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North Carolina State Observation of Wind (NC SOW)
The North Carolina Solar Center’s State Observation of Wind Program is part of an effort to increase the use of wind generated renewable electricity by eastern North Carolina residents by allowing them to scientifically assess their wind resource. The program has for loan (1) 20-meter (3) 30-meter and (1) 50 meter towers. The systems will be loaned to businesses, schools, developers, farmers and homeowners in eastern North Carolina that are interested in installing wind turbines provided they have the necessary wind resource.
North Carolina Wind Working Group
In January 2008, the NC Coastal Wind Working Group and the Western Wind Working Group joined forces to address statewide issues and act as one statewide group. Although the coastal activities are handled by the NC Solar Center and the western activities are coordinated by ASU Energy Center, the statewide group has a more coordinated effort to drive wind education and demonstration throughout the state. Monthly WWG meetings are attended by private, public, academic, and non-profit organizations having a stake in wind energy development in the state.
Goals:
a) develop a clear understanding of existing attitudes on wind development
b) educate the public and key stakeholders, and address their issues
c) generate interest leading to responsible wind development
North Carolina Coastal Wind Working Group (CWWG)
North Carolina Western Wind Working Group (WWWG)
Wind Potential in North Carolina
According to the wind resource maps, the winds are primarily located along the ridgelines of the Appalachian Mountains in western North Carolina and along the shores of eastern North Carolina. Both of these areas show a strong potential for large wind energy development. In eastern North Carolina the wind resource is located on exposed points and islands, in the sounds, and the Atlantic Ocean.
Wind Resource Maps
The wind resource mapping project was produced by TrueWind Solutions, LLC, for the North Carolina State Energy Office in November 2002. The most recent update to the resource maps was conducted in May 2004. TrueWind used its MesoMap system to produce mean wind speed maps at 30m, 50m, 70m, and 100m height as well as a mean wind power map at the 50m height. Wind data for North Carolina is available for each 200m grid.
Resources
- Why Develop Wind in North Carolina Fact Sheet
- 2009 Wind Permitting of Wind Energy Facilities Legislation
- State Wind Permitting Webinar FAQ
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Coastal Wind Fact Sheets
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North Carolina Studies
- North Carolina State Observation of Wind Program News
- Wind Organization Publications
Links
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