Oklahoma Is Wind Energy: Capacity

Wind Power Generation Capacity

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. 

Contact: 800-588-5959

Oklahoma Wind Resource Map Access a variety of wind capacity maps developed by OWPI Oklahoma Wind Speed & Power Density Maps (Brand new and with heights of 30, 50, 70 & 100 meters, these maps were compiled by AWS TrueWind for the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. Note: the files may take a few minutes to load.)	Prime Areas for Potential Wind Energy Development Prime Areas: Texas/Cimarron counties; Beaver County; Woodward-Buffalo-Alva; Cheyenne-Arnett; Weatherford-Hobart; and Slick Hills
2030 Installed Wind Nameplate Capacity by State	Shows Oklahoma's wind speeds in relation to major highways and inland ports   (Click the maps above for larger, printable images and click the links underneath them for additional maps and information.)

Wind Capacity Resources:

Oklahoma Mesonet: Oklahoma's world-class network of environmental monitoring stations created by scientists at the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University. The site includes interactive wind maps of speed and gusts, 3-hour animation, and maximum gusts since midnight.

Wind Powering America Program: offers a collection of wind maps and other resources.

Oklahoma's Anemometer Program: Anemometers measure wind force and velocity. The data collected helps landowners and wind power developers determine an area's wind capacity. Readings are typically taken for at least a year. The Oklahoma Wind Power Initiative (OWPI) provides anemometers and installation at no charge when equipment and funding are available. For more information, contact OWPI at 405-325-8870.  

Wind Transmission Capacity

Transmission: Oklahoma Will Have that "Missing Piece" Too
Wind energy proponents and opponents point to a lack of transmission capacity as one of the leading barriers to wind power development. But thanks to Oklahoma's progressive utilities and their good working relationship with local, state, and federal regulatory agencies, Oklahoma will have that missing piece too.

OGE Energy Corp. and Electric Transmission America in July 2008 launched a joint venture, Horizon Transmission LLC, to construct high-capacity transmission projects in Western Oklahoma. Click to continue

In September 2008, the Oklahoma Corporation Commission (OCC) approved an order allowing OG&E to recover costs for a wind-power transmission line that will transmit electricity generated by the Centennial Wind Farm, located just north of Woodward, and the Oklahoma Wind Energy Center, 13 miles northeast of Woodward. The OCC also granted ITC Great Plains utility status, allowing the company to build and maintain transmission lines in Oklahoma. Click to continue

Supply Chain Capacity

Workforce

In late 2007, DMI Industries, a wind tower manufacturer and North Dakota-based subsidiary of Otter Tail Corporation, decided to open a 500,000-square-foot facility on 300 acres near the Port of Catoosa. DMI cited Oklahoma's competitive costs of doing business, its proximity to the nation's largest wind energy corridor, and its highly-skilled workforce. More Workforce & Training Details

In announcing its first expansion just months after opening, DMI's General Manager Kevin Ishmael says this about Oklahoma's manufacturing workers:

"DMI assembled a tremendous workforce, bringing in people from a number of different manufacturing capacities and training them to meet DMI's tight demands. We couldn't be more proud of our workers and their accomplishments to date."

Buildings & Sites

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.