Wind Energy

Wind energy is a rapidly growing industry in Wyoming, but is not new to the state. Wyoming’s first wind turbine generator was built in 1996. A steady increase in capacity occurred over the next 10 years. From 2007–2009, wind projects boomed. The construction of five wind projects over this time period more than doubled Wyoming’s wind power capacity.

A number of new wind energy projects are currently in various stages of development. Four major projects have been permitted by the state, and four other projects are preparing applications. If built, these eight projects together will quadruple the amount of wind power generated in Wyoming.

Wind Power Projects

Southeastern Wyoming, Laramie County, and Platte County have considerable potential for wind development, but are behind due to lack of transmission. Lack of available capacity on Wyoming’s power lines is the main factor currently limiting the development of wind power.

Wind Table

References

American Wind Energy Association http://www.awea.org Resources,
Wind Energy Projects – Wyoming

Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality http://deq.state.wy.us
Industrial Siting News, Section 109 Permit Applications

NREL 400m Wind Generation Potential Map of Pacific Northwest by Truewind