DOE Shares New Resources to Help Local Officials Weigh Benefits of Wind Projects

The Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) WINDExchange initiative recently released a new report on Land-Based Wind Energy Siting as well as a web-based Land-Based Economic Development Guide that together can help local officials determine which wind projects would be best for their communities. The two new resources are meant to help local officials weigh considerations when choosing to pursue potential wind energy projects.
 
The resources look at all stages of wind energy development projects, from prospecting through construction and operation. The guides help officials to look at both near-term planning when it comes to wind projects (such as preliminary engineering and turbine procurement) as well as 25+ year outlook through the lifetime of the project.
 
According to DOE, “The “Land-Based Wind Energy Siting” report focuses on land-based wind energy from the community perspective. It examines how communities address a host of issues through ordinances—from limitations on sound, to how safety lighting required by the Federal Aviation Administration might impact the nighttime skies, and more. This information can help communities define parameters that ensure their wind energy developments are tailored to address specific community needs and concerns.”
 
While the report helps address community concerns when it comes to the placement of turbines on specific landscapes, the accompanying Land-Based Economic Development Guide helps the communities better understand the economic impact of their potential wind energy project. The guide is an interactive, online tool that helps communities better understand how wind projects can serve as a revenue source. The guide covers five topics that are essential to understanding potential economic impacts of wind energy, including:

• Wind energy basics: Key information about wind energy technology and trends
• Local government revenues: Taxes and revenue structures
• Community development: How revenues are used within the community
• Landowner and development considerations: Lease payments and rural impacts
• Business and the local workforce: How to prepare for construction and operations.

 
For more information, visit: https://www.energy.gov/eere/articles/planning-wind-energy-project-new-windexchange-resources-can-help.