As a native of Wyoming and a person who lived in Laramie for a total of 9 years, let me be the first to tell you that Wyoming can be a windy place. As in, the kind of wind that makes you look up every once and awhile to see if a house is about to fall from the sky and give someone the chance to steal your pair of ruby slippers.
But, there are benefits to Wyoming wind.
A recent study conducted by the University of Wyoming's Wind Energy Research Center has reportedly demonstrated "that combining the strengths of Wyoming wind with California wind and solar will reduce the intermittency of renewable energy and smooth the power supply – leading to benefits for utilities and energy consumers alike."
The study is entitled "Wind Diversity Enhancement of Wyoming/California Wind Energy Projects: Phase 2" and follows the earlier 2013 phase of the study.
The Wyoming Infrastructure Authority press release states that the study confirms that Wyoming and California wind patterns are not only very different, but also very complementary; California wind is generally strongest at night, while Wyoming wind is strongest during the day. Seasonal differences in wind patterns between states were also noted.
Why is this important? The study shows that by combining complementary renewable resources, utilities can ensure less variable and more predictable supplies – big news for California and its push to increase its renewable energy portfolio and in consideration of the drought the state faces. The study shows that there are apparent benefits to geographic diversification of wind resources.
The Casper Star Tribune also recently reported that "California regulators could achieve savings in water use, electricity rates and greenhouse emissions by turning to Wyoming wind."
There truly are benefits to Wyoming wind...
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