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Mean wind speed, monthly profiles, and energy potential at 40.20°N, 100.63°W
Average wind speed at 100m hub height for each month of the year.
McCook experiences peak winds during April (7.83 m/s) with lowest speeds in July (5.69 m/s). The seasonal pattern shows a spring peak driven by strong pressure gradients, with lighter winds in late summer.
The ratio between peak and minimum monthly wind speed is 1.38, indicating moderate seasonal variation. Energy production will be relatively consistent throughout the year, which is favorable for baseload power contracts.
Wind speed increases with height due to reduced surface friction. Modern turbines typically operate at 80-120m hub height.
| Height | Wind Speed (m/s) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 10m | 3.87 | Standard measurement height |
| 50m | 5.55 | Small/distributed turbines |
| 80m | 6.17 | Mid-size turbines |
| 100m | 6.48 | Modern utility-scale turbines |
Nebraska ranks #15 nationally for wind energy capacity, making it a significant contributor to US wind energy production. The state's Sandhills and Great Plains define its wind resource characteristics across different regions and elevations.
Nebraska has approximately 2.4 GW of installed wind capacity, with additional projects in various stages of development. The state continues to attract wind energy investment due to its favorable resource conditions and supportive policy environment.
Located in the heart of the Great Plains, Nebraska benefits from strong, persistent winds driven by continental-scale pressure systems. The flat terrain provides minimal obstruction, allowing wind to flow freely across the landscape.
The mean wind speed in McCook, Nebraska is 6.48 m/s at 100m hub height, 6.17 m/s at 80m, and 3.87 m/s at 10m. Wind power density at this location is 166.8 W/m², classified as IEC Wind Class IV.
McCook has a wind quality rating of "Moderate" based on its mean wind speed of 6.48 m/s at hub height. This location may be suitable for wind energy development with modern large-rotor turbines. Peak winds occur in April (7.83 m/s) with lowest speeds in July (5.69 m/s).
Small or distributed wind turbines may be most appropriate for this site. Vertical axis wind turbines (VAWTs) or small horizontal axis turbines designed for low-wind environments should be evaluated for site-specific conditions.
Based on the mean wind speed near McCook, a modern 3 MW turbine could produce approximately 6.3 GWh per year (capacity factor ~24%). That is enough to power roughly 601 average American homes. A 100 MW wind farm at this location could generate approximately 208 GWh annually, worth $7284.6M at $35/MWh wholesale electricity prices.
Explore wind data for nearby cities, sorted by wind quality.