National Research Council (NRC) staff have contributed to the evolution of wind energy technologies as the international leader in developing a distinctive vertical-axis turbine design, nicknamed the eggbeater because of its shape. An experimental version built in Quebec in 1977, and a second installed later with Hydro-Québec, remain among the largest, most powerful vertical axis wind turbines (VAWTs) in the world. While not widely used, VWATs function well in unusual and urban environments. Their advantages include having fewer moving parts, not depending on wind direction and being comparatively silent.

Vertical turbines have entirely changed the image of wind power. Two of them were fitted into the Eiffel Tower in 2015.