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2015 an anomalous year for German wind production – Vaisala

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Long-term wind resource fluctuations highlight need to factor yearly variability into crucial regulatory decisions

Analysis of wind speed trends in Germany for the years 2009-2015, conducted by Vaisala, a global leader in environmental and industrial measurement and provider of renewable energy consulting services, has revealed that 2015 was an exceptional year for the German wind energy sector. In the context of proposed policy changes putting the brakes on wind energy investment in the northern states[1], Vaisala’s data illustrates that regulators need to look carefully at the year-to-year variability of the wind resource as a key factor in regional decision-making. 

Having experienced rapid wind energy growth in recent years, the German market is currently coming to terms with overcapacity challenges that are putting strain on the grid network. Northern Germany, in particular, has a high proportion of assets in operation and under construction, and considerable investment into north-south transmission infrastructure is required to address this potential bottleneck. This situation has encouraged calls to limit new wind energy construction in the northern states. However, it is highly important that any such decision not only takes account of installed capacity, but also factors in the impact of inter-annual wind resource fluctuations on actual production. 

 

Vaisala’s Wind Performance Maps, released today, show that wind resource in 2015 was up to 10% above average in northern Germany. This is in contrast to most years covered in Vaisala’s 2009-2015 analysis, when the northern states experienced wind speeds below the  40-year long-term average. Production data from the IWR Wind Index confirms that the coastal region of Germany saw a total wind power generation increase of 8.8% in 2015 compared to the previous five years[2]. In just two of the past six years, 2015 and 2011, have wind speeds in Germany risen above this long-term average. In the other four years, wind speeds were either at or slightly below average. In 2010, wind speeds dropped to 8% below average across much of the northern Germany state of Lower Saxony. Production figures for the wider coastal region show a 15% dip in generation for the same period. The difference in wind speed directly affects the amount of energy produced by a wind farm. Vaisala’s observations of the impact of wind speed fluctuations on production are further supported by nationwide figures, which show that, while new installed capacity in Germany in 2015 increased by 10% in comparison to 2014, overall wind energy generation increased by 51%[3].  Vaisala’s performance maps also highlight the difference between northern and southern German states. In 2015, where the whole of northern Germany is above average for wind speeds, much of the country south of Frankfurt, including Baden Württemberg and Bavaria, experienced wind speeds well below average for the nation. 

This difference in average wind speeds between the two regions highlights the importance of wind farms in northern Germany to energy consumers throughout the country.  “The German government proposal to manage over production of wind power by limiting new capacity over the coming years shall not reduce pressure on the crux of the problem – namely the lack of transmission infrastructure,” said Nihat Hünerli, EMEA Regional Manager for Vaisala’s energy business unit.

 

“However, given the role played by North German wind farms in the national energy mix, it is essential that a full understanding of long-term resource variability is achieved prior to any decision to curb investment.” “2015 is an outlier for northern Germany in terms of wind speeds. It’s therefore prudent to consider how these results fit into longer-term trends. Since the recent 4100 GWh over-production by wind energy represents a tiny fraction of Germany’s more than 600 TWh annual energy production, our maps would suggest that the pace Germany has set for wind development is about right, to continue to meet demand.” 

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The March-April issue of Wind Energy Magazine is now available!

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The March-April issue of Wind Energy Magazine is now available!

Our latest issue is packed with cutting-edge technologies, key projects, and insightful interviews with industry experts. Stay ahead in the energy sector by exploring the latest updates!

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Construction

Doğuhan Enerji, the Solution Partner of 2500 MW, Strengthens Europe with Helios Energy

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Doğuhan Enerji, which provides turnkey services in road, platform, and foundation construction, electrical and cabling works, substation installation, control building construction, and overhead line construction for wind energy projects, also strengthens the European renewable energy sector with Helios Energy, its Romania-based subsidiary established in early 2022.

Operating a consistently with precision and dedication across all project scales, ranging from 1 MW to over 100 MW, Doğuhan Enerji has grown by successfully delivering some of the market’s largest and most significant projects. With 28 years of industry presence and participation in over 200 projects, the company has completed the construction of more than 1,500 turbines, contributing to a total capacity exceeding 2,500 MW. Beyond its core expertise in wind energy projects, Doğuhan Enerji has been providing solutions for solar power plant projects globally for the past three years. Through its European subsidiary, Helios Energy, the company has undertaken the construction and installation of the 155 MW Ratești Project, the largest solar power plant in Eastern Europe, completing it within a record-breaking period of just eight months.

