Launched in 2022, the On-Site Wind for Rural Load Centers (On-Site Wind) initiative is a multi-laboratory research effort that empowers rural communities to realize the potential of distributed wind energy and tackle obstacles to accessible, reliable and affordable energy. The initiative is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Wind Energy Technologies Office. Idaho National Laboratory collaborated with Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association and Iowa State University to address technical, economic and social barriers to distributed wind adoption.

On-site wind energy, also called distributed wind, refers to wind energy that is primarily produced and consumed locally. Typically, these wind installations are relatively small, ranging in size from a single turbine to utility-scale projects connected to the local distribution utility. Both front-of-the-meter and behind-the-meter wind installations may be considered on-site wind.

The On-Site Wind initiative is developing templates for wind-hybrid systems tailored to local load demands, improving the resilience of wind energy systems and demonstrating the value of distributed wind to users. Each system is uniquely designed for the project constraints and energy needs, but the process is being streamlined through analysis of resources, resilience goals and value streams for different load types.

Through engagement with rural communities and key industry and academic partners, this initiative is providing technical assistance and guidance to match wind systems to local energy needs.

The initiative is also:

• Justifying the cost of distributed wind-hybrid systems with a user-friendly valuation tool to help stakeholders make informed decisions
• Focusing on energy and value stream maximization
• Streamlining processes for wind adoption
• Making energy benefits tangible and accessible to all