U.S. Wind Turbine Database (USWTDB) Viewer

The U.S. Wind Turbine Database (USWTDB) Viewer lets you visualize, inspect, interact, and download the most current onshore and offshore turbine locations in the United States, corresponding facility information, and turbine technical specifications through a dynamic web application. The viewer provides direct access to data and information stored within the USWTDB.

The USWTDB Viewer replaces an earlier web application called WindFarm and includes many enhancements made based on comments and suggestions from WindFarm users. Data-driven styling and expanded filtering capabilities make accessing the USWTDB information easier and quicker than ever. Get started with our quick start video. Your feedback continues to be important to us so don't hesitate to let us know what you'd like to see in future releases.

Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details

About the Database

In 2016, USGS, LBNL, and AWEA began collaborating on development of the USWTDB. Their goal was to create a joint product that would be more comprehensive and accurate than their individual wind turbine data sets. Federal agencies began using these combined data in April 2017, and in April 2018 the data were released to the public via this portal.

These data are used by government agencies, scientists, private companies, and citizens for a variety of analyses. Examples include operational impact assessments of turbines on air defense radar, weather and general aviation, analyses related to the role of wind energy in the U.S. electric grid, interactions between wind energy facilities and wildlife, and investments in wind energy infrastructure.

“This database and map are not only a fantastic and much-needed tool that will see much use, but also proof of the power of bringing together the expertise in both government and industry. The data will help improve the siting of future wind energy projects as well as aid land managers in devising more up-to-date land-use and multiple-use plans.” - Tim Petty, Assistant Secretary for Water and Science at the Department of the Interior.

The data were created by combining publicly available data sets from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), USGS WindFarm data from a prior effort, online sources, and data privately held by AWEA and LBNL. The locations of all turbines were visually verified to within 10 meters using high-resolution imagery. Technical specifications of the turbines are based on the make and model and other information collected.