Assessing the Effects of Climate Change on the Future Wind Energy Landscape in Austria

The Wind4Future project addresses the effects of climate change on the wind climate and the expansion of wind energy production in Austria. Wind is an important renewable energy source, and wind power has made considerable progress, particularly in eastern Austria, but changes in wind patterns due to climate change can impact both existing and planned wind generation sites.

The project's key goals are to: (1) evaluate changes in wind energy generation due to climate change in eastern Austria, (2) assess the impact of climate change on the achievement of national energy and climate goals, and (3) draft a whitepaper on challenges and opportunities for wind energy under climate change under climate change.

To achieve these results, the project applies a multi-step approach based on wind speed data, climate model simulations, machine learning, and scenario analysis. Advanced interpolation algorithms are used to generate high-resolution wind speed data and machine learning algorithms are used to extrapolate the wind speed fields to hub heights above 100 m and to model wind farm performance. The wind power potential is calculated for selected current and future wind turbine types, using a scenario approach. In collaboration with industry partners, future wind power generation scenarios are developed considering wind potential, geography, infrastructure, and turbine technology advancements.

By integrating these methods, the project analyzes the effects of climate change on Austria's wind energy potential and generates valuable data on future wind climate and power production, addressing gaps in existing knowledge. The results will be summarized in a whitepaper to inform political decision-makers and industry about the implications of climate change for wind energy in Austria.