| Title: | Overview of a GIS-Based Wind Energy Siting Study for the State of Rhode Island |
| Authors: | Deborah Crowley, Danny Mendelsohn, Dennis Loria |
| Date/Time | Wednesday, November 7 ~ 8:45 am - 10:15 am |
| Abstract: | In January, 2006, the State of Rhode Island established the RIWINDS program to promote the development of wind energy in the State. The program goal is to deliver 15% of the State’s average electrical demand from wind power. A study was commissioned by the State and awarded to the Applied Technology & Management (ATM) team to determine the most viable land-based and nearby offshore sites to meet the program goal. This study was performed using ESRI's ArcView GIS software as the main site screening tool. After an initial step of identifying indicative project types and their characteristics, a two level screening process was applied to all pertinent spatial layers within the study area to identify the most viable sites. The first level of screening excluded inappropriate land/water areas and clearly uneconomical wind areas. The second level analysis excluded "difficult" development areas such as areas with potentially adverse environmental impacts, difficult regulatory requirements, likely public opposition and/or significant engineering requirements which would lead to excessive costs. Once sites were identified, energy estimates and an economical analysis were used to provide further insight into the potential of each site. This process using GIS helped show that the state's goal is achievable. |
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