Wind Reports and Data
State wind maps are available online to see if the wind resource in your area will meet your needs.
The Wind Resource Analysis Program (WRAP) Report contains data (including wind rose) for years 1995 through 2001 collected from wind monitoring sites sponsored by the Division of Energy Resources.
Historical data on utility scale wind capacity and generation is available through the Energy Information Administration (EIA) State Renewable Electricity profiles. Click on the hyperlink for "Minnesota" to access these statistics.
Minnesota is in the top five for states with wind power capacity installed (through Q1 2012) according to the American Wind Energy Association.
A statewide study of dispersed renewable generation potential. Identifies locations in the existing transmission grid where projects could be operated. The study was done in two phases. Includes a total of six reports. In the document search link above, select Energy Data and Reports and go to the topic called Dispersed Renewable Generation. (supply and distribution – main, solar, wind, bio – secondary)
The Minnesota Utility Data Book provides aggregate information reported by Minnesota utilities through 2008. It also provides data reported by individual companies for the year 2008.
The Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) is one of the most important planning tools and road maps for each electric utility. In general, the goal of an IRP is to set out a reasonable plan to ensure that a utility can meet its customers’ needs in a reliable and low-cost manner. The word “integrated” refers to the goal of ensuring that the utility uses both generation and demand-response resources. The Division of Energy Resources ensures that the utility has a reasonable (e.g., low-cost and in compliance with statutes) plan to meet its customers’ needs. Further, based on the division’s analysis, the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission determines in an IRP whether or not a utility has made a “good-faith effort” to meet Minnesota’s renewable energy standard (RES).