The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) will add a new GE Vernova 3.4-megawatt wind turbine to its Flatirons Campus in Arvada, set to become operational in 2026. This turbine will be larger than the existing 1.5-megawatt turbine owned by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and will enhance NREL’s research capabilities in sustainable energy.
Located near the gusty Eldorado Canyon, the Flatirons Campus will become home to the Sierra turbine, featuring sweeping blades that reach 10 meters above the ground. The turbine is expected to facilitate research that mirrors current turbine technology and wind farm operations.
According to Mike Derby, DOE’s wind technology program manager, “The turbine that NREL selected has some really nice features.” One significant feature is the turbine’s two-piece blades that allow researchers to swap out blade tips. “We can take the old tip off and put on something else we’d like to try,” Derby said. This adaptability will enable studies on different aerodynamics, acoustics and new materials without the need to replace entire blades.
The new turbine will also include two transformers with variable output voltage levels, enhancing flexibility for research applications. Jeroen van Dam, an NREL research engineer, explained that researchers can select the appropriate transformer output based on whether they wish to interact with on-site assets or conduct independent wind-only research.
In addition to its research capabilities, the new turbine will collaborate with GE Vernova’s Advanced Research Center. “We wanted an active research partner,” said van Dam, indicating the significance of having the designer involved in any modifications. This collaboration also benefits GE Vernova, as the company aims to utilize NREL’s resources for future technology research.
Construction preparations for the turbine have started, with a contract finalized for foundation work, which will address the challenges of Colorado’s rocky soil. Over the next year, electrical cable trenches will be dug and a road on campus will be rerouted to accommodate the new installation. The turbine is expected to arrive in the spring of 2026, after which NREL will begin planning research projects.
Daniel Laird, director of the National Wind Technology Center at NREL, noted that the research team already has plans for integrating the new turbine into their studies. The turbine is also set to contribute to research on the Advanced Research on Integrated Energy Systems (ARIES) platform, which focuses on integrating various renewable energy assets within emulated grid scenarios.
As a result, the new turbine will play a crucial role in investigating potential renewable energy-driven microgrids and the production of low-cost hydrogen for industrial use. Overall, it is anticipated to significantly enhance the research capabilities available at NREL’s Flatirons Campus.
