In recent years, incremental technological advances have improved numerous aspects of wind plants, including productivity, durability, monitoring, grid support and construction. With the best wind resources in the United States already developed by early wind adopters, developers are increasingly building plants on lower wind sites, taking advantage of better technology to make these facilities cost-effective. Whether cooperatives plan to own wind plants or sign wind power purchase agreements, it is important for them to play an active role in comprehensive upfront evaluations to ensure successful project development.
This report reviews the latest in wind generation technology to assist members in their planning and decision-making.
