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Energy Program News
For Immediate Release:
4/19/2007
For More Information:
Contact Amy Gomberg (614) 460-8732 PRESS RELEASE - New Wind Maps & Analysis by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory Reveal Ohio’s Significant Wind Energy Potential Could Power 2 Million Homes
TELEPHONE CONFERENCE CALL # 877-278-8686 Pin: 622992 Contact: Amy Gomberg or Erin Bowser: 614-460-8732 WIND MAP & RELEVANT DOCUMENTS AVAILABLE: www.EnvironmentOhio.org Columbus – Today, Environment Ohio in conjunction with the Ohio Department of Development’s Office of Energy Efficiency released new wind maps and data compiled by the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory. The new data proves that Ohio could generate far more than 10 percent of its electricity from the Buckeye state’s own homegrown wind resources.“These maps demonstrate that a new, more energy independent future could be in store for Ohio,” stated Amy Gomberg, the Environmental Advocate with Environment Ohio. “Even if we only tap into a small portion of our wind potential we could generate at least 10-20% of Ohio’s electricity from wind, powering millions of Ohio homes and realizing significant environmental and economic benefits.” Data from previous studies demonstrated only moderate wind potential for Ohio because they measured the wind speeds at a height of only 50 meters. The new maps and data released today measured Ohio’s wind speeds at 100 meters because the wind industry is increasingly citing turbines at this height as the technology rapidly improves and better wind resources are available at higher levels. The new wind maps show that the total installed wind potential from the windiest areas in Ohio is estimated to be about 66,000 megawatts (MW). “These maps show that Ohio has considerably more wind potential than we previously thought,” stated Dennis Elliott, a Principal Scientist with an expertise in wind resource assessment at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. “Ohio’s wind energy potential actually exceeds the electricity demand of the entire state of Ohio.” Ohio is better positioned than most states to develop a clean wind energy industry because in addition to the significant wind potential Ohio has a broader manufacturing base, a more extensive electric transmission grid, and a more extensive transportation system than many states. “Wind energy is an untapped economic boon for Ohio. Ohioans spend approximately $24 billion annually on imported energy, but capturing Ohio’s wind energy could keep those dollars flowing within our own local communities,” stated Richard Stuebi, BP Fellow for Energy and Environmental Advancement at The Cleveland Foundation. “Furthermore, independent studies have estimated that tens of thousands of jobs could be created in Ohio to manufacture wind-related equipment, although this employment potential is much more likely to be realized if there’s also a substantial local market in Ohio for installing wind turbines. The new NREL wind maps show that a very large potential for Ohio-based wind energy does in fact exist, and this will encourage both wind developers and manufacturers to explore Ohio more vigorously.” Growing a wind energy industry in Ohio will impact both Ohio’s rural and urban economies. Individual land owners in rural areas can expect to receive leasing payments from wind developing businesses of $4,000 to $8,000 per wind turbine per year. Wind development also contributes to the tax base of the community. Ohio’s urban areas are well positioned to be the manufacturers of the materials and parts used in the turbines. “County and township governments, local economic development groups, farmers and rural residents, are all working together in many areas of the state to develop wind energy resources,” stated Dale Arnold, Director of Energy Services with the Ohio Farm Bureau, and member of the Ohio Wind Working Group. “Ohioans across the state are realizing the multiple benefits that wind energy will bring to their area.” More than twenty states have implemented a renewable portfolio energy standard which requires utilities to diversify their energy mix by ensuring that a certain percentage is from clean, renewable sources. Ohio does not have such a policy in place but states like Pennsylvania and Texas do and Ohio-based FirstEnergy and American Electric Power are investing in wind energy projects at a rapid pace in these and other states. Currently, more than 85% of Ohio’s electricity comes from coal-fired power plants. “We look forward to continuing our work with the Strickland administration and legislative leaders like Rep. McGregor, Chairman of the Alternative Energy Committee to develop policies for Ohio that will help us take advantage of our clean wind energy potential,” Gomberg concluded. LOCAL RESPONSES to the new wind energy data: ALLEN COUNTY – “I believe Allen County to be perfectly positioned to benefit from wind energy,” remarked Allen County Commissioner Sam Bassitt.. “It is not often that we can generate our own clean energy and, at the same time, bring money back to farmers and rural land owners.” CUYAHOGA COUNTY - "Cuyahoga County is uniquely positioned to become a national leader in the wind energy movement,” stated County Commissioner Peter Jones. “By vigorously pursuing the opportunities afforded by wind power, we can simultaneously protect the environment, lessen our dependence on foreign oil and advance our regional economic development agenda by becoming a center for the manufacture of wind turbines." MERCER COUNTY - “Mercer County understands the need to find safe, affordable energy sources and we strongly support wind energy,” stated Commissioner Bob Nuding. “Not only will it respond to the growing energy need – it could provide an opportunity for extra income to farmers and rural land owners.” RICHLAND COUNTY - "I am very interested in Richland County becoming a strong advocate for wind generated alternative energy, not only to lessen our dependence on fossil fuels but also to open new income streams for our farm based economy," stated Ed Olson Richland County Commissioner. SENECA COUNTY - “Seneca County is in the perfect position to benefit from wind energy,” stated Mike Bridinger Seneca county Commissioner. “Seneca County will be generating our own clean energy. Also, farmers and rural land owners can receive extra income from the wind turbines. It’s a win-win for the county-citizens-and the environment.” SPEAKER CONTACT INFORMATION Amy Gomberg, Environmental Advocate Dennis Elliot, Principal Scientist - Wind Resource Assessment Richard Stuebi, BP Fellow for Energy and Environmental Advancement Dale Arnold, Director of Energy Services Tom Maves, Renewable Energy Specialist Peter Jones,
Cuyahoga County Commissioner Sam Bassitt,
Allen County Commissioner Bob Nuding, Mercer County
Commissioner Ed Olson, Richland County Commissioner. Mike Bridinger,
Seneca county Commissioner
OTHER CONTACT INFORMATION Representative McGregor, Chair – House Alternative Energy Committee Jane Beathard, Media Relations Manager Cristie Wilt,
Communications Director
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