Would wind power work for Brookline?

Though there's been speculation about wind power in Brookline, it's probably not feasible at this time. Current wind resource maps indicate Brookline ranges between "poor" and "marginal" when measured at 50 meters. 

Another map, which measures at 30 meters (a height more reasonable for small scale wind), tells us that atop Brookline's hills, the mean annual wind speed is 5-6m, which is the slowest wind speed classified better than poor when considering wind turbines.

Bottom line: the highest points of Brookline could be used for small scale wind generation, but it's very unlikely for a number of reasons.

1. Much of the land is already densely developed with housing, and it's not clear just how close a wind turbine can be placed near a house due to concerns of ice throw.

2. Some of the land may be in historic preservation districts, and it's not clear if they can be built at all in those districts.

3. Some of the land may be in protected open space, and it's not clear if they can be built in those locations, especially given the need for transmission lines.

Most important: The best wind resource locations in Brookline are worse than a number of currently undeveloped wind locations in other parts of New England. If you had money to build wind turbines in this region, there are tens of thousands of locations which would generate more electricity (and more money) for the same financial investment.

If wind isn't for Brookline, is there something you can do to support wind power?

YES! Get half or all of your electricity provided by wind. Click here for more info on how you can cut household CO2 by 20% in 10 minutes.