Cris Hein

Cris Hein serves as a Researcher in Environmental Science at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), where he leads the environmental portfolio within the National Wind Technology Center. He coordinates the Bats and Wind Energy Cooperative and acts as operating agent for the International Energy Agency Wind Technology Collaborative Program's Task 34.

His educational background includes:

• Bachelor of Science in Geology from Texas A&M University
• Master of Science in Biology from Texas State University
• PhD in Forestry and Natural Resources from the University of Georgia

For over two decades, Hein has specialized in bat ecology and behavior, with more than ten years focused on wind energy environmental interactions. His research develops evidence-based strategies to minimize wildlife impacts from wind turbines, particularly through advanced monitoring systems and operational mitigation techniques. Current work emphasizes offshore wind environmental effects and bat fatality reduction protocols across North American wind facilities.

Analysis of his 2024-2025 publications reveals three dominant research trajectories: 1) Gulf of Mexico offshore wind environmental assessments, 2) marine mammal monitoring during offshore construction, and 3) validation of curtailment as the most effective bat fatality mitigation strategy. His work consistently bridges ecological research with practical wind industry applications, showing particular expertise in translating field data into operational guidelines.

As program coordinator for the Bats and Wind Energy Cooperative, Hein manages multi-stakeholder collaborations between government agencies, industry partners, and conservation organizations. His leadership in IEA Task 34 facilitates international knowledge exchange on wind energy environmental effects, directing research funding toward high-impact conservation solutions.

Hein's laboratory operations center on NREL's National Wind Technology Center environmental research group, which conducts field studies at operational wind facilities nationwide. The team specializes in developing monitoring technologies and analyzing wildlife-turbine interaction data to inform industry best practices and regulatory frameworks.