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New data released last month show Ohio’s wind energy potential is much greater than first thought. Environment Ohio in conjunction with the Ohio Department of Development’s Office of Energy Efficiency released new wind maps and data compiled by the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory that proves Ohio could generate far more than 10 percent of its electricity from the state’s own wind resources.

Data from previous studies demonstrated only moderate wind potential for Ohio because they measured the wind speeds at a height of only 50 meters. Currently, Ohio has one utility scale wind farm at Bowling Green. The new maps and data measured Ohio’s wind speeds at 100 meters because the wind industry is increasingly siting turbines at this height as the technology improves and better wind resources are available at higher levels.

The new wind maps show that the total installed wind potential from the windiest areas in Ohio is estimated to be about 66,000 megawatts, enough for 1.5 million homes.

Ohio is better positioned than most states to develop a wind energy industry because in addition to significant wind potential, Ohio has a broader manufacturing base, a more extensive electric transmission grid and a more extensive transportation system than many states.

"Ohioans spend approximately $24 billion annually on imported energy, but capturing Ohio’s wind energy could keep those dollars flowing within our own local communities," stated Richard Stuebi, BP Fellow for Energy and Environmental Advancement at the Cleveland Foundation. "Furthermore, independent studies have estimated that tens of thousands of jobs could be created in Ohio to manufacture wind-related equipment, although this employment potential is much more likely to be realized if there’s also a substantial local market in Ohio for installing wind turbines." The new study should encourage both wind developers and manufacturers to explore Ohio more vigorously, he said.

Ohio’s rural and urban economies and communities will be impacted by a growing wind energy industry. Individual land owners in rural areas can expect to receive leasing payments from wind developing businesses of $4,000 to $8,000 per wind turbine per year. Wind development also contributes to the tax base of the community: Ohio’s urban areas are well positioned to be the manufacturers of the materials and parts used in the turbines.

"County and township governments, local economic development groups, farmers and rural residents, are all working together in many areas of the state to develop wind energy resources," said Dale Arnold, OFBF director of energy services and member of the Ohio Wind Working Group. "Ohioans across the state are realizing the multiple benefits that wind energy will bring to their area."

Arnold represents farmers and rural residents on the Ohio Wind Working Group; Farm Bureau offers community leaders investigating wind development an opportunity for a valid third party opinion.

"We advocate that local government, the wind developer and farmers being offered leases work together as partners to get the local community involved," he said. There is excitement in wind energy but also some apprehension over turbine placement.

"Placement needs to be strategic, discussed openly and planned properly to address all aspects – environmental, neighborhood and viewscape," he said. There are some misconceptions about placement. In Ohio, the best placement for the most energy is location by location, not in rows as far as the eye can see.

Landowners who wonder if their land is suitable for wind turbine placement can visit the Ohio Wind Resource Explorer, found online at www.windexplorer.com/Ohio/ohio.htm. The Explorer is a free service for those considering utility and personal, on-site wind generation.

The Ohio Department of Development supports wind development in Ohio by maintaining an on-line high resolution, interactive Ohio wind map and by sponsoring the Ohio Wind Working Group. More information on wind, other forms of renewable energy, as well as grants and loan opportunities for on-site energy development are available at www.odod.state.oh.us/cdd/oee.

Caption: Currently, Ohio has one utility scale wind farm at Bowling Green. Photo courtesy Ken Chamberlain, Ohio State University