An Assessment of Wind Power as an Alternative Energy Source in North Carolina

A GIS Approach

Abstract

With the exponential price increases and costs associated with conventional forms of energy, one must seriously consider the advantages of integrating alternative forms of energy with those already in existence. This energy comes from many different sources and their predominance within geographic regions relies on a variety of physical factors. These alternative resources include solar energy, wind power, biomass and tidal forces. However, ancillary issues associated with harnessing this energy include the transportation of this energy to populated areas, aesthetics, the degradation of wildlife and the socio-political dynamics required to implement these practices. Wind has proven to be an inexpensive alternative energy source in the United States. This paper
will use GIS to study the feasibility of using wind as a viable energy source in North Carolina.