A new map of global wind speeds shows that wind power has the potential to produce five times more energy than the world consumes.

In a new piece for Wired, Amit Asaravala explains that the map, compiled by researchers at Stanford University, shows wind speeds at more than 8,000 sites around the world. If turbines were set up in all these regions, they would generate 72 terawatts of electricity, according to the researchers. That’s more than five times the world’s energy needs, which was roughly 14 terawatts in 2002, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

The researchers readily admit that existing buildings, land rights and other obstacles would make it impossible to set up turbines in every single one of the identified regions. But they point out that even 20 percent of those sites could satisfy world energy consumption as it stands today.

More importantly, the study shows that wind can be a feasible alternative to fossil fuels.