A QGIS-based assessment of wind energy potential in US forests: an experiment in Oregon

This paper addresses the research gap regarding US forest wind potential by describing the technical, economic, environmental, and social dimensions of wind energy development in forested areas, specifically privately owned forests in the USA. Geographic information system (GIS) analysis identified over 47 000 hectares of private industrial forest in Oregon with wind speeds >6 m/s at 100 m height, though infrastructure and regulatory constraints narrow viable sites considerably. Findings further reveal that while forest wind projects face compounded complexities – from turbulent flows to fragmented ownership – they also offer proximity to load centres. The analysis finds that an eight-turbine project could power all 3000 local residences while achieving a carbon payback period of just three years. This work concludes that an improved framework grounded in a national assessment must be completed to provide wind developers with greater ability to discern the technical and economic viability of a forest wind project, while safeguarding environmental and social consequences. This research provides policymakers and developers with transferable lessons to guide US forest wind development.