Wind Power Proposal

There has been much debate recently regarding Vermont’s wind power suitability and the potential expansion of our wind power program.  Currently, there are 3 operating wind farms in the state with 3 more scheduled for future construction.  While public support is high for these projects, opposition groups have been very vocal against building any such turbines along Vermont ridgelines.  Even with such resistance to new wind power programs, Vermont’s overall interest in alternative energy sources is pushing this process forward, meaning that finding potential locations to place such turbines is imperative.

            The plan for creating a model for potential turbine sites is very similar to the locating a new town lesson found in the Dinamica instruction manual.  By narrowing possible sites via current land use cover, we can ensure that any locations won’t pose a direct threat to any important natural habitats. Additionally, sites will be restricted based on feasibility of construction, meaning that any areas that contain slopes too steep for truck access won’t be considered.  Lastly, wind power potential will be considered so that areas with high energy outputs will be preferential to those that would yield smaller figures.

            The functors that would be used to accomplish this map are a combination of Calculate Map and Calculate Categorical Map functors.  The calculate map functors will be used first to select data from the slope and wind energy maps and eventually to combine these inputs into a single map. The categorical map will be used to choose specific land use types that will be preferential to future wind power use.

            As society continues its search for viable energy alternatives to fossil fuels, renewable sources such as wind and solar power will continue to gain momentum due to their minimal toll on the environment.  This being said, one aspect that remains difficult to measure is the effect that any wind turbine would have on migrating bird populations that stop in Vermont on their paths north and south. Turbines have been documented as potential risks to local raptor populations, so it would have to be ensured that responsible planning occur to minimize any negative effects the turbines might cause.