1. Oklahoma Wind Rush: A Collaborative Approach to Sustainable Energy Developmentby
Mark Meo
University of Oklahoma
Workshop on Energy, Environmental Impacts, and Sustainability
Kansas State University
January 4, 2006
Manhattan, Kansas

2. National Wind Power Atlas 1987

3. Oklahoma Annual Average Windpower

4. Wind Energy: Cost of Wind-Generated Electricity
1980 to 2005 Levelized Cents/kWh
38 cents 40 35 30 25 20
Cents per kWh
The cost of producing electricity from wind energy has declined more than 80%, from about 38 cents per kilowatt-hour in the early 80s to a current range of 3 to 6 cents per kilowatt-hour levelized over a plant's lifetime.
In the not-too-distant future, analysts predict, wind energy costs could fall even lower than most conventional fossil fuel generators, reaching a cost of 2.5 cents per kilowatt-hour.
The important wind energy Production Tax Credit (PTC) -- referenced in this slide's footnote -- will be discussed later in the presentation. 15 10 15 5 10 8 6 * 4
'80
'80
'84
'84
‘85
'88
'88
'89
'89
'91
'91
'92
'92
'95
'95
'97
'97
''00
‘00
2005
2005
* Assumptions: Levelized cost at excellent wind sites, large project size, not including PTC (post 1994)

5. Europe
Europe

6. Elements of Policy Change
Problem (Opportunity) Stream
Politics Stream
Policy Stream
Window of Opportunity
Policy entrepreneurs can:
1) Create conditions to open a window and then act; or
2) Propose new initiatives when a window is opened.
Initial Strategy:
Recognize that Oklahoma is a developer-driven economy
Characterize the wind power development opportunity and stimulate political interest
Identify and recruit policy champions
Use the above actions to open a policy window

7. The Oklahoma Mesonet

8. Oklahoma Wind Power Initiative
Began in Summer 2000 with OK Commerce Dept. and DOE support (Wind Powering America)
Focused attention on Texas wind development
Texas utility deregulation in 1999 mandated 2,880 MW by January 1, 2009
Instated a Renewable Portfolio Standard (3%)
Proposed development of wind power map of OK using Mesonet data
DOE requested wind power workshop in Spring 2001 (Also held in ’02 and ’03)

9. Wind Power Map for Oklahoma (Empirical Model using Neural Networks)
*OK has twice the wind energy potential per square mile as Texas!
Results thought to be conservative: continued work will improve model

10. OWPI’s Wind Resource Map Online

11. Wind Power Development Strategy
Ignored environmental benefits
Stressed economic benefits, e.g. Royalty payments of $2,000 per turbine
Highlighted competitive advantage of Texas wind power development
Distributed state wind power density maps to elected officials and land owners
Formed a non-profit advocacy group (OREC) and a lobbying group (OREF)

12. OK Renewable Energy Council
Renewable energy stakeholders meet monthly
Who we are: The Oklahoma Renewable Energy Council (OREC) is a broad coalition of individuals, companies, organizations, and agencies working to develop Oklahoma’s bountiful renewable energy resources. These resources include wind, solar, biomass, and small-scale hydroelectric.
What we stand for: We believe that Oklahoma needs to aggressively develop its renewable resources to spur economic development (particularly in rural areas), improve the environment, and preserve our state’s position as a net electricity exporter. Oklahoma is blessed with abundant natural gas and renewable energy, and we believe these complementary energy resources represent the future of a clean domestic energy supply. Renewable energy; with no fuel costs, very low operating costs, and unlimited supply; can help stabilize long- term energy prices – reducing the risk of price spikes.
What we do: OREC serves as the central voice for Oklahoma’s renewable energy advocates. Our membership is open and there are no costs to participate. We meet monthly to:
Share information on opportunities and challenges
Provide education and outreach to the public
Support landowners in developing their natural resources
Advise the Oklahoma Utility Restructuring Task Force
Provide analytical and technical (e.g., wind resource mapping) support for Oklahoma’s legislators and national representatives
OREC web site:
Address: P.O. Box 6088, Norman, Oklahoma

13. Wind Power Incentives
Senate Bill 440 signed by Gov. Frank Keating in June 2001
Oklahoma Zero-Emission Energy Production Tax Credit
Took effect January 1, 2002
.75 cents/kwh Jan. 1, ‘02 – Jan. 1, ’04
.50 cents/kwh Jan. 1, ’04 – Jan. 1, ’07
.25 cents/kwh Jan. 1, ’07 – Jan. 1, ‘12
OK Renewable Portfolio Standard – Not Yet

14. Oklahoma Wind Farms Blue Canyon I and II (Northwest of Lawton, OK)
74.25 MW (Western Farmers Electric Coop)
151.2 MW 2005 (Public Service Co.)
Woodward, OK Wind Energy Center
51 MW (OK Municipal Power Authority)
51 MW (Oklahoma Gas & Electric)
Weatherford, OK Wind Energy Center
106.5 MW 2005 (Public Service Co.)
40.5 MW 2005 (Public Service Co.)
Total at end of 2005: MW

15. States With Active Large Wind Power & Ranking for Potential5 1 9 4 7 10 6 11 3 8 12 17
30 states have active wind power development
Oklahoma is the only one of the top 10 states without some large-scale wind development. 2
Oklahoma is ranked #8 in US for potential wind energy production. Oklahoma has over twice the estimated wind energy production, per square mile, of Texas.

16. Current Wind Policy Policy Champions
Rep. James Covey
Sen. Kevin Easley
Sen. James Maddox
OK Corporation Commissioner Denise Bode (President of SW Power Pool’s Regional State Committee)
OREC, Electric Power Utilities and Wind Power Developers
Legislature’s Wind Power Advisory Committee Report
Emphasis on Public Education and Accessible Information
Focus on Oklahoma’s Most Promising Renewable Resources
OK Department of Commerce (State Energy Office)
Added Renewable Energy Staff
Convene Annual Emerging Energy Technology Conference

17. Current Wind Policy OWPI
Continue and strengthen collaborative partnerships
Research, Outreach, Education
Expanding renewable energy portfolio
Produce more detailed GIS maps
Accessible at

18. Current Tall Tower Locations