When NRG Systems was founded in 1982, the wind energy industry was in its infancy. The technology was new and wind as an energy source was viewed as an alternative. Today, more than 25 years later, NRG Systems is experiencing tremendous growth as the demand for clean wind energy is skyrocketing around the world. No longer considered “fringe” and powering more than 4.5 million homes in the U.S. alone, wind energy has proven itself as a reliable and mainstream energy source.
This timeline provides a look back at some of the defining moments in NRG Systems history and a sense of just how far we (and our industry) have come.
Timeline
- 1957 – David Blittersdorf born (with wind in his blood) near site of world's first commercial large–scale wind project
- 1973 – David receives driver's license. Arab Oil Embargo begins. David gets inspired.
- 1979 – David builds model wind turbine for college project
- 1982 – NRG Systems begins operation in rented Bristol home
- 1983 – NRG Systems participates in its first industry trade show
- 1987 – Jan Blittersdorf joins company as CFO and vice president
- 1989 – NRG Systems relocates to Hinesburg manufacturing facility
- 1989 – NRG Systems receives AWEA commercialization award for outstanding success in developing a wind assessment business on a worldwide basis
- 1995 – NRG Systems receives AWEA commercialization award for commercial achievement and excellence in wind monitoring, data collection and analysis
- 1999 – David Blittersdorf, NRG Systems receives AWEA award for Outstanding Contribution to the Wind Industry
- 2001 – David elected AWEA president
- 2001 – NRG Systems receives Vermont Employer of the Year Award
- 2001 – David and Jan Blittersdorf receive Governor's Award for Pollution Prevention
- 2002 – NRG Systems launches Symphonie, industry's first internet–enabled data logger
- 2003 – NRG Systems receives 2002 Deane C. Davis Award for Outstanding Vermont Business (Contribution to the economy, environment, workforce, and community)
- 2003 – NRG Systems receives SBA Regional Exporter of the Year Award
- 2003 – NRG Systems breaks ground on new 46,000 square foot manufacturing facility
- 2003 – NRG Systems launches SymphonieTM NOW System
- 2004 – NRG Systems ships products to its 100th country
- 2004 – NRG Systems launches WindWatcher performance monitor for small wind
- 2004 – NRG Systems introduces new SymphonieTM iPacks for satellite and cellular communication
- 2004 – NRG Systems introduces new heated sensors for extreme icing conditions
- 2004 – Jan Blittersdorf named company CEO and president
- 2005 – NRG Systems product manuals go paperless
- 2005– NRG Systems wins Vermont's Psychologically Healthy Workplace Award
- 2006 – NRG Systems wins American Psychological Association's Best Practices Honor
- 2006 – NRG Systems unveils HybridTM Turbine Control Sensor
- 2006 – NRG Systems releases 60-meter ice-rated tilt-up tower
- 2006 – NRG Systems introduces worldwide GSM iPack
- 2006 – NRG Systems raises the “green” bar with EnvirocrateTM packaging to minimize waste & environmental impact
- 2006 – NRG Systems named one of Vermont's best places to work
- 2007 – NRG Systems introduces iPack Satellite Data Communications Package Bundle
- 2007 – NRG Systems announces transition to all calibrated anemometers
- 2007 – NRG Systems introduces XHD NOW System featuring the new XHD TallTowerTM
- 2007 – NRG Systems named Top Small Workplace by Winning Workplaces and the Wall Street Journal