvsrMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_CvsrMember_B7C196471BDEF31034CC25D81D7812CD" 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_05CB65CB8BDE1D87C83D25D81D77E506" xlink:to="loc_nrg_CvsrMember_B7C196471BDEF31034CC25D81D7812CD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_November2015DropDownAssetsMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_November2015DropDownAssetsMember_E670A06268B7D277E72D25D81D781A00" 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_05CB65CB8BDE1D87C83D25D81D77E506" xlink:to="loc_nrg_November2015DropDownAssetsMember_E670A06268B7D277E72D25D81D781A00" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_0C2240ADBF0B5BC14C7525D81D78DB9B" 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_8F52D6DE5A9FA4FE393525D81D76D288" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_0C2240ADBF0B5BC14C7525D81D78DB9B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_FC9F73D608A0F3EDB7F425D81D785B65" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_0C2240ADBF0B5BC14C7525D81D78DB9B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_FC9F73D608A0F3EDB7F425D81D785B65" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassBMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassBMember_416378E47D7C17CEF19725D81D7809D1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_FC9F73D608A0F3EDB7F425D81D785B65" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassBMember_416378E47D7C17CEF19725D81D7809D1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_CommonClassDMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_CommonClassDMember_7912800E095EEDE5217325D81D782A82" 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_FC9F73D608A0F3EDB7F425D81D785B65" xlink:to="loc_nrg_CommonClassDMember_7912800E095EEDE5217325D81D782A82" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherOwnershipInterestsByNameAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherOwnershipInterestsByNameAxis_AB0651DF8F3E7EC6455225D81D783376" 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_8F52D6DE5A9FA4FE393525D81D76D288" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherOwnershipInterestsByNameAxis_AB0651DF8F3E7EC6455225D81D783376" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherOwnershipInterestsNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherOwnershipInterestsNameDomain_612E955715DA8B1A5D8125D81D785F1B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_AB0651DF8F3E7EC6455225D81D783376" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherOwnershipInterestsNameDomain_612E955715DA8B1A5D8125D81D785F1B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_FinancialInstitutionsMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_FinancialInstitutionsMember_708CF9B1AAED202D5AAA25D81D78E5FC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_612E955715DA8B1A5D8125D81D785F1B" xlink:to="loc_nrg_FinancialInstitutionsMember_708CF9B1AAED202D5AAA25D81D78E5FC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_78396E99C8A9F83A60E825D81D785CFB" 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_8F52D6DE5A9FA4FE393525D81D76D288" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_78396E99C8A9F83A60E825D81D785CFB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_941F8EE2367C4AA011ED25D81D78A224" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_78396E99C8A9F83A60E825D81D785CFB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_941F8EE2367C4AA011ED25D81D78A224" 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_941F8EE2367C4AA011ED25D81D78A224" xlink:to="loc_nrg_November2015DropDownAssetsMember_E670A06268B7D277E72D25D81D781A00" 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_941F8EE2367C4AA011ED25D81D78A224" xlink:to="loc_nrg_CvsrMember_B7C196471BDEF31034CC25D81D7812CD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:label="loc_nrg_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_EEA3F093DF4D362009D525D81D79BA7E" 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_8F52D6DE5A9FA4FE393525D81D76D288" xlink:to="loc_nrg_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_EEA3F093DF4D362009D525D81D79BA7E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment_6398398D9E8D6885C8BB25D8E233AEE8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link: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_EEA3F093DF4D362009D525D81D79BA7E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment_6398398D9E8D6885C8BB25D8E233AEE8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization_135072198FC2BDC23D7825D899B05A3D" 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_EEA3F093DF4D362009D525D81D79BA7E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization_135072198FC2BDC23D7825D899B05A3D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinorityInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinorityInterest_D87EC4FA0F3DD966075425D81D79329D" 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_nrg_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_EEA3F093DF4D362009D525D81D79BA7E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinorityInterest_D87EC4FA0F3DD966075425D81D79329D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromMinorityShareholders" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromMinorityShareholders_152A89BA071CE1FE64A425D81D798EE7" 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_nrg_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_EEA3F093DF4D362009D525D81D79BA7E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromMinorityShareholders_152A89BA071CE1FE64A425D81D798EE7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_BusinessAcquisitionConsiderationTransferredWorkingCapital" xlink:label="loc_nrg_BusinessAcquisitionConsiderationTransferredWorkingCapital_1F6B43C7721DAFAF96AA25D81D7B2B3A" 