How will wind power change the world?

Wind power, along with solar energy, would lead the way for the transformation of the global electricity sector. Onshore and offshore wind would generate more than one-third (35%) of total electricity needs, becoming the prominent generation source by 2050.

Do wind turbine load factors decline with age?

By accounting for individual site conditions we confirm that load factors do decline with age, at a similar rate to other rotating machinery. Wind turbines are found to lose 1.6 ± 0.2% of their output per year, with average load factors declining from 28.5% when new to 21% at age 19.

Can a projected decline in wind resources affect wind energy development?

Areas with a projected decline in wind resources may need to readjust the calculations regarding the viability of current and planned wind projects. Conversely, areas with a predicted increase in wind resources which were previously disregarded may become attractive for wind energy development.

How much do wind turbines lose a year?

Wind turbines are found to lose 1.6 ± 0.2% of their output per year, with average load factors declining from 28.5% when new to 21% at age 19. This trend is consistent for different generations of turbine design and individual wind farms.

Will 20% of US electricity from wind affect system efficiency and climate?

Pryor, S. C., Barthelme, R. J. & Shepherd, T. 20% of US electricity from wind will have limited impacts on system efficiency and regional climate. Sci. Rep. 10, 541 (2020). American Wind Energy Association. Wind industry annual market report, year ending 2017.

How much will wind energy decline in North America?

In North America, there is weaker evidence, but an evolving consensus, that wind resources might decline by up to 5% in the mean annual energy density over much of the western USA 18, 82. In the Southern Great Plains, by contrast, it is anticipated that energy density may increase by up to 5–10% by mid-century (2050) 94, 95.