Wyoming’s energy future

• 12 years ago (2011-06-22)
• David Flin

North America 998 Renewables 751

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A recent study by the US National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) suggests that the energy industry could bring an economic boom to the US state of Wyoming. This would require Wyoming to expand its export of energy to include electricity as well as natural gas, oil and coal.

According to the study, development of transmission of electricity generated from wind farms could bring a sizeable boost to the state’s economy. Construction of transmission lines and power generation would generate $13 billion of economic activity and create 50,000 new jobs over the coming decade.

The scenario outlined by the study includes the creation of 9000 MW of wind power and 1800 MW of natural gas-fired power generation. This will be combined with construction of over 350 miles of interstate transmission lines, and the study envisages construction taking place between 2012 and 2020.

The report states: “As Wyoming’s energy resources far exceed what can be consumed by local demand, transmission of electricity will be to high demand cities like Las Vegas, Salt Lake City and Phoenix.”