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_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_EEA3F093DF4D362009D525D81D79BA7E" xlink:to="loc_nrg_BusinessAcquisitionConsiderationTransferredWorkingCapital_1F6B43C7721DAFAF96AA25D81D7B2B3A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross_A00979432860F9D494A525D81D7BEF16" 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_nrg_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_EEA3F093DF4D362009D525D81D79BA7E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross_A00979432860F9D494A525D81D7BEF16" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_LessPreacquisitionnetincomeofAcquiredROFOassets" xlink:label="loc_nrg_LessPreacquisitionnetincomeofAcquiredROFOassets_E003FC39E26F877443C025D81D8B6378" 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_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_EEA3F093DF4D362009D525D81D79BA7E" xlink:to="loc_nrg_LessPreacquisitionnetincomeofAcquiredROFOassets_E003FC39E26F877443C025D81D8B6378" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_9E96C805E63A776FF9B425D81D8B6DF3" 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_nrg_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_EEA3F093DF4D362009D525D81D79BA7E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_9E96C805E63A776FF9B425D81D8B6DF3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromDistributionsToNoncontrollingInterestHolders" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromDistributionsToNoncontrollingInterestHolders_7DA56C4333A30B3A6E3A25D81D8BF9E8" 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_nrg_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_EEA3F093DF4D362009D525D81D79BA7E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromDistributionsToNoncontrollingInterestHolders_7DA56C4333A30B3A6E3A25D81D8BF9E8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DistributionMadeToLimitedLiabilityCompanyLLCMemberDistributionsPaidPerUnit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DistributionMadeToLimitedLiabilityCompanyLLCMemberDistributionsPaidPerUnit_474376FE2DED65FC435225D81D8B279B" 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_EEA3F093DF4D362009D525D81D79BA7E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DistributionMadeToLimitedLiabilityCompanyLLCMemberDistributionsPaidPerUnit_474376FE2DED65FC435225D81D8B279B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsOfCapitalDistribution" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfCapitalDistribution_15786EE3705CB57073DC25D81D8B0E44" 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_nrg_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_EEA3F093DF4D362009D525D81D79BA7E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfCapitalDistribution_15786EE3705CB57073DC25D81D8B0E44" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DividendsPayableDateDeclaredDayMonthAndYear" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DividendsPayableDateDeclaredDayMonthAndYear_48A39672CCB993C24DB925F9A7372330" 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_EEA3F093DF4D362009D525D81D79BA7E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DividendsPayableDateDeclaredDayMonthAndYear_48A39672CCB993C24DB925F9A7372330" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareDeclared" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareDeclared_625ADAFA5D2E841F7A7925F9A7D9D03C" 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_EEA3F093DF4D362009D525D81D79BA7E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareDeclared_625ADAFA5D2E841F7A7925F9A7D9D03C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DividendPayableDateToBePaidDayMonthAndYear" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DividendPayableDateToBePaidDayMonthAndYear_5DF321021A26AB5F07AD25F9A878244D" 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_nrg_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_EEA3F093DF4D362009D525D81D79BA7E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DividendPayableDateToBePaidDayMonthAndYear_5DF321021A26AB5F07AD25F9A878244D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DividendsPayableDateOfRecordDayMonthAndYear" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DividendsPayableDateOfRecordDayMonthAndYear_4354B8B8B6652E3F5BDF25F9A9257B84" 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_nrg_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_EEA3F093DF4D362009D525D81D79BA7E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DividendsPayableDateOfRecordDayMonthAndYear_4354B8B8B6652E3F5BDF25F9A9257B84" 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/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_4889091B05826F847B26001637A7F193" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UseOfEstimates" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UseOfEstimates_8F3A8BC66AD83C3E160B001637A7892E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_4889091B05826F847B26001637A7F193" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UseOfEstimates_8F3A8BC66AD83C3E160B001637A7892E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinorityInterestDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinorityInterestDisclosureTextBlock_3FEDA5D9BFEE82EEF393001637A705D2" 