Indiana Wind Power Potential Estimates: An Update
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory estimates that Indiana has at least 40,000 Megawatts of wind energy potential. That estimate is more than double the entire generating capacity of Indiana.
This estimate of wind power potential of Indiana takes into account a number of factors:
- Wind class
- The above estimate is based on summing up wind power potential for class 3, class 4 and class 5 winds. ‘Wind class’ is a measure of the power generating capacity of wind, and is defined with respect to wind speed, elevation and other characteristics of wind. The higher the wind class, the greater the power. Class 3 wind is considered suitable for commercial development.
- Energy loss
- The estimate above assumes that 12% of the power generated is lost (due to down time, icing losses, transmission losses).
- Tower height:
- 80 meters is the current industry norm. The estimate above is based on wind turbines at 70 m.
- 100 meters will become the norm in the coming years, and this means that the wind power potential may double in the coming years.
- Power potential per square kilometer:
- The study assumes that 5 MW of turbines are installed per square kilometer in areas determined to be windy. This is a standard assumption.
- Land area:
- The study excludes environmentally sensitive land as well as developed land such as urban areas, airports, wetlands, etc. It also excludes high sloping areas and areas with small, isolated pockets of wind resources.
