Site Wind Right: Identifying Low-Impact Wind Development Areas in the Central United States

Chris Hise, Brian Obermeyer, Marissa Ahlering, Jessica Wilkinson and Joseph Fargione
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Chris Hise: The Nature Conservancy, Arnett, OK 73832, USA
Brian Obermeyer: The Nature Conservancy, Cottonwood Falls, KS 66845, USA
Marissa Ahlering: The Nature Conservancy, Moorehead, MN 56560, USA
Jessica Wilkinson: The Nature Conservancy, Amherst, MA 01002, USA
Joseph Fargione: The Nature Conservancy, Minneapolis, MN 55415, USA

Land, 2022, vol. 11, issue 4, 1-26

Abstract: To help avoid the most catastrophic effects of climate change, society needs to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by mid-century. Wind energy provides a clean, renewable source of electricity; however, improperly sited wind facilities pose known threats to wildlife populations and contribute to degradation of natural habitats. To support a rapid transition to low-carbon energy while protecting imperiled species, we identified potential low-impact areas for wind development in a 19-state region of the central U.S. by excluding areas with known wildlife sensitivities. By combining maps of sensitive habitats and species with wind speed and land use information, we demonstrate that there is significant potential to develop wind energy in the region while avoiding significant negative impacts to wildlife. These low-impact areas have the potential to yield between 930 and 1550 GW of name-plate wind capacity. This is equivalent to 8–13 times current U.S. installed wind capacity. Our analysis demonstrates that ambitious low-carbon energy goals are achievable while minimizing risks to wildlife.

Keywords: wind energy; turbine; conservation; biodiversity; siting; land use; mitigation; avoidance (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q15 Q2 Q24 Q28 Q5 R14 R52 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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