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_4889091B05826F847B26001637A7F193" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinorityInterestDisclosureTextBlock_3FEDA5D9BFEE82EEF393001637A705D2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_DistributionsPolicyTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_nrg_DistributionsPolicyTextBlock_0F5CFDE45F3D5D3182F3001637A73E61" 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_4889091B05826F847B26001637A7F193" xlink:to="loc_nrg_DistributionsPolicyTextBlock_0F5CFDE45F3D5D3182F3001637A73E61" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsPolicyPolicyTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsPolicyPolicyTextBlock_C6300C954DE20F0DD2FF001637A71795" 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_4889091B05826F847B26001637A7F193" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsPolicyPolicyTextBlock_C6300C954DE20F0DD2FF001637A71795" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_FC6E622401BA7E791D0425D8207B78C5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_ScheduleofAccumulatedDepreciationandAmortizationTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_nrg_ScheduleofAccumulatedDepreciationandAmortizationTableTextBlock_BE13340FB1BC78D6E840260A5E266957" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_FC6E622401BA7E791D0425D8207B78C5" xlink:to="loc_nrg_ScheduleofAccumulatedDepreciationandAmortizationTableTextBlock_BE13340FB1BC78D6E840260A5E266957" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_ScheduleOfChangeInNoncontrollingInterestTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_nrg_ScheduleOfChangeInNoncontrollingInterestTableTextBlock_801EAFFA0DB80157AF2E25D8207B1777" 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_FC6E622401BA7E791D0425D8207B78C5" xlink:to="loc_nrg_ScheduleOfChangeInNoncontrollingInterestTableTextBlock_801EAFFA0DB80157AF2E25D8207B1777" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DistributionsMadeToLimitedLiabilityCompanyLlcMemberByDistributionTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DistributionsMadeToLimitedLiabilityCompanyLlcMemberByDistributionTableTextBlock_1F2ABA2F95A306C2054825D8207B00E7" 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_FC6E622401BA7E791D0425D8207B78C5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DistributionsMadeToLimitedLiabilityCompanyLlcMemberByDistributionTableTextBlock_1F2ABA2F95A306C2054825D8207B00E7" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/VariableInterestEntities" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentsAndJointVenturesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentsAndJointVenturesAbstract_322D7ACDD1AD16B265520016383448F4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentsDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentsDisclosureTextBlock_1F01834E99001553065C0016383498ED" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_322D7ACDD1AD16B265520016383448F4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentsDisclosureTextBlock_1F01834E99001553065C0016383498ED" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/VariableInterestEntitiesTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentsAndJointVenturesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentsAndJointVenturesAbstract_2E7DC2047B254B507E6800163767CF30" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_E2E2A9EA7191F8229057001637675422" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_2E7DC2047B254B507E6800163767CF30" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_E2E2A9EA7191F8229057001637675422" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_8FE8B93C36B55C081411001637673851" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_E2E2A9EA7191F8229057001637675422" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_8FE8B93C36B55C081411001637673851" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_26AA0F2D877BF6DFC0FD001637672B2D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_8FE8B93C36B55C081411001637673851" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_26AA0F2D877BF6DFC0FD001637672B2D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_GceHoldingLlcMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_GceHoldingLlcMember_B0CF4FE0B7DCF85BEB91001637673167" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_26AA0F2D877BF6DFC0FD001637672B2D" xlink:to="loc_nrg_GceHoldingLlcMember_B0CF4FE0B7DCF85BEB91001637673167" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_D5336FA61908E1BCD50D00163767B0DB" 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_E2E2A9EA7191F8229057001637675422" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_D5336FA61908E1BCD50D00163767B0DB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTextBlock_34FF9D3ED83E1A9E42D800163767D07D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_D5336FA61908E1BCD50D00163767B0DB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTextBlock_34FF9D3ED83E1A9E42D800163767D07D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentsTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentsTextBlock_4F3879140F81ED3D442E001637677676" 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_D5336FA61908E1BCD50D00163767B0DB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentsTextBlock_4F3879140F81ED3D442E001637677676" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/VariableInterestEntitiesVariableInterestEntitiesConsolidatedEntitiesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentsAndJointVenturesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentsAndJointVenturesAbstract_37EB712347AC295A1F0D2075563E6CE2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_CF3562BEF1EF8801B4912075563E69BB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_37EB712347AC295A1F0D2075563E6CE2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_CF3562BEF1EF8801B4912075563E69BB" 