Identification and assessment of potential wind energy project sites in the State of Maryland
Identification and assessment of potential wind energy project sites in the State of Maryland
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Date
2009-06
Authors
Conroy, Erin M.
Green, David A.
Hannam, Phillip M.
Kosmer, Matthew R.
Meiseles, Alexander S.
Roach, Emma K.
Singhania, Sumegha K.
Zhang, Amy D.
Advisor
Kim, Jungho
Citation
DRUM DOI
Abstract
The international scientific community has reached consensus that greenhouse gas
emissions must be reduced to minimize global climate change impacts on the
environment, economy, and public health. In 2007, the University of Maryland's
Climate Action Plan Workgroup was tasked with charting the University’s path
toward carbon neutrality. To aid in this effort, this report identifies the best sites in
Western Maryland for wind development. Geographic information systems data on
wind speed, land protections, and transmission infrastructure were used to assign
scores for physical, social and environmental characteristics of prospective
sites. Attribute scores were entered into a systematic weighting system to determine
overall site suitability. A financial analysis was conducted for the highest ranked
sites using RETScreen software, which generated projections for payback periods and
return on investment. The list of suitable sites produced through this research
provides the University with a starting point for exploration of off-site wind power
production.
Notes
Gemstone Team Renewables