National Renewable Energy Laboratory: Wind Energy and Microgrids

Planners across the country are struggling with increasing pressure from wind- and solar-energy deployment and community opposition. Seeing varying scales of wind-energy generation up close and learning from experts about wind noise, light flicker, wildlife interactions, and materials research and recyclability will prepare planners to engage communities, overcome misinformation, and better plan for clean energy transitions that deliver community benefits.

This tour includes a single-axis tracking solar facility, where revegetation research demonstrated sustainable approaches for soil stabilization through native, deep-rooted plantings.

Prior knowledge of or experience with clean energy technology is not required. Rural planners with limited to no experience with solar or wind energy and who may experience development pressures in the near future may benefit most.

* NREL is a secure federal facility. All visitors must be pre-registered and provide a US government-issued ID to receive a visitor badge and enter the facility.