Microclimate effects of wind farms on local crop yields

A-Tier
Journal: Journal of Environmental Economics and Management
Year: 2019
Volume: 96
Issue: C
Pages: 159-173

Score contribution per author:

4.022 = (α=2.01 / 1 authors) × 2.0x A-tier

α: calibrated so average coauthorship-adjusted count equals average raw count

Abstract

This paper considers a novel spillover effect of wind farms - microclimate impacts on neighboring crop yields. Using US county-level crop and wind capacity data, I examine the effects of wind energy development on crop yields, controlling for time-invariant county characteristics and state-level annual shocks. I find robust evidence that counties with increased wind power development have also experienced increased corn and other crop yields, such that an additional 100 MW of wind capacity increases county yields by roughly 1%. At recent prices, this implies a more than $5 dollar per megawatt-hour local benefit, corresponding to several hundred million dollars in annual benefits.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:eee:jeeman:v:96:y:2019:i:c:p:159-173
Journal Field
Environment
Author Count
1
Added to Database
2026-01-25