Virginia 50-Meter Wind Map
Enlarge imageThis Virginia wind map shows the wind resource at 50 meters. Download a printable map. If you have a disability and need assistance reading the wind map, please email the webmaster.
More Information
The U.S. Department of Energy's Wind Program and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) published a wind resource map for the state of Virginia. This map is a key piece of understanding the state's wind resource potential from a development, policy, and a jobs and economic development impact perspective.
About the 50-Meter Virginia Wind Resource Map
This resource map shows wind speed estimates at 50 meters (m) above the ground and depicts the resource that could be used for community-scale wind development using wind turbines at 50-60-m hub heights. 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 wind speed frequency distributions and air density. 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 turbines in the 250-kW to 750-kW rating. Class 4 and above are considered good resources. Given the advances in technology, a number of locations in the Class 3 areas may suitable for the new midsize wind turbines.
This map indicates that Virginia has wind resources consistent with community-scale production. Several areas of the state are estimated to have good-to-excellent wind resource. These include the Atlantic coast along the Delmarva Peninsula and the Virginia Beach area, the ridge crests in the north-central part of the state, and ridge crests near the borders of West Virginia and North Carolina.
Note: Wind resource at a micro level can vary significantly; therefore, you should get a professional evaluation of your specific area of interest.
The sponsor of the Virginia wind map is the Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy, Division of Energy.