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Canada-wide Study – Impact of Climate Change on Wind Energy Potential in North America
Abstract
Against the backdrop of the current global climate crisis, the increased integration of renewable energy stands as one of the most promising pillars of the energy transition. Wind energy, entamong others, has a key role to play in the energy transition, but to ensure its long-term viability, it is essential to assess whether climate change is likely to impact its performance and profitability.
Nergica, in collaboration with Ouranos and Hydro-Québec, therefore conducted a five-year study to analyze the impact of climate change on wind energy potential in North America. The impact of climate change on winds, ice, and energy production was analyzed by comparing a future period (2031–2060) with a historical period (1981–2010). This study is the first to account for the impact of ice on wind power generation in Canada, thereby adding this essential dimension to the assessment of future wind energy potential in cold climates.
The results are reassuring: the energy potential of wind turbines is expected to remain relatively stable over the coming decades, which reinforces the importance of the wind energy sector for Canada’s energy future.
Highlights:
– This study shows that, for the future period (2031–2060), climate change will not have any significant adverse impacts on wind power generation in Canada, taking into account wind patterns and icing conditions;
– This study enables policymakers to better assess the risks associated with climate change for the wind power industry and to make informed decisions about the promising future of this renewable energy source;
– These results enable Canadian power grid operators to improve long-term planning for wind energy and increase its reliability;
– This study confirms that wind power will continue to play a key role in Canada’s energy future and will help achieve the electricity grid’s carbon neutrality targets for 2035, while meeting growing energy demand.
