Wind power in Virginia : an innovative strategy to barrier mitigation

Abstract

A viable, and potentially valuable, wind resource exists in the Commonwealth of Virginia. However, this clean energy source is to date only partially characterized and barely exploited. In response to several initiatives put forth by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and supported by the National Renewable Energy Laboratories and Virginia’s Department of Mines, Minerals, and Energy, most notably the Wind Powering America initiative, the Virginia Wind Energy Collaborative (VWEC) was formed in 2002. This organization links several academic, state, and private institutions seeking to attain a common goal – first the expansion of wind energy to become a key component in the Commonwealth’s energy supply portfolio, and second the development of a robust wind energy industry in Virginia. The collaborative has thus far identified, and is active in developing and implementing, a collection of technical resources, progressive policies, and legislative actions to support this goal.