States With The Most Installed Wind Energy Infrastructure

Wind is a major driver when it comes to the transition towards renewable energy. While wind energy isn’t effective everywhere, certain states have been able to utilize it on a large scale. Let’s look at who these states are and what has allowed them to successfully develop and rely on wind energy.

Texas

Texas is the number one state when it comes to installed wind capacity, with 36,008 MW as of 2023. Areas in the Panhandle and West Texas are especially ideal for wind energy generation due to their consistent strong wind patterns. With strong existing infrastructure and potential for offshore development in the Gulf of Mexico, Texas is well positioned for future growth and development when it comes to wind energy

Oklahoma

Oklahoma is another state that leads the country when it comes to installed wind capacity. As of 2023, the state has 11,680 MW of wind capacity. The west and center regions of the state are most ideal for wind energy generation due to their flat terrain and predictable weather. As a state that has historically relied on fossil fuels for energy, this transition to wind power has helped reduce the state’s environmental impact while creating jobs in the renewable energy industry. As energy storage and transmission systems evolve, Oklahoma has potential to become a major exporter of wind energy to the southwest region of the US.

Iowa

Iowa is the third ranking state when it comes to installed wind capacity. As of 2023, Iowa has 9,891 MW of installed wind capacity. The state’s flat terrain and predictable wind patterns (especially in its north and western regions) make it an ideal candidate for wind generation. Legislative programs such as the state’s Wind Energy Production Tax Credit incentivize developers and investors to establish necessary infrastructure for the state’s wind power generation. Overall Iowa has positioned itself as a national leader when it comes to wind energy capacity and will continue to scale its wind operations in coming years.

Kansas

The state of Kansas is another example of a state that has successfully developed widespread wind energy infrastructure. As of 2023, Kansas has a total installed wind capacity of 8,152 MW. Kansas is one of the windiest in the country, making its vast plains ideal spots for wind energy generation. The state has a lot of future growth potential as it has large areas of undeveloped land, likely to be utilized for renewable energy generation. Overall Kansas is a good example of a state which has successfully built out their wind energy infrastructure and will likely continue to grow their renewable sector in the near future.

Illinois

Illinois is the fifth ranking state when it comes to total installed wind capacity, with 7,191 MW as of 2023. The consistent and predictable wind patterns in the state mixed with flat terrain and agricultural land make Illinois an ideal spot for wind energy generation. In recent years, the state has successfully incentivized investment in wind energy through its statewide energy rebates. As renewable energy generation and transmission becomes more prevalent in the future, Illinois has positioned itself as a potential exporter to nearby states with less renewable energy development such as Michigan.

While wind energy generation might not be the best renewable option for every state, states in the southwest and midwest are especially ideal candidates. As time goes on and renewable energy transmission improves, these states could be pivotal when it comes to widespread wind energy transfer.