What Is Distributed Wind? 

Distributed wind (DW) technology is an efficient and cost-effective way to produce electricity on-site for homes, farms, businesses, public facilities, and more. DW technology can range from a standalone wind turbine powering specific devices to a network of turbines supplying power across multiple facilities. Through the deployment of onsite wind turbines, DW energy has the potential to diversify your community’s local energy resources, and help provide clean, renewable energy to homes and businesses. DW resources can generate reliable power and contribute to energy independence and resilience. You can read more about DW energy and its benefits on the Department of Energy’s Wind Energy Technologies Office webpage.  

Project Details 

Distributed Wind Smart is a national designation program that recognizes communities that have taken key steps to address local barriers to distributed wind (DW) energy and foster the growth of DW markets. The program offers national recognition and no-cost technical assistance that helps local governments accelerate DW deployment and makes it possible for communities to access affordable renewable DW energy to meet their electricity needs. 

Launching in fall 2024, Distributed Wind Smart is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy Wind Energy Technologies Office (WETO). The program will accelerate DW deployment by reducing soft costs and developing and sharing best practices in zoning, planning, inspection, community engagement, and financing for DW. With the launch of this new program, ICMA aims to designate 200 jurisdictions by the end of 2027. 

The Distributed Wind Smart Program is designed to advance the goals of the federal Justice40 Initiative to provide equitable opportunities for communities that are marginalized, underserved, and overburdened by pollution. Distributed Wind Smart will ensure that at least 40% of the designees, local governments that receive technical assistance, and local government officials receiving training are from disadvantaged communities. 

How Distributed Wind Smart Helps Your Community 

Today, more than ever before, local governments are committing to take action to accelerate the transition to a clean energy economy, avoid the most disastrous impacts of the climate crisis, and advance social equity and environmental justice. Local governments are seeking guidance and solutions from credible, trusted organizations on the full range of solutions—from DW and solar to energy efficiency, clean transportation, building decarbonization, carbon sequestration and more. ICMA and our partners have risen to meet this need. 

The Distributed Wind Smart program has two key parts. First, the program provides no-cost technical assistance to help local governments follow national best practices to expand DW energy use in their jurisdictions. Second, it recognizes and celebrates these communities with Distributed Wind Smart designations of Gold, Silver, and Bronze. 

For additional information, please contact  Sarah Yeager at syeager@icma.org.