Providing Wind Forecasts to Utility Companies
Providing Wind Forecasts to Utility Companies
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.
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.
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