While wind turbines and wind farms represent an effective source of clean energy just about anywhere they’re used, data suggests that some places, commonly referred to as “hotspots”, are far better than others when it comes to wind power generation. These locations have two things in common; consistently high wind speeds with minimal seasonal deviation.

Is the “hotspot” label justified, and if it is, what is it about these areas (apart from the abundance of wind) that makes it so? In this article, we’ll identify the wind turbine hotspots that span the globe and dig into the plans for getting the most energy out of these locations.

Global Wind Turbine Hotspots and the Study that Identified Them

There are many places around the globe that record regular high winds. Strong winds, however, are not the only criteria that determine a location’s suitability for large scale wind farm investment. There are numerous factors to consider when assessing a location’s viability, considerations that can take a great deal of time and resources. Recent studies, like the one titled, Identification of reliable locations for wind power generation through a global analysis of wind droughts and authored by researchers at the Carnegie Institution for Science in Stanford, painstakingly analyzed climate data and wind strength trends dating back to 1979. 

The result of the study indicated that several geographic locations, the American Midwest, Australia, Argentina, and Central Asia (among others), possessed the ideal combination of high power density and low seasonal variation to support wind farm development. 

As we will explore in the sections that follow however, it is not just the areas’ wind conditions that make them suitable candidates. 

What is a Wind Drought and Why Does It Matter for Wind Energy Reliability?

One of the main criticisms of wind power is the risk of what is called a “wind drought”. A wind drought is exactly what it sounds like; a prolonged period of low wind speeds that, in the context of wind power generation, results in suboptimal energy production. Due to the world’s insatiable need for electricity, wind power’s growing contribution to the global energy mix, and the cost of wind farm infrastructure, a wind drought of any duration can be disastrous, especially in places that rely heavily on the technology to feed the grid. 

Wind droughts can occur anywhere and have been recorded in Northern Europe (2021), the Western and Southern parts of the United States (2015), and India (2020). Each of these areas felt the effects of the wind drought through a considerable loss in energy production. The wind drought that hit Europe exacerbated an already strained electrical system that was already struggling to meet demand thanks in part to low natural gas reserves and high market prices. In the U.S., wind energy production, which accounted for roughly 6% of the wind power produced in the western interconnection, was severely reduced during the recent wind drought. Lastly, India’s wind drought during their peak summer monsoon season, resulted in a 24% wind energy reduction compared to the previous year. 

The Global Wind Turbine “Hotspots”

The following represent just a few of the global wind turbine hotpots highlighted in the research conducted by the Carnegie Institution for Science. 

The American Midwest

This region of the continental United States is often associated with vast stretches of productive farmland, but it also holds enormous potential as a powerhouse of renewable energy generation. Thanks to a combination of abundant natural resources, open landscapes, and access to advanced energy technologies, the Midwest is well-positioned to lead the nation in wind power development.

Several states stand out for their contributions and potential. Texas, Iowa, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Illinois currently rank as the top five wind power–producing states in the country. Their strong and consistent wind patterns, coupled with large areas of low population density, make them ideal for utility-scale wind energy projects. These states also have significant tracts of land that remain available for future development, suggesting that their renewable energy potential is far from fully tapped.

Much of this land is currently used for agriculture—but increasingly, farmers are recognizing the opportunity to diversify their income by leasing space for wind turbines. This approach offers the benefits of dual income streams, helping to support rural economies and sustain traditional ways of life in communities that have faced economic and demographic challenges in recent decades.

Australia

The geography of Australia puts the country in a league of its own in terms of wind energy generation. With thousands upon thousands of miles of coastline, the island nation represents an ideal location for on and offshore wind farm projects. More specifically, the states of Victoria and South Australia generate over 18 gigawatt hours of electricity, enough to power around 13 million homes. Australia has greenlit dozens of additional wind farm projects as it looks to position itself as a “renewable energy superpower”.

Argentina

Like Australia, Argentina boasts many miles of coastlines and vast plains making it an ideal location for wind energy production. As we’ve noted with the other hotspots however, geography alone does not make a region a “wind generation hotspot”. In addition to possessing the space required and having exposure to strong winds, the country itself must also be committed to developing an environment that is conducive to wind farm development. Case and point, the government of Argentina has made it a priority to reduce the national carbon footprint and diversify its energy mix, a position that is fueled by the country’s Renewable Energy Law which was enacted in 2015.

Central Asia

China, it may come as no surprise, is already a global leader in wind energy production, and the largest manufacturer of wind power equipment. The country’s vast resources and control of the supply chain have allowed it to erect the largest installed capacity of any other nation on Earth (i.e. 442,000 megawatts as of 2023). Like Argentina, China has committed to developing their renewable energy capabilities and reducing its reliance on fossil fuels as the nation’s primary energy source. Considerable space and coastline combined with the will to grow onshore and offshore wind farms will continue to solidify China’s place as a global leader in wind energy production. 

Global Wind Hotspots Represent Significant Opportunity

In an era bearing witness to unprecedented growth in wind power generation, it may be difficult for some to identify places where the opportunity is greatest. Armed with historical meteorological and geographical data and with visibility into favorable legislative policies, that process becomes much easier.

The global hotspots mentioned above share more than just consistently strong wind speeds and low seasonal variability. Each region benefits from vast expanses of open land and geographical features that promote high wind density—factors that make them especially well-suited for large-scale wind energy development.

If you’re interested in joining the growing wind energy sector and contributing to the installation and maintenance of wind turbines in these regions—or others like them—consider training to become a Wind Turbine Technician. George Brown College can help you take that first step. Contact a Program Consultant toll-free at 1-888-553-5333 or by email at [email protected] to learn more and start the conversation.