Providing Wind Forecasts to Utility Companies

Using advanced numerical weather prediction and statistical methods, NCAR developed a highly detailed wind energy forecasting system with Xcel Energy, enabling the utility to capture energy from turbines far more effectively and at lower cost.
Challenge

Accurate wind forecasts are crucial for power-grid integration and load balancing. Numerical weather prediction (NWP) models have historically only played a secondary role in providing 0–12 h wind-power forecasts. 

Solution

Wind Energy Forecasting System
Using advanced numerical weather prediction and statistical methods, NCAR developed a highly detailed wind energy forecasting system with Xcel Energy, enabling the utility to capture energy from turbines far more effectively and at lower cost. 

Benefits

This wind energy forecasting system has saved Xcel Energy ratepayers approximately $10M per year since 2009. The benefits are described in a report of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).

Contact

Please direct questions/comments about this page to:

Sue Ellen Haupt

Senior Scientist, Research Applications Laboratory

email