Winds in Kotzebue

Part 3 of 4

The winds in Kotzebue are excellent for use in producing electric power because they are:

Energetic

The annual average wind speed at KEA's wind farm is 13.5 miles per hour, almost twice the average wind speeds as noted by the National Weather Service for Anchorage, Alaska's largest city. Winds in Kotzebue are stronger in winter, when the community needs more electricity.

Dense

Air masses moved by the wind are "thicker" at sea level atmospheric pressure and in cold weather. Higher density gives the wind more force than it might have elsewhere at the same speed.

Clean/Smooth:

The flat tundra allows the wind to blow at its full force, without being broken or jumbled by trees or other landscape features that would make the airflow more turbulent.

Part 1: Harnessing the Wind
Part 2: AOC 15/50 Wind Turbine
Part 3: Winds in Kotzebue
Part 4: Wind Energy Production