UL Solutions Launches 2024 North American Wind Maps in Windnavigator

UL Solutions has released the 2024 North American wind maps on the Windnavigator Resource Data and Maps online platform, part of ULTRUS™ software. This is a major enhancement for wind resource analysis and project development across the continent. 

The Windnavigator platform’s capabilities have been significantly expanded in this update, focusing on delivering more precise data at greater heights while incorporating the latest advances in wind modeling.

Key highlights of the 2024 North American wind map launch:

Expanded meteorological mast data coverage

UL Solutions has improved the wind speed maps in Windnavigator by incorporating nearly 5000 meteorological observations across the United States, Canada and Mexico, offering developers a more accurate and comprehensive view of wind resources. This expanded data set provides critical insights that reduce uncertainty in project planning, including:

• 2.5 times more observations compared to the original map
• Includes data from longer periods of record and higher measurement heights
• Broader and more representative wind resource data for North America

Enhanced wind map heights

The 2024 update introduces wind maps at several new heights, ranging from 10m to 300m above ground level, a key improvement from the original maps, which were capped at 140m. These additional height layers are especially valuable for modern projects utilizing taller wind turbines.

• Wind maps now extend up to 300m, accommodating taller turbines
• More precise wind resource data for advanced turbine technology
• Greater flexibility for developers working on diverse wind projects

Improved wind modeling and accuracy

By upgrading the underlying wind modeling system, UL Solutions has improved the accuracy of the Windnavigator software’s wind speed estimates. The combination of the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) mesoscale model and the ERA5 reanalysis dataset supports better wind pattern representation and lower margins of error in the predictions, including:

• Integration of the latest mesoscale modeling and reanalysis datasets
• Improved wind speed accuracy due to refined modeling techniques
• Reduced error margins, leading to more reliable wind resource assessments

Essential tool for greenfield prospecting

The new North American wind maps are designed to be a valuable resource for greenfield prospecting, helping developers pinpoint the best locations for future wind projects even in areas with limited measurement data. These maps offer improved accuracy, making them indispensable for early-stage project planning through:

• Better wind speed predictions for undeveloped project sites
• Reduced uncertainty in early-stage development
• Potentially lower overall project costs through enhanced site assessment tools

With the release of these new maps, UL Solutions continues to advance wind energy development by providing industry professionals with some of the most accurate and detailed wind resource data available in North America. This update is set to be a critical tool for developers, operators and investors as the industry shifts towards larger turbines and more complex wind farm projects.