Climate Change Impact on Middle East Wind Energy
JERUSALEM, May 25 (Xinhua) — Climate change is projected to alter wind power potential in the Middle East, with turbine-height winds weakening despite stronger ground-level breezes, according to a recent Israeli-German study.
Research Findings
The study, published in the journal Climatic Change, indicates that coastal surface winds in the region may strengthen by about 0.7 meters per second by 2070, potentially mitigating extreme heat. However, winds at 150 meters above ground level, crucial for power generation by turbines, could decrease by up to 1.0 meter per second due to changes in the local weather system. This reduction could lead to a decrease in power output by up to 7 gigajoules over 6 hours, impacting renewable energy strategies and investments.
Recommendations
The research highlights the variability in wind power capacity across different areas in the Middle East and underscores the importance of assessing wind patterns at various altitudes to avoid unreliable power predictions. Policymakers are advised to incorporate future wind changes into their energy plans, especially by focusing on sustainable projects in high-potential zones such as the Red Sea coastline.
