The U.S. Geolgoical Survey, along with the Wyoming State Geological Survey, have released a detailed energy map of southwestern Wyoming. The map captures details on coal and wind energy resources, along with the infrastructure to transport the energy. The project was developed as a component of the Wyoming Landscape Conservation Initiative (WLCI).
The Geographic Information System (GIS) contains 100 layers for display and analysis. It compiles coal — including coal-bed methane — and wind resources data in southwestern Wyoming. It also adds maps and information on electrical energy sources in southwestern Wyoming to previously published maps of oil and gas development for the entire state.
“This map ably demonstrates the value of the USGS’s integrated science, that reaches across both conventional and renewable energy sources to provide new products in a seamless manner,” said USGS Director Marcia McNutt. “Users are able to immediately assess the geographic extent of power production from different sources as well as the relative capacity as the nation’s energy mix evolves with time.”
Wyoming contains significant wind energy potential. Electrical generation capacity of eight wind farms operating in southwestern Wyoming was approximately 674 megawatts in 2010, with an additional five wind energy projects proposed or underway. Nationwide, wind capacity reached 39,135 megawatts in 2010.
For more information on this map and other USGS energy resources, visit the USGS Energy Resources Program and for other WLCI efforts please visit the Wyoming Landscape Conservation Initiative.
