The wind maps show expected short-term variability and the long-term availability of wind in a region, so that accurate output forecasts can be made for small scale energy production projects. 3TIER is producing the wind maps through a contract with the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), which has collaborated with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and local officials, to bring the benefits of sustainable energy to developing countries through increased investment in renewable energy projects. The mapping contract awarded to 3TIER by NREL is part of the South Asia Regional Initiative for Energy Cooperation and Development (SARI/Energy) program, which was launched in 2000 to build mutually beneficial energy linkages among the countries of South Asia.