Wind Energy

One of the oldest methods of collecting energy from the natural environment is through the use of windmills. This method now shows more promise than ever, as new technologies are developed. Wind is a clean, inexhaustible, indigenous energy resource that can generate enough electricity to power millions of homes and businesses. Wind energy is one of the fastest-growing forms of electricity generation in the world. Colorado ranks 11th in the nation in wind energy potential, based on the land and wind available. Colorado currently generates 366 megawatts of electricity from wind, and an additional 700-megawatt potential is under construction. One megawatt of wind energy can typically power up to 300 homes.  Jefferson County, Colorado's National Wind Technology Center (NWTC) has led to the development of multi-megawatt wind turbines that produce electricity at a cost that is starting to compete with conventional energy sources in the marketplace. To make wind energy fully cost competitive and increase wind energy development, researchers at the NWTC are working in partnership with industry to develop larger, more efficient, utility-scale wind turbines for land-based and offshore installations, as well as more efficient, quieter small wind turbines for distributed applications.