The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) WINDExchange platform provides easy-to-follow resources to help developers, communities, and individuals understand the benefits and impacts of wind energy, wind energy technology, and wind energy project development. We share the best available fact-based wind energy information, empowering U.S. communities to understand and participate in the wind energy siting, permitting, and installation processes.
WINDExchange is supported by experts from DOE's Integrated Energy Systems Office and national labs, including the National Laboratory of the Rockies, Sandia National Laboratories, and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. These experts specialize in topics like utility-scale and distributed wind energy; wind resource assessment; wind energy and wildlife; the wind energy industry workforce; and more, lending their knowledge and research to the development of WINDExchange’s resources.
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Graphic by Josh Bauer, NRELWhat Is Wind Energy?
Learn about harnessing wind power and the ways it can be used.
Where Is the Wind?
Check out maps of wind speeds across the country and states. See what the wind is like in your area at heights typical of turbines.
Photo from Dennis Schroeder, NRELHosting or Living Near Wind Farms
Learn what you need to know about installing a wind turbine in your area. Be sure to also learn more about:
- Location selection (including ordinances, permitting, and end-of-service options)
- Local impacts (including benefits, safety, sound, and environment and wildlife)
- Economic considerations (including costs, land leases, installation, and farm development).
Robin and Duncan Ross installed a Bergey 10-kW turbine on a 120' SSL tower in Lockport, New York.Photo from Niagara Wind & Solar, IncHow Do Permitting and Zoning Limits Work?
Securing permits and zoning approval is an essential step for all energy projects. The processes and information required for permitting residential and commercial wind projects vary across applications and geographic areas. Review our local ordinance database and handy guidebooks on:
Explore Detailed Information
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There are many factors to consider when choosing a location for a wind turbine or wind farm, such as (but not limited to) the wind resource potential in the area, proximity to existing power lines, and potential environmental impacts.May 18, 2026 -
Wind energy projects provide many economic benefits, including direct and indirect employment, land lease payments, local tax revenue, and lower electricity rates.May 18, 2026 -
This provides information to help communities understand the physical impacts of local wind energy development and answer questions about the technologyMay 18, 2026 -
Researchers are working with academics, industry employers, standards offices, and job seekers to support workforce growth to close the “wind energy workforce gap” as well as establish safety and training guidance and best practices.May 18, 2026
Find What You Are Looking For
Use the resource finding tool to navigate to WINDExchange resources on basics, economics, installation and development, benefits and impacts, location siting, and workforce and training for career seekers, educators or students, interested landowners, community members or organization staff, and government or Tribal nation members, staff, or decision makers.
Contact Us
If you have questions, please contact us by email. For media requests, contact DOE's media relations. Thank you.
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Relevant News and Events
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DOE-funded grid-enhancing technologies such as dynamic line rating help utilities safely deliver more power, ensuring a more reliable and cost-effective electric system ready to meet the nation’s growing energy demand.November 13, 2025 -
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) selected 27 innovators and entrepreneurs to join the latest cohorts in its Lab-Embedded Entrepreneurship Program (LEEP).August 8, 2025
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U.S. Department of Energy's Wind Energy Technologies Office and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory Announce $6.25 million for Aerodynamics Research on Large Wind TurbinesJanuary 17, 2025 -
The 12 finalist teams will compete throughout the spring and present their work during the American Power Association's CLEANPOWER 2025 Conference and Exhibition.January 17, 2025