Wind as a renewable resource does not have to be purchased, but rather captured through strategically located turbines to generate power. Many states across the U.S. are diversifying their energy portfolios to include renewable sources such as wind power. Indiana which is quickly becoming home to large utility scale wind farms to help meet this growing demand. Indiana’s state wind resource at higher altitudes and power transmission capability make the state a player in this emerging industry. Just as importantly, our state has welcomed the substantial surge of economic development opportunity throughout our rural communities. Small wind turbine installations are a unique opportunity and should be considered with a different set of parameters to determine their viability. The resources and tools available through this website will help guide you and your community when making important decisions about integrating with wind energy.

Wind Energy Publications

The Wind Energy Ordinance Process for Local Government

(ID-407-W) (PDF)

Update on County Wind Ordinance Development Progress
August 2008 (PDF)	February 2009 (PDF)

Indiana Wind Energy Ordinance Library

 

Energy from the Wind: Planning for a Small Wind Turbine in Rural Areas of Indiana

(ID-408-W) (PDF)

Indiana Small Wind Guide
PDF)

Wind Energy Tools

windNavigator™ (AWS Truewind)

Developed by AWS Truewind, windNavigator™ is an online tool targeted to utility-scale wind development. This online application allows users to explore wind speeds using a 2.5 km resolution wind map and obtain high resolution wind maps and GIS data for wind project siting and analysis.

Small Wind Economic Model

A spreadsheet tool that can help you analyze the economics of a small wind electric system and decide whether wind energy will work for you. (MS Excel 102kb)

GIS Wind Maps

From the Indiana Department of Transportation and Indiana Geological Survey (Click on the “Environment and Biology” link, then click on the “Management areas and Misc.”)

Indiana 50m Wind Map
U.S. Department of Energy - National Renewable Energy Laboratory

Wind Energy Links

Windustry - Land Lease Agreement Resources


American Wind Energy Association (AWEA)

The national trade association for the wind energy industry.

• Status of large scale wind energy developments in Indiana
• List of small wind turbine equipment manufacturers and suppliers

Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE)

US Department of Energy web site for information on energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies.

How does a Wind Turbine Work?

Illinois Wind

Hosted by the Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs, the Illinois Wind Web site is a resource for the expansion and integration of wind power throughout rural Illinois.

Indiana Office of Energy and Defense Development (OED)

Develops and coordinates the state’s energy plan and offers grant funding through its Alternative Power and Energy program as well as its Residential Geothermal Rebate program.

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)

A strategic partner with Purdue Extension and a network of selected Universities across the U.S. to provide wind energy outreach.

USDA Rural Development

Coordinates the REAP or Rural Energy for America Program which provides grant funding and loan guarantees for installing renewable energy systems, or to improve energy efficiency for producers and small businesses located in rural areas.

USDA Rural Development REAP Grant and Loan Program Brochure (PDF)

Wisconsin’s Focus on Energy – Renewable Energy Case Studies and Fact Sheets

Great Lakes Wind Collaborative Bibliography