Home // ENERGY 2025, The Fifteenth International Conference on Smart Grids, Green Communications and IT Energy-aware Technologies // View article

Potential for Wind Energy on the Fort Bidwell Reservation

Authors:
Vivian Sultan
Hector Tarango

Keywords: Energy Sovereignty; Wind; ArcGIS

Abstract:
Tribal lands account for 2.4% of U.S. total acreage and, as of 2021, nearly 8% of its wind energy potential. These lands are commonly rural and historically have had less than average access to electricity. This project’s objective was to examine the Fort Bidwell Reservation and locate a site for wind energy generation using ArcGIS’ buffer tool. The buffer tool’s output boundaries were cross referenced with wind density maps and tribal territory to find a specific location suitable for a wind energy project. The project was technically successful. Results show two appropriate locations, around 100 acres and 200 acres respectively, much larger areas than needed for a wind farm. However, further research is necessary as these two sites are at the outer edges of the reservation and at high elevation. These limitations were outside of the scope of the project and, therefore, it cannot be said with absolute certainty that these two sites are 100% conforming. Furthermore, while an area may be technically suitable, it is also necessary to consult with tribal leadership to ensure the land is not of cultural significance and, therefore, not available for development.

Pages: 16 to 22

Copyright: Copyright (c) IARIA, 2025

Publication date: March 9, 2025

Published in: conference

ISSN: 2308-412X

ISBN: 978-1-68558-242-5

Location: Lisbon, Portugal

Dates: from March 9, 2025 to March 13, 2025