Performance predictions for large-scale North American wind energy projects placed in service between 2010 and 2012 were substantially more accurate than for projects placed in service between 2001 and 2009, finds a study by DNV KEMA Energy & Sustainability.
DNV KEMA attributes this improvement to developments in wind energy assessment technology and expertise since 2009. The study indicates that wind energy projects entering service since 2010 have produced an average of 97% of the energy predicted, 6% higher than projects put in service between 2001 and 2009. Additional improvement is anticipated when data is available from projects whose energy estimates include recent changes in energy assessment techniques, DNV KEMA adds.
"As confidence is gained in the improved methods, we expect to see less discounting of pre-construction estimates when investors evaluate wind projects," says Robert Poore, a senior advisor at DNV KEMA. "In the long run, this should help reduce the cost of energy from wind.’
