Additional wind capacity and needed transmission lines are under construction or planned, despite political headwinds from Wyoming's strong coal and oil sectors.[4] Wyoming's geography of high-altitude prairies with broad ridges makes the state an ideal site for the development of wind resources.Other factors that positively affect Wyoming's wind power development potential include transmission capabilities,[5] the high energy needs of nearby population centers,[5] high public support of wind power development in the state (97% support),[6] and the historical importance of energy sectors to the state's economy.The first two wind turbines in Wyoming were constructed in Medicine Bow on September 4, 1982, by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the United States Department of Energy.Mayor of Medicine Bow Gerald Cook held an event with 500 residents at the construction site and declared September 4 "Wind Turbine Day.PacifiCorp, the owner, "believe[s] this is the first wind facility in the West to recycle land that once provided fossil fuels into one that captures renewable energy."[18] (gigawatt-hours)[3] (Installed megawatts)[2] In November 2008, the New York Times reported a land rush in Wyoming in anticipation of future wind power development projects.
At the end of 2013 Wyoming had the highest per capita wind power capacity.
Monthly wind energy generation in Wyoming from 2001 to 2024, measured in thousand megawatt-hours.
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