Impacts of climate change on wind energy potential in Australasia and South-East Asia following the Shared Socioeconomic Pathways

Influence of internal variability on future changes in surface wind speed in China with two large ensemble simulations

Wind energy, as one of the renewable energy sources, plays a crucial role in the global energy system's transition to clean energy. China possesses vast and widely distributed wind energy resources, and in recent years, it has rapidly developed and begun large-scale commercial utilization. Therefore, studying changes in surface wind speeds (SWSs) is highly important for wind energy development in China. This study utilizes two initial condition large ensemble simulations to project future changes in SWSs over China. The two sets of initial large ensemble models used are CanESM2-LE and CESM1-LE. By comparing the results from these two large ensemble models, the influence of internal variability of the climate system on SWSs in China are studied. Both models can effectively reproduce the climatological spatial distribution of SWSs in reanalysis. Results from both models indicate that external forcing leads to an increase in winter SWSs in eastern China, while SWSs decreases in the southeastern coastal areas and southwestern Tibet. In summer, SWSs exhibits a pattern of decrease in the north and increase in the south. The magnitude of wind speed changes is greater in winter than in summer. Additionally, as the projected period extends, the magnitude of these changes intensifies. The research results can provide a scientific basis for the future planning of wind power deployment.

Climate change and wind energy potential in South America

Wind energy is crucial in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and combating global warming. However, the economic viability of wind energy projects is tied to wind resources, which may be affected by climate change. The objective of this work is to investigate the evolution of wind energy resources in South America using the most up-to-date climate-change scenarios: the Shared Socioeconomic Pathways. Three scenarios are considered, corresponding to low, medium and high emissions pathways. A multi-model ensemble is constructed with Global Climate Models selected for their accuracy in the study region in a historical period. Results indicate that east of the Andes, in Brazil, Paraguay and Venezuela, substantial increases in average wind power density are expected, surpassing 100 % in certain areas and in the most pessimistic scenario (the fossil-fuelled development pathway). By contrast, significant reductions (up to ~50 %) are projected for certain areas west of the Andes: South Chile, Peru and the waters off West Colombia. South Chile has the windiest climate in the continent, which makes this reduction due to climate change all the more important. Even under the low-emissions scenario, the projected evolution in wind resources is relevant, which highlights the necessity of considering climate change in wind energy planning.

Hybrid wind-solar energy resources mapping in the European Atlantic

The complementarity of offshore wind and solar resources can enhance the energy output of a hybrid farm and reduce its variability relative to a stand-alone, conventional offshore wind farm. In this work offshore wind and solar resources are characterised and mapped in a large study area covering the European Atlantic, the North and Baltic Seas, and the Canary Islands. The intra-annual and overall variabilities of wind power density and solar irradiance are investigated, and their complementarity is evaluated on the basis of their correlation. Negatively correlated regions include the seas around Ireland and Great Britain, with vast wind resources (mean wind power density ~1500 Wm-2 off W Ireland) and comparatively limited solar resources (mean solar irradiance ~100 Wm-2). Positively correlated regions include notably the Canary Islands, with the highest values of solar irradiance in the study area (mean values of ~280 Wm-2). Two study sites are chosen for more detailed investigation - one with a negative correlation, off W Ireland; the other with a positive correlation, off the Canary Islands. Even in the positively correlated regions, it is found that the correlation coefficient is never large (always under 0.2), which signals an opportunity for reducing power output variability through hybrid or co-located wind-solar farms. This, along with the other advantages of hybrid or co-located wind-solar farms (optimised use of scarce marine space, shared electrical infrastructure, shared O&M crews and vessels, etc.), attests to their potential in the European Atlantic. This potential could be realised through new hybrid or co-located wind-solar farms, or by retrofitting floating solar PV into existing offshore wind farms.

Techno-economic assessment of potential zones for offshore wind energy: A methodology

This work presents a methodology for the techno-economic assessment and comparison of potential zones for the development of offshore wind energy. The methodology is illustrated through a case study in North Spain, using the high-potential zones designated by the Spanish government. The main elements considered include the bathymetry (water depths), energy production and total working hours based on the wind climate, maintenance windows based on the wave climate, and distance to selected port facilities that can accommodate the installation and operational and maintenance phases of an offshore wind farm. An interesting dichotomy arises moving from west to east along N Spain - energy production and working hours decrease, but maintenance windows increase. Given that both aspects play a role in the costs of an offshore wind project, pondering them adequately is crucial, and the selection of a particular zone for development may depend on project-specific cost models. Water depths may preclude the installation of bottom-fixed structures in certain areas; importantly, they may also represent a constraint for the deployment of certain floating concepts, particularly in the high-potential zones of the Cantabrian Sea. Finally, ports capable of servicing the offshore wind farms are identified and distances to all high-potential zones, calculated. By examining the unique properties of the high-potential zones, this methodology, which can be applied to other regions of interest for offshore wind, provides valuable insights into the advantages and challenges of offshore wind development at each site and thereby contributes to informed decision-making.

Fire risk assessments and fire protection measures for wind turbines: A review

Wind turbine fires pose a significant global problem, leading to substantial financial losses. However, due to limited open discussions and lax regulations in the wind power industry, progress in addressing this issue has been hindered. This study aims to shed light on the fire risks associated with wind turbine nacelles and blades, while also exploring preventive measures and the latest fire detection and extinguishing technologies. The research conducted in this study involves a comprehensive investigation of various case studies, utilizing causal examination to identify common failure forms and their roles in fire incidents. Additionally, typical hazards, with a focus on fire incidents, in wind turbines are diagnosed. The primary causes of these fires were determined to be lightning strikes and hydraulic faults, often exacerbated by the presence of combustible materials. To conclude, the study includes a survey that encompasses education, knowledge analysis, and real-life accident experiences to assess fire risks and prevention measures in wind turbines. The participation of experts from wind farms, including those from the People's Republic of Bangladesh and other countries, adds valuable insights. The findings from this study serve as a crucial resource for enhancing safety standards and mitigating fire incidents within the wind power industry.