Abstract
In light of the Paris Agreement, many cities have undertaken initiatives to become climate-neutral, making decentralized urban energy production more relevant. This paper addresses the potential of urban wind energy production with small wind turbines, using Berlin as an example. Based on a detailed dataset of all buildings and the hourly wind speed on a 1 km² grid, the potential energy production of each building and Berlin as a whole is assessed. The results show that multiple turbines on suitable buildings are necessary to cover a considerable amount of all households’ energy consumption. Nevertheless, the use of small wind turbines is currently beneficial for individual households to reduce their energy expenditures.
Highlights
The COVID-19 pandemic caused global energy demand to hit a historic decrease of 4% in 2020, the largest decrease since World War II [1]
While the potential of approximately 95,000 Small wind turbines (SWT) seems rather modest (Scenario 1), it involves a substantial potential from a household perspective, even at lower building heights, as we show in the economic evaluation
We agree that SWT, at least at their current state of efficiency, are unlikely to yield a profitable investment under the current feed-in tariff in the German Renewable Energy Act (EEG), especially urban areas [10,11]
Summary
The COVID-19 pandemic caused global energy demand to hit a historic decrease of 4% in 2020, the largest decrease since World War II [1]. It is predicted to surpass pre-COVID-19 levels in 2021, maintaining its continuous growth path of the previous years [1]. Emerging markets, such as the People’s Republic of China, are contributing to this increase [1]. Growing energy consumption increases the amount of greenhouse gas emissions since most of the global energy supply is still derived through burning fossil fuels [2]. Renewable energy consumption on the other hand decreases CO2 emission levels [3,4] and the replacement of fossil energy by renewable energy is key to reaching the ambitious objectives to tackle global warming. The member states of the European Union even legally committed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030 (as compared to 1990 levels) through the European Green Deal [6]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
