A Case-based Study for Mountain-based Wind Energy

The high wind energy resources available in mountainous regions can help the US to achieve deep grid decarbonization goals. However, unlocking these resources has proved difficult due to complex topology, infrastructure, policies, community and environmental issues. In this project, a highly interdisciplinary research team with critical expertise and experience will identify the main challenges associated with mountain-based wind energy to help develop a new framework using an integrated sociotechno-economic-political viewpoint. For this, we propose to investigate a prototypical site in Appalachia which has had a wide array of challenges as well as successes: Rocky Forge Wind in Botetourt County. This site is planned to have 75.6 MW of rated capacity which can power 20,000 homes and create 150 jobs. To investigate stakeholder views for this planned site, we will conduct interviews with residents, wind farm developers, wind turbine manufacturers, environmentalists, government officials, business leaders, and members of community programs. This investigation can help inform a society-focused framework for next-generation mountain-based wind farms with strong community benefits (jobs, infrastructure, tax revenue, environmental preservation. This EI-led project is an important first step toward achieving goals of deep grid decarbonization in Appalachia, and then extending these nationally and internationally.

This EI project will explore the development characteristics (potential issues and benefits) of a prototypical mountain-based site in Appalachia by: a) investigating view of stakeholders (communities, governments, developers, manufacturers, environmentalists, etc.) via multiple interviews. b) considering how these results could inform a framework for co-design and development for mountain-based sites for broad and equitable social benefit (Justice40, 2022 and CEJS, 2022). c) disseminating the results (with faculty and student authorship) by submitting a conference and journal paper manuscripts.