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_75D6371E3BF6214553932075563E3A31" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_CF3562BEF1EF8801B4912075563E69BB" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_75D6371E3BF6214553932075563E3A31" 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_503629AB2978B0F6FA532075563EE6AB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link: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_75D6371E3BF6214553932075563E3A31" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_503629AB2978B0F6FA532075563EE6AB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_November2015DropDownAssetsMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_November2015DropDownAssetsMember_AC131AD381126801202B2075563EF98D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link: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_503629AB2978B0F6FA532075563EE6AB" xlink:to="loc_nrg_November2015DropDownAssetsMember_AC131AD381126801202B2075563EF98D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_AltaXandXITEHoldcoMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_AltaXandXITEHoldcoMember_5A4E661F79E6E194E77A2075563E6185" 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_503629AB2978B0F6FA532075563EE6AB" xlink:to="loc_nrg_AltaXandXITEHoldcoMember_5A4E661F79E6E194E77A2075563E6185" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_SpringCanyonMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_SpringCanyonMember_D961C75D150F6178659F2075563ED58D" 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_503629AB2978B0F6FA532075563EE6AB" xlink:to="loc_nrg_SpringCanyonMember_D961C75D150F6178659F2075563ED58D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_7BF7A4C75EB5E7CAC58A2075563E5496" 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_CF3562BEF1EF8801B4912075563E69BB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_7BF7A4C75EB5E7CAC58A2075563E5496" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssets_CC6AB9BCE411F04E899B2075563E6B6A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_7BF7A4C75EB5E7CAC58A2075563E5496" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssets_CC6AB9BCE411F04E899B2075563E6B6A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_9A010ABBAFF3B653B1642075563E094A" 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_7BF7A4C75EB5E7CAC58A2075563E5496" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_9A010ABBAFF3B653B1642075563E094A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill_E4A9E690D439887405272075563EDC27" 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_7BF7A4C75EB5E7CAC58A2075563E5496" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill_E4A9E690D439887405272075563EDC27" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Assets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Assets_A0E47328AA03CFD7B0B92075563FB11A" 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_7BF7A4C75EB5E7CAC58A2075563E5496" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Assets_A0E47328AA03CFD7B0B92075563FB11A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Liabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Liabilities_88B8E1A3801AAC1226632075563F89E7" 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_7BF7A4C75EB5E7CAC58A2075563E5496" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Liabilities_88B8E1A3801AAC1226632075563F89E7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestInVariableInterestEntity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestInVariableInterestEntity_D91432F7397FE8FCD4C32075563F7925" 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_7BF7A4C75EB5E7CAC58A2075563E5496" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestInVariableInterestEntity_D91432F7397FE8FCD4C32075563F7925" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsNet_7D8DB9C4185FEBC3E1322075563F5417" 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_7BF7A4C75EB5E7CAC58A2075563E5496" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsNet_7D8DB9C4185FEBC3E1322075563F5417" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/VariableInterestEntitiesVariableInterestEntitiesDgpvDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentsAndJointVenturesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentsAndJointVenturesAbstract_F6347CC583BCB4E07652207556381BA9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_A0CA02330CF7B7BCED09207556382EBF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_F6347CC583BCB4E07652207556381BA9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_A0CA02330CF7B7BCED09207556382EBF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_73F7C75CA7783ADB757F207556389ED5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_A0CA02330CF7B7BCED09207556382EBF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_73F7C75CA7783ADB757F207556389ED5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_E77943340C70ED281E3A20755639A9B8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_73F7C75CA7783ADB757F207556389ED5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_E77943340C70ED281E3A20755639A9B8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_205E60EBBF63034ADB58207556390B80" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_E77943340C70ED281E3A20755639A9B8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_205E60EBBF63034ADB58207556390B80" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis_5B92F1AAFD66B8EF65762075563903A1" 