Effects of global warming on wind energy potential

摘要

A recent study conducted to determine the potential of wind power in Nigde which used 35 year wind data, has shown that global warming may also affect the potential of wind power negatively. The wind data were collected on 10 min time intervals at 10 m mast height. The missing data were 3.9%. When the results are closely examined it is observed that the potential of wind power has decreased dramatically throughout the years. The 35 yearly data has shown a decrease of wind power density from 48.14 W/m~2 to 13.25 W/m~2. These results are of extreme importance because of various reasons given below. The first problem we may see is that it is possible to observe an area which was once regarded as a highly suitable region for wind energy generation is now not as sustainable as it was assumed to be. Thus it may stand as a hidden but great risk for certain wind farm investments. Therefore, the calculation of wind power potential is a really serious matter to deal with. Moreover, if the loss of the wind power potential is observed consistently and continually as a result of global warming, the only reasonable solution to this problem may be the relocation of the whole power-plant.