A recent ASME article highlighted a new infographic from Cornell University researchers identifies the top 8 locations in the world for the placement of a wind energy system. The Infographic was developed by Dr. Sara Pryor and Dr. Rebecca Barthelmie and focuses on areas of stable and consistent wind. As the life cycle of a wind turbine should be in the 50 year range, selecting a suitable site is a major decision.
The Infographic has some very interesting maps of the wind and energy potential around the world including maps showing the top 8 locations. At the top of the list is Hovsore, Denmark where the sustained wind velocity is 42.8 m/sec. A site in the US was number 8, Huron, South Dakota, with a sustained wind velocity of 22.6 m/sec.
“Green” energy projects are here to stay, especially energy from the wind, and this article clearly indicates that this wind will come from the four corners of the globe. – Dr. Tom