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_A0CA02330CF7B7BCED09207556382EBF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis_5B92F1AAFD66B8EF65762075563903A1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_7F8C504F804B43EF5CCC20755639562C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_5B92F1AAFD66B8EF65762075563903A1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_7F8C504F804B43EF5CCC20755639562C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_TaxEquityFinancedPortfolioofLeasesCommercialPVMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_TaxEquityFinancedPortfolioofLeasesCommercialPVMember_0991320683C7F927FA3020755639EF7E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_7F8C504F804B43EF5CCC20755639562C" xlink:to="loc_nrg_TaxEquityFinancedPortfolioofLeasesCommercialPVMember_0991320683C7F927FA3020755639EF7E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_TaxEquityFinancedPortfolioofLeasesCommunitySolarMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_TaxEquityFinancedPortfolioofLeasesCommunitySolarMember_E3B38BECB6B560D4996D207556393DE0" 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_7F8C504F804B43EF5CCC20755639562C" xlink:to="loc_nrg_TaxEquityFinancedPortfolioofLeasesCommunitySolarMember_E3B38BECB6B560D4996D207556393DE0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_TaxEquityFinancedPortfolioofLeasesMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_TaxEquityFinancedPortfolioofLeasesMember_CD4FFDAAD249D9E1F2D020755639CFDD" 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_7F8C504F804B43EF5CCC20755639562C" xlink:to="loc_nrg_TaxEquityFinancedPortfolioofLeasesMember_CD4FFDAAD249D9E1F2D020755639CFDD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_B606814190AC96760DCD2075563917D6" 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_A0CA02330CF7B7BCED09207556382EBF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_B606814190AC96760DCD2075563917D6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_6419C9FC42D3CF5A7CB3207556396AD5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_B606814190AC96760DCD2075563917D6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_6419C9FC42D3CF5A7CB3207556396AD5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_NRGDGPVHoldcoMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NRGDGPVHoldcoMember_10F1945B561E0D1D0A12207556398FA2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_6419C9FC42D3CF5A7CB3207556396AD5" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NRGDGPVHoldcoMember_10F1945B561E0D1D0A12207556398FA2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_NRGDGPVFund1Member" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NRGDGPVFund1Member_A7F6E5C58D0B79B69FEC2075563991DD" 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_6419C9FC42D3CF5A7CB3207556396AD5" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NRGDGPVFund1Member_A7F6E5C58D0B79B69FEC2075563991DD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_NRGDGPVFund2Member" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NRGDGPVFund2Member_93C17432A671CE63F193207556390ADE" 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_6419C9FC42D3CF5A7CB3207556396AD5" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NRGDGPVFund2Member_93C17432A671CE63F193207556390ADE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_E7E0FCE6ABF760EF5340207556397F5C" 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_A0CA02330CF7B7BCED09207556382EBF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_E7E0FCE6ABF760EF5340207556397F5C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_NumberofSolarLeasesinPortfolio" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NumberofSolarLeasesinPortfolio_E1094F6BAFA08BA6426820755639ABB2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_E7E0FCE6ABF760EF5340207556397F5C" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NumberofSolarLeasesinPortfolio_E1094F6BAFA08BA6426820755639ABB2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_PowerGenerationCapacityMegawatts" xlink:label="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationCapacityMegawatts_9018F08C47ACD42463282075563ACC34" 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_E7E0FCE6ABF760EF5340207556397F5C" xlink:to="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationCapacityMegawatts_9018F08C47ACD42463282075563ACC34" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_RemainingLeaseTerm" xlink:label="loc_nrg_RemainingLeaseTerm_98201733BF51FA3734AF2075563AADFF" 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_E7E0FCE6ABF760EF5340207556397F5C" xlink:to="loc_nrg_RemainingLeaseTerm_98201733BF51FA3734AF2075563AADFF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments_6B1FF7B0FB38AA909F91207556390B52" 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_E7E0FCE6ABF760EF5340207556397F5C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments_6B1FF7B0FB38AA909F91207556390B52" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/VariableInterestEntitiesVariableInterestEntitiesGenconnDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentsAndJointVenturesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentsAndJointVenturesAbstract_5AF43587C49D540CA8F22075562A79A7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_B9EA85DEEA7B692C5F802075562ADAB4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_5AF43587C49D540CA8F22075562A79A7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_B9EA85DEEA7B692C5F802075562ADAB4" 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_DEB7DA4C28C3EA010F252075562AB271" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_B9EA85DEEA7B692C5F802075562ADAB4" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_DEB7DA4C28C3EA010F252075562AB271" 