As far back as 1978 studies by INVAP got under way with the view to learning how to harness the energy of the wind to produce electric power. INVAP designed and built instruments to measure the wind resource, and these instruments were installed at various points over the region.

Early in 1981 tours of systematic measurement were undertaken, resulting in the first wind map of the Comahue region and other parts of Patagonia. Data were obtained in the area of the mountain Cerro Policía near the hydroelectric reservoir of El Chocón and in the area of Pilcaniyeu, both in the Province of Río Negro. Various spots in the Province of Neuquén were toured while in the area of Pampa del Castillo in the Province of Chubut, measurements are still being carried out..

Once all the pertinent information was gathered, various calculation and numerical simulation tools were developed in order to reach a concise assessment of the resource. In turn, the information was used for an initial feasibility study for the installation of wind farms in the area.

INVAP also designed, developed and built low power wind generators (up to 4.5 kW) to be used in remote areas. Wind driven generators of the IVS series (IVS-500, IVS-1500 and IVS-4500) built by INVAP are operating at several locations.

INVAP is currently making further wind resource measurements in all of the four Patagonian Provinces of Argentina.