WIND POWER GENERATION IN NORTH AMERICA

Study of Wind Patterns and Best Locations for Wind Generation in North America

Abstract

This research paper focuses on wind patterns of North American region. Further, it identifies best locations for potential wind energy projects in North America. United States and Canada have great potential for development of Energy projects, with many regions having high capacity factor. Mexico is also beginning to develop wind energy, with many new farms locations recently identified. This research paper discusses these locations for possible future wind projects in North America.

Table of Contents

Introduction / Background1

Discussion2

Useful Features of Wind Power2

Wind Patterns in North America2

Current Wind Trends3

Locations for Wind Generation4

Locations in U.S.A4

Locations in Canada6

Locations in Mexico7

Conclusion8

References9

Appendix11

Study of Wind Patterns and Best Locations for Wind Generation in North America

Introduction / Background

Year 2008 saw U.S. wind energy passed capacity of 25 GW, adding around 8GW to total capacity in 2007. The growth rate in 2008, of 50%, exceeded the growth rate of 45%, which was recorded in 2007. It proved that wind energy market is still very young and growing. Economic crises of 2008 did not slow growth and research in wind energy sector (Beh, Wheelock, 2009).

. The wind energy market of U.S installed around 5.1 GW in 2010, which is half of capacity installed in 2009. At present, total wind energy capacity in U.S. is 40.2 GW, which means that, China is now a leader in wind energy. Out of 50 states, 38 states have utility scaled wind installations. 14 states have installed capacity of more than 1,000 MW. State of Texas has the highest installed capacity, while total wind energy accounts for 20% of energy for Texas. Overall, 2010 can be considered as a year of slowdown in wind energy expeditions, which is expected to improve in coming years (Global Wind Energy Council, 2010).

Canadian energy market also underperformed in comparison to its performance in 2009. Around 690 MW wind power capacity was newly installed. Now, total wind capacity in Canada is around 4000 MW. Ontario is leading wind energy producer in Canada, with installed capacity of 1.5 GW. The Green Energy Act, which was adopted by the province, is the reason behind this progress. Other leading provinces in Canada with regard to wind energy are Quebec (805 MW) and Alberta (664 MW) (Global Wind Energy Council, 2010).

According to Global Wind Energy Statistics published by Global Wind Energy Council, Total capacity which was installed in 2010 was 5,115 MW, 690 MW and 316 MW in U.S., Canada and Mexico respectively. While, Total wind energy capacity by the end of 2010, was 40,180 MW, 4,009MW and 517MW for U.S., Canada and Mexico respectively (Global Wind Energy Council, 2011). Refer to Figure 1 and 2, which illustrates top countries with highest installed capacities in Wind Energy Sector and Table 1, which illustrate ton ten countries Market share wise(Global Wind Energy Council, 2011).

Discussion

Useful Features of Wind Power

Wind contains Kinetic Energy, which is convertible into mechanical power. Today's wind turbine technology is very efficient for energy ...