Wind: An Abundant Oklahoma Resource

According to the Oklahoma Wind Power Initiative (OWPI), a research and resource partnership between the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University, Oklahoma has about 2.3 times more wind energy potential per square mile than Texas. 

Oklahoma's proximity to wind projects within a 500-mile radius creates an ideal market for expansion. The state has nearly 900 MW of wind generation currently in operation. The Southwest Power Pool, a regional transmission organization, expects its 8-state region to produce 8,500 MW of wind power, with more than half coming from Oklahoma, between 2020 and 2025. 

Based on the National Renewable Energy Laboratory's predictions for U.S. wind industry growth, OWPI expects Oklahoma to be the second-largest generator of wind power in the nation by 2030. Oklahoma's major electric utilities offer wind energy to their customers, and Oklahoma boasts enough potential wind resources to supply 10% of the country's electricity needs.

The maps below provide a detailed picture of Oklahoma's abundant wind resources.

Wind Transmission Capacity

Oklahoma is moving forward with several initiatives to develop the transmission infrastructure needed by its rapidly emerging renewable energy industry.

Horizon Transmission LLC, a joint venture between OGE Energy Corp. and Electric Transmission America, are constructing high-capacity transmission projects in Western Oklahoma, where a good portion of the state's wind energy development occurs.

The Oklahoma Corporation Commission (OCC) demonstrates its continuing support for the wind industry through a variety of recent favorable rulings. For example, the OCC allows utilities to recover costs for wind-power transmission, and it granted ITC Great Plains utility status, which enables the company to build and maintain transmission lines in Oklahoma.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) also approved rate incentives for two transmission projects proposed by Tallgrass Transmission and Prairie Wind Transmission to built in the Southwest Power Pool (SPP) region, which includes Oklahoma.

"All kinds of people want to build transmission," says Jay Caspary, Director of Engineering for SPP. "That is absolutely unprecedented, and even though it won't happen overnight, it removes a major barrier to development."

Supply Chain Capacity

While there are few producers of complete wind energy systems in Oklahoma to date, hundreds of Oklahoma companies operate within the supply chain of renewable energy equipment. For example, there are more than 500 Oklahoma companies equipped and ready to supply products to wind turbine manufacturers.

According to Commerce, Oklahoma's employment in potential wind-component manufacturing industries grew 3.9% between 2006 and 2007. Oklahoma experienced this increase during a time when wind-component manufacturing decreased nationally by 3.4%.

So from castings, machining, bearings, and gears to forges, fabrications, and suspended climbing systems, your potential suppliers are right here in Oklahoma.

To connect with potential suppliers, contact 800-588-5959 or email OKwind@OKcommerce.gov.

Buildings & Sites Capacity

Site Ready Properties - Oklahoma's project-ready certified sites are available for sale or lease right now; ready to build on with all utilities in place or pre-permitted and planned. This assures relocating or expanding companies that they are getting a quality site in minimal time, helping them complete their projects on time and well within budget.