Wind is a low-cost, easily dispatchable energy resource that plays an important role in both Missouri’s energy portfolio and the nation’s electricity generation. Historically, windmills were used for centuries to grind grain and pump water. Today, wind turbines are primarily used to generate electricity.
The U.S. Wind Corridor — covering several states such as Texas, Iowa, Nebraska, Illinois, Kansas, Oklahoma and eastern Missouri — represents the region with the highest average wind speeds and the largest concentration of wind farms. In 2023, wind power accounted for approximately 10.2% of the total U.S. electricity generation.
Over half of the nation’s total wind generation came from states located in the U.S. Wind Corridor — particularly Texas, Iowa, Oklahoma, Kansas and Illinois. Missouri and surrounding states have a combined existing capacity of approximately 24,119 megawatts (MW), representing more than 28% of the total U.S. current wind power capacity.
Wind in Missouri
Missouri’s location on the eastern edge of the U.S. Wind Corridor positions the state to take advantage of this abundant resource. Missouri’s average wind speed is approximately 10 mph — higher than many states traditionally associated with the wind industry, including Texas, Wyoming, Illinois, New Mexico, Colorado, Ohio and California. Four of Missouri’s neighboring states — Oklahoma, Kansas, Illinois and Iowa — rank among the top six states for existing wind capacity.
In 2024, wind energy contributed 9.94% of Missouri’s in-state electricity generation, making wind energy Missouri’s largest renewable energy resource. Notably, Rock Port, Missouri, became the first U.S. community to operate entirely on wind energy in 2008, and the first to generate more wind energy than it consumed.
More Information
- Certified Non-Solar Renewable Energy Generation Facilities
- Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy (DSIRE) - NC Clean Energy Technology Center
- Green Power Partnership - EPA
- Net Metering and the Easy Connection Act – PUB2238
- Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit - NC Clean Energy Technology Center
- Wind Energy - University of Missouri Extension
- Wind Energy in Missouri (WINDExchange) - U.S. Department of Energy
- Wind Energy Technologies Office - U.S. Department of Energy
- Wind Power Facts - American Clean Power