Energy Generation & Extraction
Next Generation Energy
Energy Distribution
Energy Efficiency & Use

Energy Efficiency & Use

Due to Wyoming's small population and large industrial sector, Wyoming regularly ranks high on a per capita basis for energy consumption. However, there are multiple efforts towards energy efficiency on the state and local level and there is substantial energy efficiency employment opportunities.

Energy Generation & Extraction

Wyoming Energy Authority works with developers, owners and builders to support generation projects that are in different stages of development across the state.

Wyoming is America's Energy Leader

Number
in Coal, Bentonite, Trona and Uranium
Number
in Natural Gas
Number
in Crude Oil
Number
in Wind Generation

Energy Efficient Employment

total energy efficiency jobs
%
of all construction jobs
%
of all energy sector jobs

Next Generation Energy

Wyoming Energy Authority works to identify, analyze and support the transition of innovative technologies and practices into the Wyoming energy sector.

Energy Distribution

Wyoming is the leading exporter of energy in the United States, exporting 15 times more energy than it consumes.

Carbon Capture, Utilization & Storage (CCUS)

CCUS refers to the process in which carbon is captured from industrial processes and either utilized by turning the carbon into a new product or stored by injecting the carbon into a storage site, usually underground in a geological formation. Researchers around the world have been able to demonstrate success with both methods.

Wyoming is committed to advancing the carbon economy. Wyoming Energy Authority actively works with researchers, public and private sector entities, stakeholders and the international community to help find solutions and move carbon capture technology forward.

Projects

Hydrogen

Hydrogen has the potential to impact not only the energy generation sector, but also the transportation and building sectors. Hydrogen has the ability to store and deliver energy, but that energy must come from a generation source, which is why hydrogen can be classified by different colors based on the source. For example, “green hydrogen” is referred to as hydrogen from renewable sources whereas “blue hydrogen” is referred to as hydrogen from fossil fuel sources that utilize carbon capture technology.

Coal-to-Products

Coal has the potential to serve as a feedstock resource of products that already have high carbon inputs. These products can include graphene, carbon fiber, and nanomaterials. Wyoming has multiple researchers, testing facilities and private companies researching the economic uses for coal products to ensure Wyoming coal can be fully utilized along the supply chain.

Energy Storage

Batteries, Pumped Hydroelectric, Compressed Air

Energy storage refers to systems that are able to take energy when it is generated, store it, and then release it when demand for energy is higher than generation levels. Types of energy storage include pumped hydroelectric, thermal, batteries, compressed air, and flywheels. Increase in adaption and deployment of energy storage technologies will allow the United States’ electric grid to become more flexible.

Nuclear

Nuclear energy is a carbon-free source of energy that is derived from uranium. Power is generated by splitting atoms and using the heat released to create steam and spin a turbine. Wyoming is the largest domestic producer of uranium, and the United States just gave its first final safety evaluation report to a small modular nuclear reactor.

Geothermal

Geothermal energy is energy from the Earth’s core that can be used for electric generation, as well as for heating and cooling buildings and facilities. Wells are drilled deep into the Earth’s core and steam is brought to the surface and used. Wyoming has limited opportunities for commercial geothermal development but has prospects for small scale energy production and for heat pump implementation.

Coal

Wyoming is home to 1/3 of the coal reserves in the United States. In 2018 40% of the coal mined in the U.S. came from Wyoming, providing 5,534 jobs in the state and delivering $679.6 million to state & local governments.

Oil & Natural Gas

Wyoming has some of the largest natural gas reserves in the country. In 2019, the oil & gas industry delivered $1.67 billion to state and local governments and employed 19,416 people in Wyoming.

Wind

Wyoming ranks first for class 6 and class 7 wind sites, the highest site rankings for potential wind speed and power generation. The state currently has 1,816 MW of wind online, which is the result from approximately $3.3 billion invested into Wyoming by wind developers and utility companies. There are currently 4,341 MW of wind under construction, which would bring approximately another $10 billion in investment to Wyoming.

Projects

Solar

Wyoming saw its first utility solar project built in 2019, with additional interest in commercial solar projects around the state. In the 2020 Wyoming State Legislative session SF0036 – Large scale solar and wind energy facilities, placed the permitting of commercial scale solar projects (more than .5 MW of power) under Wyoming’s Industrial Siting Council.

Transmission

Maintaining and expanding transmission lines, pipelines and export facilities will ensure Wyoming’s energy resources can reach consumer markets. Wyoming Energy Authority supports developers, advocates for projects within and outside of Wyoming, monitors and tracks projects in the region and commissions studies on the positive impact of Wyoming’s resources.

Projects

Pipeline

Transmission pipelines are used to transport natural gas and crude oil from where they’re gathered to refining, processing and storage facilities, or to transport refined petroleum products and natural gas to facilities for distribution.

Projects

Wyoming State Energy Program

The Wyoming State Energy Program offers grants to help small businesses, schools and local governments take advantage of the cost-effective opportunities that energy efficiency upgrades can provide. We offer grants annually and have compiled a list of Level II energy auditors.

Energy Performance Contracting Program

Wyoming has an Energy Performance Contracting program that allows for entities to upgrade their facilities and pay for the projects using future energy savings. View our Pre-qualified Energy Service Companies and contact us today to learn more about this program.

Uranium

Wyoming mines the most uranium in the United States, producing approximately 173 thousand pounds in 2019 and employing 125 people. Wyoming’s known reserves are estimated at 350 million pounds.

Exports

Wyoming is a significant energy exporter. Energy exports across the energy spectrum create jobs and economic development activity throughout Wyoming and across the United States.

Projects

Resources

Learn more about next generation energy at these trusted sources.

University of Wyoming, School of Energy Resources
Global CCS Institute
National Energy Technology Laboratory
National Renewable Energy Laboratory

Industrial Minerals

Wyoming is blessed with an abundance of industrial minerals and rare earth elements. Wyoming is the number one producer of bentonite and trona, and our coal reserves have a variety of rare earth elements. These industrial minerals are found in everyday items such as kitty litter and plastics, are critical elements in the production of wind turbines and solar panels, and are currently being researched for further use as part of the increased interest in coal-to-products development.

Resources

Learn more about energy generation and extraction at these trusted sources.

U.S. Energy Information Administration
Department of Energy Office of Fossil Energy
Department of Energy Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy
EORI
National Renewable Energy Laboratory
U.S. Solar Map
U.S. Wind Map
Wyoming Wind Map
UW School of Energy Resources
Wyoming State Geological Survey
Wyoming Mining Association
Petroleum Association of Wyoming

Resources

Learn more about energy distribution at these trusted sources.

Federal Energy Regulation Commission
Enhanced Oil Recovery Institute
Western Electricity Coordinating Council
Western Area Power Administration
Wyoming Public Service Commission

Resources

Learn more about energy efficiency and use at these trusted sources.

Department of Energy Office Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy
USDA Rural Energy for America Program (REAP)
Wyoming Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)
Low Income Energy Assistance Program
WMA-WCCA Energy Lease Program
Wyoming Business Council ARRA Project Tracker

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