The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) National Wind Technology Center (NWTC) at NREL is at the forefront of energy innovation. For more than three decades, our researchers have spent countless hours building unparalleled expertise in renewable energy technologies while supporting the vision that wind and water can create clean, reliable, and cost-effective electricity. The NWTC strives to be an essential partner to companies, other DOE laboratories, government agencies, and universities around the world seeking to create a better, more sustainable future.

Just south of Boulder, Colorado, the NWTC is nestled at the base of the Rocky Mountain foothills. The 305-acre site experiences diverse and vigorous wind patterns—more than 100 miles per hour—making it an ideal setting for testing the reliability and performance of wind turbines. The NWTC comprises the necessary infrastructure, highly experienced staff, and state-of-the-art equipment needed to provide its partners and stakeholders with a full spectrum of research and development capabilities to develop everything at one location—from small residential wind turbines and components to utility-scale offshore wind and water power technologies.

With the NWTC, partners can:

• Test wind and water power components and systems to improve design and reduce risk.
• Utilize in-depth economic analyses to better understand economic drivers.
• Employ high-performance simulation tools to produce realistic models of wind and water power technologies in complex environments
• Analyze turbine connectivity with the utility grid to increase the amount of variable generation
• Collaborate with experts to develop innovative technologies and accelerate time to market.

Take an interactive tour of the NWTC.

NREL's R&D projects are funded in part by the U.S. Department of Energy's Wind Program.