Scientists are taking the first steps to improve estimates of long-term wind speed changes for the fast-growing wind energy sector, intended to reduce the risks for generators in a changing climate.

Some recent international studies have shown a decrease in wind speeds in several parts of the globe,

Improving estimates of long-term wind speed changes for the fast-growing wind energy sector will help reduce risk for generators in a changing climate. (Gregory Heath, CSIRO)

in cluding across Australia. However, more recent results by CSIRO show that Australia’s average wind speed is actually increasing.

Scientists at CSIRO Marine and Atmospheric Research have analysed wind speed observations to understand the causes of variations in near-surface wind and explore long-term wind speed trends over Australia.

“We have a good picture of wind energy availability across Australia from previous CSIRO wind mapping and, with the growth of wind farms, there is an emerging need to understand how climate change can affect the wind resource,” says Dr Alberto Troccoli, lead author of the paper published in the Journal of Climate.

1 comments

  1. Lawrie Ayres

    23rd October 2011 at 8:00 am

    The Spanish, Danes and English have found wind to be very expensive, very unreliable and a blight on the country side. They also require an equal amount of spinning reserve, usually generated by fossil fuels, so why bother?

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