Thanks to productive partnerships between wind developers, utilities and government agencies, wind power has seen tremendous growth in the Northwest. How can more rural landowners get involved with wind energy, and how can they best benefit from their wind resource? This is a good place to start answering those questions. Follow our key to the resources Harvesting Clean Energy finds most useful.

Resource Key:

 We Recommend This Site
       ( wide diversity of useful materials, visit regularly )

Essential Resource
       ( timely publications of particular value )

National Organizations

American Wind Energy Association

AWEA is a national trade association that represents wind farm developers, turbine manufacturers, utilities, consultants and others involved in the wind industry. They offer extensive resources for both small wind and utility-scale operations – fact sheets, members directory (with consultants, developers and operators), a variety of on-line mailing lists, and other publications.

Small Wind Permitting Handbook

Windustry

This nonprofit provides excellent technical information and advice to farmers and other landowners interested in wind energy production. They have a wealth of resources, including a great library, list of manufacturers and developers, and a wind power project calculator to assist in evaluating the economics of installing a wind turbine. Check out their Wind Basics fact sheets, and Wind Energy: A Landowners Perspective.

Wind Farmers Network Forums

National Wind Coordinating Committee
This national consortium has representation from utilities, the wind industry, state and federal agencies, power marketers, and environmental, consumer, agricultural, tribal and regulatory interests. They offer current studies on economic development opportunities for rural wind power, electrical transmission issues, facility siting and permitting standards, avian research, and credit trading programs.

A Methodology for Assessing the Economic Development Impacts of Wind Power

Federal Agencies

US Department of Energy

Wind Powering America
This initiative seeks to provide new sources of income for American farmers, Native Americans, and other rural landowners through wind energy development. They have useful status information by state, comprehensive references, and some excellent publications. See Northwest Agencies for a list of state working group contacts.

Wind Energy for Rural Economic Development

National Wind Technical Center
A branch of DOE’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory, the NWTC offers extensive technical publications, including an Avian Literature Database.

Northwest Agencies & Organizations

Regional

Our Wind Co-op
OWC is guiding installation of small turbines on farms, ranches, and rural facilities serviced by public utilities throughout the region. The project demonstrates how distributed, locally-owned wind turbines can help meet local loads.

Northwest SEED
SEED (Sustainable Energy for Economic Development) supports and develops creative programs, policies and financing approaches to build rural economies and meet the region’s power needs through affordable, distributed “green” generation. Based in Seattle, they oversaw development of new high-resolution wind resource maps for the region.

Renewable Northwest Project
A broad coalition of public-interest organizations and energy companies created RNP to promote renewable energy development in the region. Based in Portland, their web site features excellent overviews of wind, solar and geothermal resources, green power programs and production projects underway throughout the Northwest.

Windfall from the Wind Farm: Sherman County, Oregon

Last Mile Electric Cooperative
Comprised of 15 rural electric co-ops, public utility districts, and municipal electric systems, LMEC is working to develop wind energy resources, both with wind farms and through distributed large and small wind turbines.

Idaho

Idaho Energy Program
The state’s Idaho Wind Development Team is very active, providing a number of key resources including an anemometer loan program, leads on consultants and developers, and other technical and financial resources. Contact: Gerald Fleischman, 208-327-7959

Small Wind Electric Systems: An Idaho Consumer's Guide

Wind Opportunities for Idaho State Lands

Montana

Montana Department of Environmental Quality
Thanks to the efforts of the Montana Wind Working Group, the state is starting to realize its potential for wind power production. Their website features permitting guidance, project reports, and information on technical and financial assistance, including an anemometer loan program. Contact: Mark Hines, 406-444-6769

A Landowner’s (Informal) Guide to Negotiating for a Wind Farm

Montana Green Power
Developed by the National Center for Appropriate Technology, this site features a wide array of renewable energy resources, including energy dealer lists, a free monthly on-line newsletter, case studies, and a good overview of wind energy system basics.

Small Wind Electric Systems: A Montana Consumer's Guide

Oregon

Oregon Department of Energy
Oregon has a very active Wind Working Group with regular meetings and forums. The state offers a wealth of information at their website, including details on a variety of incentive programs. Contact: Carel DeWinkel, 503-378-6099

Energy Trust of Oregon
Established to promote energy efficiency and renewable energy for Oregon customers of Pacific Power, Portland General Electric and NW Natural, the Trust is supporting small-scale and community wind projects through an anemometer loan program and financial support.

A Comparative Analysis of Community Wind Power Development Options in Oregon

Small Wind Electric Systems: An Oregon Consumer's Guide

Washington

WSU Energy Programs
WSU provides staff support to the Washington Wind Working Group. Contact: Mike Nelson, 206-396-8446

A Guidebook for Estimating the Local Economic Benefits of Small Wind Power Projects for Rural Counties in Washington State

Small Wind Electric Systems: A Washington Consumer's Guide