European Wind Energy Generation Potential in a 1.5 Degree C Warmer World

The UK and large parts of northern Europe could become windier if global temperatures reach 1.5 degrees C above pre-industrial levels, according to a new study.

This has implications for wind energy generation among other things.  The results suggest that wind could be a more important source of energy generation than previously thought, with stronger winds across the UK.  The research team concludes there could be a 10% increase in UK onshore wind energy generation, which would be sufficient to power the equivalent of an extra 700,000 homes every year based on current installed capacity.  The results are relevant for decisions about future investment in onshore wind farms.

To evaluate potential changes in European wind power generation in a 1.5 degrees C warmer world, researchers from British Antarctic Survey, the University of Oxford and the University of Bristol combined data from 282 onshore wind turbines collected over 11 years with climate model data from the HAPPI project.

This study did not consider offshore wind energy generation potential.

Across northern Europe, the results suggest that large areas of Germany, Poland, and Lithuania could become more viable for wind power in future.  But the biggest increases in wind could be seen in the UK -- along with marked seasonal shifts in wind.

Lead author, climate modeler Dr Scott Hosking at British Antarctic Survey, says:

"In future, nine months of the year could see UK wind turbines generating electricity at levels currently only seen in winter.  Future summers could see the largest increase in wind generation.  Therefore, wind could provide a greater proportion of the UK's energy mix than has been previously assumed."

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