Eoltech has recently made public the insights from their research, which analyzes the stability of global wind energy over a 15-year period. Based on their analysis, global wind power production is very predictable says Eoltech. According to it, global production of wind energy follows a stable pattern, with yearly fluctuations consistently remaining below a 3% deviation.
The study used monthly wind energy indices from more than 300 regions that contain the majority of the world’s terrestrial wind farms, a remarkable 80% as of 2023. Through meticulous data collection, a comprehensive ‘Global’ index and a ‘European’ index were created, offering a detailed analysis of wind energy trends.
Wind energy is now widely recognized as a crucial component of sustainable power generation worldwide. Thorough research has been conducted over the past fifteen years. This made it evident that wind power production is consistently reliable and predictable. Understanding the importance of these insights is crucial for investors and policymakers. Specially those who want to enhance the integration of wind energy into power grids.
Highlights
Recent research has confirmed the dependability of wind power generation. It also reveals that global wind energy production experiences consistent yearly variations. This ranges to a minimal plus or minus 3% fluctuation. These findings suggest a promising future for the reliability of wind energy as a renewable power source.
Wind energy yields in Europe show some variability, with annual fluctuations of around plus or minus 7% compared to the global average. It is interesting to note the consistent performance of wind energy production across continents. Specific wind farms may have significant fluctuations in energy output from year to year. This can sometimes vary by as much as 25%.
Global wind power production is very predictable says Eoltech and a combination of specialized indices and climate data sets supports these results. Supported by ERA5 data, the irec index is a well-known wind energy indicator that relies on ECMWF’s latest climate reanalysis data sets. With this combination, you get a complete perspective on the energy production capabilities and changes of wind farms over time. It’s a crucial tool for wind farm owners and asset managers. It helps them accurately assess and evaluate the value of their energy portfolios.
Key Insights
- Global Stability: Global wind production shows remarkable predictability, with less than ±3% annual fluctuation.
- Local vs. Global: Individual farms may see up to 25% yearly variance, while combined production on a continental or global level remains steady.
- No Decline Observed: Data does not suggest any diminishing trends in wind resources globally in the last decade and a half.
- irec Index Utilization: Widely adopted by wind farm managers, the irec index allows for consistent monitoring and comparison of wind farm outputs.
Data and Tools
- ERA5 Climate Data: Eoltech included ERA5 data from the ECMWF for accurate and up-to-date climate analysis.
- Production Capacity: The irec index is a monthly indicator for asset managers. It helps them to survey and manage their wind farm portfolios effectively.
