Wind Power

U.S. Annual Wind Power Resource
The wind in the United States could produce more than 4.4 trillion kWh of electricity each year--more than one and one-half times the 2.7 trillion kWh of electricity consumed in the United States in 1990. The following map shows annual average wind resources using the 7 wind power classes, which are ranges used to describe the energy contained in the wind. Other wind resource maps are available at the National Wind Technology Center website.

Montana Wind Power Guide

Montana Wind Maps
MT Wind Energy Atlas
Native American Links
U.S. Wind Speeds
U.S. Wind Resources
Wind Power Books
Wind and Weather
Wind Power Links

Examples: 

• Browning
• Luzenac
• Norris
• Pine Ridge
• White Sulphur Springs

Montana Wind Resources
Wind resources can be used with both large wind turbines for utility applications and with small wind turbines for on-site generation. As a renewable resource, wind is classified according to power classes, which are based on typical wind speeds. These classes range from class 1 (the lowest) to class 7 (the highest). In general, wind power class 3 or higher can be useful for generating wind power with large (utility-scale) turbines, and small turbines can be used at any wind speed. Class 4 and above are considered good resources. Parts of Montana have excellent wind resources.