Brief History

July 2006 – The National Renewable Energy Laboratory announces the availability of a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement for the development of a wind turbine blade test facility, for up to $2 million of equipment and technology, to be funded by the U.S. Dept. of Energy.

November 2006 – The Massachusetts Partnership, involving MTC, the Massachusetts Office of Business Development, the Renewable Energy Research Laboratory of UMass – Amherst, and the Massachusetts Port Authority submits an initial application for the CRADA to NREL.

March 2007 – The Massachusetts Partnership is shortlisted as one of two potential CRADA recipients from the initial applicants. Additional details are requested from the two finalists.

May 2007 – The Massachusetts Partnership submits its final application package to NREL, selecting the Boston Autoport site in Charlestown as its choice for locating the facility.

June 2007 – U.S. Secretary of Energy Samuel Bodman came to Boston to announce that Massachusetts, along with a Texas consortium, are both selected to enter into CRADA relationships with NREL. Gov. Deval Patrick received the award from the secretary, and committed the Commonwealth to undertaking this groundbreaking partnership.

November 2007 – MTC and Massport release a Request for Qualifications for architectural and engineering design services to develop the building plans for the WTTC Blade Test Facility. Final selection of the design team is expected by the end of February 2008.