Spatiotemporal characteristics and abrupt changes of wind speeds in the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macau Greater Bay Area

Abstract

Wind energy is a clean and pollution-free renewable energy source, particularly in coastal areas with abundant wind resources. To effectively plan for and invest in wind power development, accurate estimates of wind power (based on variable wind speeds) are needed. It is necessary to obtain a reliable quantification and spatiotemporal characteristics of wind speeds to inform wind energy development. In this study, the long-term wind speed data from 1973 to 2020 at 11 meteorological observation stations along the coast of the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macau Greater Bay Area (GBA) were analyzed using the Wind Rose, Mann–Kendall (MK) test, and Empirical Orthogonal Functions (EOF). The outcomes of this study further the understanding of the spatiotemporal distribution and variability of wind speeds at monthly, interannual, and long-term time scales along the GBA. First, the distributions of prevailing wind directions influenced by the East Asian monsoon and temperature changes are mainly between the east southeast and north directions. Second, the monthly mean wind speed (MWS) has increased slightly and steadily over the last 10 years. Third, the MWS of a particular month over a long period (CMWS) was stronger in spring and winter and followed a 6-month variation cycle. Fourth, the yearly MWS differed significantly at different locations within the GBA, with a period of approximately 20 years. In addition, there was an upward trend in the yearly MWS at each station. Lastly, for extreme climates, the yearly maximum values (YMVs) of wind speeds were spatially different and not very stable year-round, and the YMVs changed downward slightly over a long period. Overall, these findings and results show that the GBA coastal area is a suitable location for wind energy development and wind farm building.