Climatic Trend of Wind Energy Resource in the Antarctic

Abstract

Wind energy resource is an important support for the sustainable development of Antarctica. The evaluation of wind energy potential determines the feasibility and economy of wind power generation in Antarctica, among which mastering the variation rule of wind energy resource is the key to realizing the effective utilization of polar wind energy. Based on the 6-h ERA-5 reanalysis data of ECMWF from January 1981 to December 2020, this paper systematically analyzed the long-term variation trend of Antarctic wind energy resource by using the climate statistical analysis method and the least square fitting, with the comprehensive consideration of a series of key indicators such as Wind Power Density, Effective Wind Speed Occurrence, Energy Level Occurrence, and Stability. The results show that it indicates a positive trend for wind power density (0.5~2 W × m−2 × a−1), effective wind speed occurrence (2~3%/a), energy level occurrence (0.1~0.2%/a), and coefficient of variation (−0.005/a) in the South Pole—Kunlun station and the central region of Queen Maud land. The westerly belt exhibits a decreasing index (−0.5%/a) in terms of stability trend, indicating a positive potential. Kemp Land, the Ross Island—Balleny Islands waters show shortages in all indicators. The wind power density in the Antarctic region is stronger in spring and summer than in autumn and winter, with the weakest in autumn. Based on the above indicators, the variation trend in the East Antarctic coast, Wilhelm II Land—Wilkes Land, the South Pole—Kunlun station, and the westerlies is generally superior.