by Brianna Crandall — June 5, 2015—The U.S. Department Energy (DOE) recently announced the release of Enabling Wind Power Nationwide, a report showing how the United States can unlock the potential for wind energy deployment in all 50 states—made possible through the next generation of larger wind turbines.
Announced at the American Wind Energy Association’s (AWEA) WINDPOWER Conference in Orlando, the report builds upon the recently released Wind Vision: A New Era for Wind Power in the United States report, which quantifies the economic, social, and environmental benefits of a strong wind energy future.
The new report highlights the potential for technical advancements to unlock wind resources in regions with limited wind deployment today, such as the Southeast. These new regions represent an additional 700,000 square miles—or about one-fifth of the United States—bringing the total area of technical wind potential to 1.8 million square miles.
Technological advancements, such as taller wind turbine towers of 110 and 140 meters and larger rotors—currently under development by the Energy Department and its private sector partners—can more efficiently capture the stronger and more consistent wind resources typically found at greater heights above ground level, compared with the average 80-meter wind turbine towers installed in 39 states currently. These advanced wind energy systems will generate more electricity per dollar invested and further drive down the cost of wind energy, says the Department.
For more information on the Energy Department’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, or the Wind Program specifically, visit the EERE Web site. The Department’s 2008 report entitled 20% Wind Energy by 2030 is also available online.
