Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
6767662 | Renewable Energy | 2015 | 13 Pages |
Abstract
Wind energy potential in Iberia is assessed for recent-past (1961-2000) and future (2041-2070) climates. For recent-past, a COSMO-CLM simulation driven by ERA-40 is used. COSMO-CLM simulations driven by ECHAM5 following the A1B scenario are used for future projections. A 2 MW rated power wind turbine is selected. Mean potentials, inter-annual variability and irregularity are discussed on annual/seasonal scales and on a grid resolution of 20 km. For detailed regional assessments eight target sites are considered. For recent-past conditions, the highest daily mean potentials are found in winter over northern and eastern Iberia, particularly on high-elevation or coastal regions. In northwestern Iberia, daily potentials frequently reach maximum wind energy output (50 MWh dayâ1), particularly in winter. Southern AndalucÃa reveals high potentials throughout the year, whereas the Ebro valley and central-western coast show high potentials in summer. The irregularity in annual potentials is moderate (<15% of mean output), but exacerbated in winter (40%). Climate change projections show significant decreases over most of Iberia (<2 MWh dayâ1). The strong enhancement of autumn potentials in Southern AndalucÃa is noteworthy (>2 MWh dayâ1). The northward displacement of North Atlantic westerly winds (autumn-spring) and the strengthening of easterly flows (summer) are key drivers of future projections.
Related Topics
Physical Sciences and Engineering
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Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment
Authors
J.A. Santos, C. Rochinha, M.L.R. Liberato, M. Reyers, J.G. Pinto,