Wind farms come in various ratings and dimensions.
Knowing where wind turbines are located, and what the physical dimensions are for each turbine, should be helpful for those who are either interested in how wind turbines are affecting certain locations, or what their impacts have been.
The USGS has developed a map that shows the location of all wind turbines installed in the united States through July 22, 2013.
The map is interactive, so that wind farms at known locations can be seen, and where it’s possible to zoom in, to see individual turbines.
Data, such as height, rating and blade dimensions, is available for each wind farm.
The map is available at http://eerscmap.usgs.gov/windfarm
An abstract describing the map and its intended use is at http://pubs.usgs.gov/ds/817
The abstract also describes the methodology used for developing the interactive map.
The intent of the USGS is to develop metrics for assessing the effect of wind turbines on the environment, e.g., land use, wildlife, etc.
These metrics will be important as each state attempts to establish its plans for meeting the EPA’s new regulations for cutting CO2 emissions 30% by 2030.
Wind and solar are to be included in each state’s plan for cutting CO2 emissions from coal-fired power plants, with the intent of shutting these plants down.
The U.S. Department of Interior, the organization overseeing USGS, has been an advocate for wind energy, so it will be interesting to see how the proposal for identifying the impact of wind farms on the environment evolves.
People, who are for and against wind turbines, should find this interactive map very interesting.
* * * * * *
These articles can be delivered directly to your mailbox. Subscribe by clicking below the photo on the right side of the article where it says email subscription, and entering your email address. You can unsubscribe at any time.
If you know someone who would be interested in these articles you can send him/her a link to the article and suggest he/she subscribes by clicking on the email subscription link under the picture on the right side of the page, and entering their email address.
To find earlier articles, click on the name of the preceding month below the calendar to display a list of articles published in that month. Continue clicking on the name of the preceding month to display articles published in prior months.
© Power For USA, 2010 – 2014. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author, Donn Dears, LLC, is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Power For USA with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
(9)