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_DA3ED8CFF4A25B0774262075562A7B1A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link: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_DEB7DA4C28C3EA010F252075562AB271" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_DA3ED8CFF4A25B0774262075562A7B1A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_GenConnEnergyLlcMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_GenConnEnergyLlcMember_59EC9CF84B3700E8BE4F2075562A35C0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link: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_DA3ED8CFF4A25B0774262075562A7B1A" xlink:to="loc_nrg_GenConnEnergyLlcMember_59EC9CF84B3700E8BE4F2075562A35C0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_907E46696AA2B5125C6B2075562BAA62" 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_B9EA85DEEA7B692C5F802075562ADAB4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_907E46696AA2B5125C6B2075562BAA62" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_BA419364A3A8535DE7BC2075562BFB29" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_907E46696AA2B5125C6B2075562BAA62" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_BA419364A3A8535DE7BC2075562BFB29" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_GceHoldingLlcMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_GceHoldingLlcMember_0B0DA9C9E32E461506F12075562BCB55" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_BA419364A3A8535DE7BC2075562BFB29" xlink:to="loc_nrg_GceHoldingLlcMember_0B0DA9C9E32E461506F12075562BCB55" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_E899DD5047163269EFEB2075562B613A" 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_B9EA85DEEA7B692C5F802075562ADAB4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_E899DD5047163269EFEB2075562B613A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage_4FD389D7DBB0150789622075562B2991" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_E899DD5047163269EFEB2075562B613A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage_4FD389D7DBB0150789622075562B2991" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_PowerGenerationUnitsNumber" xlink:label="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationUnitsNumber_DDD4C6CD16AAFB3C41C52075562B35DC" 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_E899DD5047163269EFEB2075562B613A" xlink:to="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationUnitsNumber_DDD4C6CD16AAFB3C41C52075562B35DC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_PowerGenerationCapacityMegawatts" xlink:label="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationCapacityMegawatts_BA68F49F5A07324D74F62075562B2D3C" 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_E899DD5047163269EFEB2075562B613A" xlink:to="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationCapacityMegawatts_BA68F49F5A07324D74F62075562B2D3C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments_E561BD2A2008C721FCE62075562BF656" 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_E899DD5047163269EFEB2075562B613A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments_E561BD2A2008C721FCE62075562BF656" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Revenues" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_FA0B99943958B69240CD2075562B7C96" 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_E899DD5047163269EFEB2075562B613A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_FA0B99943958B69240CD2075562B7C96" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_4DE6CD22731C5F3E388D2075562B8EC9" 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_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_E899DD5047163269EFEB2075562B613A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_4DE6CD22731C5F3E388D2075562B8EC9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProfitLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_580D68614D491B49D9D92075562B8493" 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_E899DD5047163269EFEB2075562B613A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_580D68614D491B49D9D92075562B8493" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrent_C4C263579B1EE92F942D2075562BF754" 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_E899DD5047163269EFEB2075562B613A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrent_C4C263579B1EE92F942D2075562BF754" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrent_4EE5DE093937E4F90FB32075562C9A2F" 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_E899DD5047163269EFEB2075562B613A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrent_4EE5DE093937E4F90FB32075562C9A2F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_3B5CC3873FF8521170E82075562CD0C9" 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_E899DD5047163269EFEB2075562B613A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_3B5CC3873FF8521170E82075562CD0C9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrent_DA28CF2A29182EBFF37C2075562C84AB" 