CHAPTER 3

GIS Helps America Invest in Wind Energy

Wind energy means jobs, investments, and a brighter future for many communities. GIS plays a big role in determining where to focus wind power and how best to manage it.

Since the early 1990s, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has been the primary resource for renewable energy research and development in the United States. In order to reach 20% wind energy by 2030, the NREL uses GIS technology to determine the best locations for wind farms based on wind resources, economic development potential, cost of transmission, and locations of load centers. As of 2017, 41 states (plus Guam and Puerto Rico) operate utility-scale wind energy projects.2

Wind power supplied a record 6.3% of electricity nationwide in 2017.2

Texas is the national leader in wind energy. The state ranks first for installed and under-construction wind turbines and supports more than 24,000 wind jobs.3
Wind energy supplies more than 30% of electricity in four states: Iowa, Kansas, Oklahoma, and South Dakota.2

How Do Wind Turbines Work?

See the mechanics ›

Wind Turbine Mechanics

The wind turns two or three propeller blades around a rotor, which is connected to the main shaft. As the shaft moves, it spins a generator that creates electricity.
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In Montana, companies worldwide are investing in wind power. Cascade County, Montana, is known for its intense winds, which means it’s an ideal place to leverage wind power. Cascade County’s commissioner saw this as an opportunity to attract organizations interested in investing in wind resources. Thanks to GIS technology, the county has been able to more easily market its wind and attract developers worldwide who can use GIS maps to determine if the area meets their business and budget needs for building wind turbines.