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Mean wind speed, monthly profiles, and energy potential at 36.45°N, 103.18°W
Average wind speed at 100m hub height for each month of the year.
Clayton experiences peak winds during March (8.74 m/s) with lowest speeds in July (6.11 m/s). The seasonal pattern shows strong winter and spring winds with calmer summer conditions.
The ratio between peak and minimum monthly wind speed is 1.43, indicating significant seasonal variation. Energy production will be notably higher during windy months, which should be factored into PPA pricing and revenue projections.
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 | 4.81 | Standard measurement height |
| 50m | 6.6 | Small/distributed turbines |
| 80m | 7.24 | Mid-size turbines |
| 100m | 7.57 | Modern utility-scale turbines |
New Mexico ranks #13 nationally for wind energy capacity, making it a significant contributor to US wind energy production. The state's high mesas and mountain passes define its wind resource characteristics across different regions and elevations.
New Mexico has approximately 2.8 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.
New Mexico's wind resources are concentrated in areas where terrain features accelerate airflow — mountain passes, mesa edges, and high-elevation plateaus. The arid climate also means low air density, which is accounted for in turbine class ratings.
The mean wind speed in Clayton, New Mexico is 7.57 m/s at 100m hub height, 7.24 m/s at 80m, and 4.81 m/s at 10m. Wind power density at this location is 265.6 W/m², classified as IEC Wind Class III.
Clayton has a wind quality rating of "Good" based on its mean wind speed of 7.57 m/s at hub height. This location is well-suited for utility-scale wind energy development. Peak winds occur in March (8.74 m/s) with lowest speeds in July (6.11 m/s).
IEC Class III turbines with larger rotors are recommended to maximize energy capture at this moderate wind site. Turbines like the Vestas V150-4.2 or GE Cypress 5.3-158 use longer blades to sweep more area, compensating for lower wind speeds.
Based on the mean wind speed near Clayton, a modern 3 MW turbine could produce approximately 7.9 GWh per year (capacity factor ~30%). That is enough to power roughly 751 average American homes. A 100 MW wind farm at this location could generate approximately 260 GWh annually, worth $9106.0M at $35/MWh wholesale electricity prices.
Explore wind data for nearby cities, sorted by wind quality.