Projects
NREL's wind energy research and development projects focus on reducing the cost of wind technology and expanding access to wind energy sites. Our specialized technical expertise, comprehensive design and analysis tools, and unique testing facilities help industry overcome challenges to bringing new wind technology to the marketplace. Some of these success stories are described in NREL's Wind R&D Success Stories.
We also work closely with universities and other national laboratories supporting fundamental research in wind technologies, including aerodynamics, aeroacoustics, and material sciences essential in the development of new blade technologies and advanced controls, power electronics, and testing to further refine drivetrain topology.
We work with industry to:
- Reduce the cost of wind turbine technology
- Increase wind energy system reliability and operability
- Lower risk and validate performance and design
- Improve power transmission and grid integration issues
- Mitigate wind plant siting and environmental issues
- Expand wind energy markets.
Current research projects focus on:
- Offshore Wind Research
- Large Wind Turbine Research
- Midsize Wind Turbine Research
- Small Wind Turbine Research
- Gearbox Reliability
- Utility Grid Integration
- Environmental Impacts
- International Research Collaborations
- Information & Outreach
In the past, NWTC projects forwarded the progress of wind technology. A prime example is the Wind Partnerships for Advanced Component Technology (WindPACT).
