Colorado Wind Resource Map - Wind Speed at 50m
The Department of Energy's Wind Program and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) published a new wind resource map for the state of Colorado in 2003. This resource map shows wind speed estimates at 50 meters above the ground and depicts the resource that could be used for utility-scale wind development.
As a renewable resource, wind is classified according to wind power classes, which are based on typical wind speeds. These classes range from Class 1 (the lowest) to Class 7 (the highest). In general, at 50 meters, wind power Class 4 or higher can be useful for generating wind power with large turbines. Class 4 and above are considered good resources. Particular locations in the Class 3 areas could have higher wind power class values at 80 meters than shown on the 50 meter map because of possible high wind shear. Given the advances in technology, a number of locations in the Class 3 areas may suitable for utility-scale wind development.
This map indicates that Colorado has wind resources consistent with utility-scale production. Significant contiguous areas of good resource with embedded regions of excellent resource are found in the eastern quarter of the state. The excellent resource areas within the eastern quarter of Colorado are concentrated near the New Mexico and Nebraska borders. An area of excellent-to-outstanding resource is located along the Wyoming border north of Fort Collins. The exposed ridge crests of the Front Range, the Continental Divide, and in western Colorado also have good-to-outstanding wind resource.
Note: Wind resource at a micro level can vary significantly; therefore, you should get a professional evaluation of your specific area of interest.
You can also download this map from the Wind Powering America site here. We;ve downladed these maps and you can find them here:
AWS True Wind (now AWS Truepower) also developed maps showing wind power density at 50m and the mean annual wind speed at various heights. We've downloaded them here:
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