Wind power in Alaska


Wind power in Alaska has the potential to provide all of the electricity used in the U.S. state of Alaska. From its installation, in July 2009 through October 2012, the Pillar Mountain Wind 4.5 MW wind farm has saved the use of nearly of diesel fuel in Kodiak, Alaska.

Potential production

In early 2010, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory released the first comprehensive update of wind energy potential by state since 1993, showing that Alaska has the potential to install 494,700 MW of wind power, capable of generating 1,620,000 million kWh/year. Alaska used 6,291 million kWh in 2011.

Projects

The following is a table comparing the growth of wind power capacity in Alaska and the entire United States by year.
YearAlaska MWUS MW
200519,149
2006211,603
2007216,819
2008425,170
2009935,159
2010940,180
20111146,919
20125960,005
20136261,110
20146265,877
20156272,472
201964105,583