Harnessing the Wind
MU scientist spearheads search for Missouri’s windy places
University of Missouri atmospheric scientists have installed anemometers on cell phone and radio towers in five locations across Missouri to learn if there's enough wind to create a viable alternative energy source.
"It is too early to tell, but the first data look good," said Neil Fox, who has plans to install the measuring devices on another five towers.
Current tower locations are near Miami, in Raytown close to Arrowhead Stadium, Maryville, Blanchard and Mound City. Likely additional sites are near Chillicothe, Joplin, Springfield and Kirksville.
Direct measurements can be compared to wind map models to identify the most promising locations for placing wind farms.
Based on wind map models, Northwest Missouri appears to be the most promising location for commercial-scale energy production, Fox said. There may be scattered locations in the rest of the state with wind energy potential.
Fox also found interest from individuals or communities wanting to generate small amounts of electricity to sell back to the utility companies. They see this as an opportunity to raise additional revenue.
"You're talking about a fairly large investment, so you want to be sure to make it worthwhile," he said. "I hope we will be able to provide some confirmation of where the good areas are."
Flat areas of land or tips of ridges provide the best locations while forests, such as those found in the Ozarks, and large cities tend to be less favorable for wind energy production.
The standard to get useful energy is an average of seven meters or 15.5 miles per hour during a year. Wind speeds will be measured at 220, 330 and 495 feet.
Funding to the research comes from state and federal agencies and four of the state's utility companies.
