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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 Washington. 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.
This map indicates that Washington has wind resources consistent with utility-scale production. The largest contiguous areas of good-to-excellent resource are located in the central part of the state. They are concentrated in the Kittitas Valley northwest of Yakima, on the ridges west of the Columbia River northeast of Yakima, and in the Horse Heaven Hills north of the Columbia River near the Oregon border. Another area of good-to-excellent resource is north of the Blue Mountains in southeastern Washington. Ridge crest locations throughout the state can also have excellent wind resource.
Note: Wind resource at a micro level can vary significantly; therefore, you should get a professional evaluation of your specific area of interest.
Other wind maps are available from Northwest Sustainable Energy for Economic Development (NWSEED).
If you have a disability and need assistance reading the wind map, please email the Webmaster.
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