Previous studies of Ohio's wind potential were done in the 80s and measured wind speeds at the 50-meter level. They showed the state could generate up to 10% of it's total electricity from wind sources. 50 meters was as tall as wind turbines were at that time, but today's turbine technology can reach double that height.
So the new wind maps released this week measure at 100 meters. At that height, Ohio could generate up to 20% of it's electricity from wind. Dennis Elliot, at National Renewable Energy Laboratory, says the U.S. Department of Energy has re-assessed the wind speeds for 30 states with the new computer model and so far they are all showing greater wind energy potential than earlier assessments.
Dennis Elliot: We're not doing the whole united states at hundred meters just yet. But we're looking at some of these areas like Ohio Indiana Michigan, to say 'Okay, what's happening at those heights of 80 to 100 meters?'
Elliot says 12% of Ohio's land is rich in wind and some of the best is off Lake Erie in Northeast Ohio. Lisa Ann Pinkerton, 90.3.