Last week, the National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL) released a series of maps that show, per U.S. state, the amount of electricity generation possible from offshore wind development (termed “offshore wind potential”). NREL estimates that U.S. coasts and Great Lakes shorelines have approximately 4,150 gigawatts of offshore wind potential. Need a gauge of how much electricity that is? In 2009, the United States’ total electric generation capacity—from all sources, including coal, nuclear, and renewables–was only 1,025 gigawatts.

While the term “offshore wind” might evoke images of an ocean coastline for many, the report shows that the Great Lakes also have a lot of offshore wind potential, an exciting consideration since many of the nation’s largest manufacturing centers are nearby—like Milwaukee, Chicago, and Cleveland. Michigan, in particular, has over 483,000 megawatts of offshore wind potential. Minnesota’s potential, which ranks among the lowest, still adds up to more than 20,000 megawatts.

The map was released within days of a commitment by Interior Secretary Ken Salazar to finalize leases for mid-Atlantic offshore wind development by the end of 2012.

Photo: NREL

While the term “offshore wind” might evoke images of an ocean coastline for many, a new report shows that the Great Lakes also have a lot of offshore wind potential.