In a world increasingly turning to renewable energy to combat climate change, a new study sheds light on a critical challenge facing wind power, a cornerstone of the green energy transition. Published in the journal *Engineering* (translated to English), the research led by Shuanglei Feng from the Renewable Energy Center at the China Electric Power Research Institute, highlights the growing frequency and duration of low-output wind-power events, which could significantly impact global energy supply.
Wind power has long been hailed as a clean and sustainable energy source, but its reliability is now under scrutiny. Feng and his team utilized the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 datasets to predict regional trends in low-output wind power. Their findings reveal that by 2060, regions like East Asia and South America could face up to 13 and 5 days annually with low wind-power output, respectively. Moreover, the maximum continuous duration of these low-output events could stretch to 5 days in East Asia and 2 days in South America.
“This issue calls for critical attention when establishing power systems with a high share of renewable energy,” Feng emphasized. The implications for the energy sector are profound. As wind power becomes a primary electricity source, these low-output events could lead to energy shortages and even large-scale power outages, posing significant commercial risks.
The study underscores the need for robust risk analysis and flexible power sources to mitigate these challenges. “The conclusions provide a basis for analyzing power supply risks and configuring flexible power sources for scenarios with a high share of renewable energy,” Feng added. This research could shape future developments in the field, prompting energy companies to invest in diversified energy portfolios and advanced grid management technologies.
As the world accelerates its transition to renewable energy, understanding and addressing the variability of wind power will be crucial. Feng’s research serves as a wake-up call, highlighting the need for strategic planning and innovation to ensure a stable and reliable energy future.