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_E899DD5047163269EFEB2075562B613A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrent_DA28CF2A29182EBFF37C2075562C84AB" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.nrgenergy.com/role/VariableInterestEntitiesVariableInterestEntitiesRpvDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentsAndJointVenturesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentsAndJointVenturesAbstract_2284DF1AB65A3F5C8BB70165B35F7AF2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_95276D0F423A9D707D900165B35FA29E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_2284DF1AB65A3F5C8BB70165B35F7AF2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_95276D0F423A9D707D900165B35FA29E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_90DBB39445C11E584B570165B35F52A6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_95276D0F423A9D707D900165B35FA29E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_90DBB39445C11E584B570165B35F52A6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_2F9FC60E9A261E18C3130165B35F4C77" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_90DBB39445C11E584B570165B35F52A6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_2F9FC60E9A261E18C3130165B35F4C77" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinimumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_7A301251287B4308C2120165B35FB306" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_2F9FC60E9A261E18C3130165B35F4C77" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_7A301251287B4308C2120165B35FB306" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_1E8273FFAB47F576DFD70165B35FE62C" 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_2F9FC60E9A261E18C3130165B35F4C77" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_1E8273FFAB47F576DFD70165B35FE62C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis_C154343ECA21DB093A1D0165B35F65FE" 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_95276D0F423A9D707D900165B35FA29E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis_C154343ECA21DB093A1D0165B35F65FE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_289DBC1401D96E5F1BB50165B35F5010" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_C154343ECA21DB093A1D0165B35F65FE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_289DBC1401D96E5F1BB50165B35F5010" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_ExistingPortfolioofLeasesMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_ExistingPortfolioofLeasesMember_9306FFBA6DF78F6DE3440165B35F03F3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_289DBC1401D96E5F1BB50165B35F5010" xlink:to="loc_nrg_ExistingPortfolioofLeasesMember_9306FFBA6DF78F6DE3440165B35F03F3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_TaxEquityFinancedPortfolioofLeasesMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_TaxEquityFinancedPortfolioofLeasesMember_0C47B3C12FA814D55E940165B35FE7F9" 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_289DBC1401D96E5F1BB50165B35F5010" xlink:to="loc_nrg_TaxEquityFinancedPortfolioofLeasesMember_0C47B3C12FA814D55E940165B35FE7F9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_F6BB22A043D25F43EF4B0165B35F0268" 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_95276D0F423A9D707D900165B35FA29E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_F6BB22A043D25F43EF4B0165B35F0268" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_1D72C103A44BCBE0F1AF0165B35F0DD0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_F6BB22A043D25F43EF4B0165B35F0268" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_1D72C103A44BCBE0F1AF0165B35F0DD0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_NRGRPVHoldcoMember" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NRGRPVHoldcoMember_66F52294197B560378A00165B360E3E9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_1D72C103A44BCBE0F1AF0165B35F0DD0" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NRGRPVHoldcoMember_66F52294197B560378A00165B360E3E9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_D8DE851DE693F575442C0165B36033F3" 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_95276D0F423A9D707D900165B35FA29E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_D8DE851DE693F575442C0165B36033F3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_NumberofSolarLeasesinPortfolio" xlink:label="loc_nrg_NumberofSolarLeasesinPortfolio_E396EED3E9E120A797500165B3609BE0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="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_D8DE851DE693F575442C0165B36033F3" xlink:to="loc_nrg_NumberofSolarLeasesinPortfolio_E396EED3E9E120A797500165B3609BE0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_PowerGenerationCapacityMegawatts" xlink:label="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationCapacityMegawatts_C75EBAFCDAC002882DA30165B3609D9A" 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_D8DE851DE693F575442C0165B36033F3" xlink:to="loc_nrg_PowerGenerationCapacityMegawatts_C75EBAFCDAC002882DA30165B3609D9A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_RemainingLeaseTerm" xlink:label="loc_nrg_RemainingLeaseTerm_75F54D180B8F898C1FC20165B36093DB" 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_D8DE851DE693F575442C0165B36033F3" xlink:to="loc_nrg_RemainingLeaseTerm_75F54D180B8F898C1FC20165B36093DB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments_B5DC26E73A91562602520165B3605135" 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_D8DE851DE693F575442C0165B36033F3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments_B5DC26E73A91562602520165B3605135" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="nrg-20160930.xsd#nrg_CapitalContributionsFromPartnersinEquityMethodInvestment" xlink:label="loc_nrg_CapitalContributionsFromPartnersinEquityMethodInvestment_F561896CBE0E223E9BFB0165B3605253" 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_D8DE851DE693F575442C0165B36033F3" xlink:to="loc_nrg_CapitalContributionsFromPartnersinEquityMethodInvestment_F561896CBE0E223E9BFB0165B3605253" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
</link:linkbase>