The Department of Energy's Wind Program and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) published a new wind resource map for the state of West Virginia . 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 West Virginia has wind resources consistent with utility-scale production. The good-to-excellent wind resource areas are concentrated on ridge crests in the eastern part of the state just south of a Martinsburg-Clarksburg line. There are scattered areas along these ridge crests that are estimated to have outstanding-to-superb resource.
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 West Virginia wind map is the West Virginia Development Office, Energy Efficiency Program.
If you have a disability and need assistance reading the wind map, please email the Webmaster.
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