Penn State and NLR Partner on Distributed Wind Energy Outreach

Penn State has a new partnership with the National Laboratory of Rockies (NLR, formerly NREL) to advance the understanding and adoption of distributed wind energy — small-scale wind systems designed to generate power at or near the point of use, rather than feeding into the larger electrical grid.

Unlike utility-scale wind farms that transmit electricity over long distances, distributed wind systems - ranging from small turbines on a single property to mid-sized installations at schools, businesses, cooperatives, or community facilities - offer the potential for greater energy independence and more stable, predictable energy costs.

The initiative, which brings together Penn State's energy expertise with NLR's national leadership, will focus on outreach, education, and data collection to help homeowners, farmers, rural businesses, and communities better evaluate whether distributed wind is a viable option for their energy needs, closing critical knowledge gaps and expanding energy options across Pennsylvania. The collaboration will include community workshops, resource assessments, and the development of accessible educational materials tailored to Pennsylvania's diverse landscapes and energy needs.

The project is ongoing, and teams will regularly update communities across Pennsylvania on the tools and resources available to help them evaluate distributed wind energy for their local needs.

For more information, contact Maryam Shahri at mus285@psu.edu.