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The Department of Energy's Wind Program and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) published a wind resource map for the state of Alaska. This resource map shows wind speed estimates at 50 meters above the ground and depicts the resource that could be used for utility-scale wind development. Future plans are to provide wind speed estimates at 30 meters, which are useful for identifying small wind turbine opportunities.
As a renewable resource, wind is classified according to wind power classes, which are based on typical wind speeds. These classes range from Class 1 (the lowest) to Class 7 (the highest). In general, at 50 meters, wind power Class 4 or higher can be useful for generating wind power with large turbines. Class 4 and above are considered good resources. Particular locations in the Class 3 areas could have higher wind power class values at 80 meters than shown on the 50-meter map because of possible high wind shear. Given the advances in technology, a number of locations in the Class 3 areas may suitable for utility-scale wind development.
The first map, showing mainland Alaska, indicates that mainland Alaska has wind resources consistent with utility-scale production. The largest contiguous low elevation area of good-to-excellent resource is located in the western part of the state between Bethel and the Yukon River Delta. Coastal locations along the Bering Sea and the Arctic Ocean are likely to have good-to-excellent resource. Excellent wind resources are located on higher ridge crests crest locations throughout mainland Alaska including the Brooks and Alaska Ranges and the Chugach Mountains.
The second map indicates that the southeast Alaska Panhandle has wind resources consistent with utility-scale production. Major areas of excellent and outstanding resource are found on the ridge crests throughout the region and on the interior marine passageways. Population centers located close to excellent resource areas on these marine passageways include Ketchikan, Petersburg, Juneau, and Skagway. Outstanding resource areas are located in the Gulf of Alaska along the west coast of the southeast Alaska Panhandle.
Note: Wind resource at a micro level can vary significantly; therefore, you should get a professional evaluation of your specific area of interest.
If you have a disability and need assistance reading the wind map, please email the Webmaster.
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