Exhibit 23.1

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration statements Numbers 333-217595, 333-197882, 333-185501, 333-182379, 333-171318, 333-151992, 333-135973 and 333-114007 on Form S-8 of our reports dated February 24, 2022, with respect to the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule II of NRG Energy, Inc. and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

February 24, 2022