Meteorological challenges for renewable energy in the High Arctic

A transition to renewable energy is becoming increasingly more urgent in the High Arctic. In Svalbard (78°N), the previously coal based energy system is now, with a short transition period with diesel, moving to a completely renewable off-grid system. Both solar and wind energy are possible contributors to the energy mix. However, no renewable energy systems are specifically designed for the High Arctic and before implementing the systems they must be tested and adapted to Arctic conditions. Since 2020, the world’s northernmost higher education institution, The University Centre in Svalbard (UNIS), has developed a special focus on Arctic renewable energy meteorology, focussing especially on solar and wind energy. This is undertaken in close collaboration with local industry who are switching from coal mining to exporting renewable off-grid systems.

Many of the meteorological processes in the High Arctic are very different from further south with long periods of midnight sun, polar night, complex topography, low temperatures, stable stratification, snow and ice etc. What implications these processes will have on the solar and wind power are mostly unknown. To complicate matters further, numerical models are uncertain and unproved in these areas and there is a need for long-term measurements.

Long-term meteorological measurements to determine the energy potential as well as the impact of the Arctic climate have commenced around Longyearbyen, Svalbard, with a special focus on boundary layer processes. Initial results will be presented, including local wind processes important for wind energy and radiation properties for solar energy. The goal is to identify the most important meteorological processes and adapt the energy solutions accordingly.