Wind

A clean, inexhaustible energy resource, wind has the capability to generate enough electricity to power millions of homes and businesses, according to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). Harnessing one of the fastest growing forms of electricity generation in the world, the United States currently is able to generate more than 10,000 megawatts of electricity from wind sources-enough to power 2.5 million American homes. Industry experts predict that wind energy may eventually provide 20 percent of the nation's energy needs.

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While the nation's greatest wind resources derive from the western states, some areas in North Georgia may lend themselves to wind-to-electricity generation. Green Power EMC in 2007 has moved into the second phase of a wind assessment project launched in 2005 when, working with Airtricity, it gathered wind data over a period of 18 months from a meteorological tower installed near the upper reservoir of Oglethorpe Power Corporation's Rocky Mountain Pumped Storage Hydroelectric Plant in Floyd County.

"Preliminary results tell us that the wind data is challenging, but a small-scale project could be feasible," said Green Power EMC President/CEO Michael Whiteside. The data reveals that North Georgia's winds are strongest in the evenings during winter months and weakest in summer months. These findings suggest that wind generation may help the state's EMCs reduce reliance on conventional fossil fuels such as coal and natural gas but would have minimal impact on helping meet summer peak energy demands, when energy consumption and prices are highest in Georgia.

As it enters the next phase of wind assessment, Green Power EMC will work with Oglethorpe Power Corporation to: 1) explore the necessary regulatory approvals from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and the FAA, among others; 2) conduct further environmental studies to determine the impact on birds and bats, and view shed simulations to gauge the look of wind towers on the site; and 3) address design geophysical challenges and structural issues associated with construction at Rocky Mountain and the availability of adequate upper reservoir roads.

How it works: Wind currents turn turbines that generate electricity.

As Green Power EMC moves into the second phase of a wind assessment project at Rocky Mountain Pumped Storage Hydroelectric Plant in Floyd County, it continues to work with Oglethorpe Power Corporation to explore national regulatory approvals, conduct environmental studies, and address design challenges and structural issues.

More info: National Wind Technology Center