NC Sustainable Energy Conference Coastal NC Windpower NC Sustainable Energy Conference April 15, 2009 Bob Leker Renewables Program Manager State Energy Office

North Carolina Wind Resources Significant resources on the coastal and mountain regions. Across the state, NC has over 1,844,000 acres of land suitable for harvesting utility-scale wind (excluding federal ocean waters), in class 3 – 4 (average annual wind speeds of 14.8-16.8 mph at 50 meters above the surface of the earth.

Coastal North Carolina Opportunities Coastal NC has the land area and wind resource for vast wind farms. The Pamlico and Albemarle Sounds hold the highest potential for wind energy in NC Issues Exclusion zones (sensitive habitat & military use zones) Transmission Capacity

Offshore Wind Benefits Better wind resources Less turbulence – steadier wind Higher wind = better energy production Higher capacity factors – load matching Less visual impacts than land-based. Avoids land-based size limits Shipping – Roadway limits Erection – Crane limits Larger machines are more economical. Cape Wind had

NC Model Wind Ordinance Developed by NC WWG for county use Addresses setbacks, noise, shadow flicker, & decommissioning Also notes suggested zoning districts for different size projects

Horns Rev – Condensation Vapor Trails