Helios Energy, which has achieved one of the fastest growth rates in the sector by reaching a 600 MW project portfolio within just three years, provides end-to-end turnkey solutions for solar energy projects, covering every stage from construction and foundation works to mechanical and electrical installations, as well as substation construction, SCADA integration, and commissioning processes. In addition to its operations in Romania, Helios Energy is also active in Germany, Hungary, and Italy. Globally, the company has already secured agreements for 210 MW of wind and solar power plant projects to be delivered by 2025.

Striving for 20% Growth

Building a project portfolio that surpasses 2,500 MW, Doğuhan Enerji continues to leave its mark wherever the wind blows, actively participating in project developments across almost every region of Türkiye. To further expand its operational capacity, the company has been investing in machinery and equipment and plans to continue these investments throughout 2025. With the initiatives launched in the last quarter of 2024, Doğuhan Enerji aims to grow its operations in Türkiye and international markets by 20% in 2025.

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Wind Power Market Size

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The global Wind Power Market size was valued at USD 95.16 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow from USD 106.42 billion in 2024 to USD 254.27 billion by 2031, exhibiting a CAGR of 13.25% during the forecast period. Growing adoption of offshore wind farms and surge in wind energy projects are augmenting market growth.

The growing adoption of offshore wind farms is a significant trend in the wind power market. Offshore wind farms are being increasingly developed due to their numerous advantages over onshore counterparts. They benefit from stronger and more consistent wind speeds prevalent over the ocean, leading to higher energy yields and improved efficiency.

Additionally, offshore wind farms reduce land use conflicts, as they are situated away from populated and agricultural areas. Government incentives and advancements in technology are key factors fueling this trend. Many countries are offering subsidies, tax incentives, and supportive policies to promote the development of offshore wind projects.

Technological advancements, such as the development of larger and more efficient turbines designed to withstand harsh marine environments, are making offshore wind farms more viable and cost-effective. This trend contributes to lowering carbon emissions and reducing reliance on fossil fuels, thereby playing a crucial role in meeting the increasing global demand for renewable energy sources.

Wind Power Market Trends

The integration of wind power with energy storage systems is an emerging trend that addresses its intermittency, which represents a significant limitation of wind energy. By pairing wind turbines with advanced storage solutions, such as lithium-ion batteries or pumped hydro storage, the energy generated during peak wind periods is stored and used during times of low wind activity or high demand. This trend is gaining significant traction due to advancements in energy storage technologies, which are enhancing efficiency and cost-effectiveness. The combination of wind power and storage systems enhances the reliability and stability of the electricity supply, making wind energy a more viable and consistent source of renewable energy.

Additionally, integrated storage systems help mitigates the impact of sudden fluctuations in wind power generation on the grid, thereby reducing the need for backup fossil fuel-based power plants. This trend is supported by government policies and incentives aimed at promoting the adoption of renewable energy and energy storage technologies.

Wind Power Market Regional Analysis

Based on region, the global market is classified into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, MEA, and Latin America. Asia-Pacific wind power market accounted for a significant share of 36.25% and was valued at USD 34.50 billion in 2023, reflecting the region’s significant commitment to renewable energy development. The rapid expansion of wind power in Asia-Pacific is reinforced by the growing energy needs of its populous nations, particularly China and India, which are making substantial investments in both onshore and offshore wind projects. China has emerged as major country in wind power capacity due to its aggressive renewable energy targets, extensive government support through subsidies, and favorable policies.

Moreover, India’s national wind-solar hybrid policy and other initiatives are bolstering wind energy deployment. The region’s abundant wind resources, coupled with technological advancements and decreasing costs of wind power generation, are propelling domestic market growth. Additionally, the increasing environmental awareness and the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions are prompting countries across Asia- Pacific to adopt wind energy as a key component of their energy strategies.

North America is set to grow at a robust CAGR of 13.35% in the forthcoming years, largely attributable to several factors such as ongoing technological advancements, supportive regulatory frameworks, and increasing investments in renewable energy. The incentives are prompting utilities and independent power producers to invest in new wind projects. Additionally, advancements in wind turbine technology, including the production of larger and more efficient turbines, are reducing the cost of wind energy, thereby enhancing its competitiveness compared to traditional energy sources.

For instance, in 2023, according to US Department of Energy, Wind energy in the United States contributed to the reduction of 336 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually, which is equivalent to the emissions generated by 73 million cars.

Canada is further supporting this growth with its favorable wind resources and supportive provincial policies aimed at expanding renewable energy capacity. The commitment to sustainability and reducing carbon emissions is leading to the widespread adoption of wind energy in North America.

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