AWS Truepower LLC, a provider of renewable energy consulting and information services, has released the latest installment of its Wind Trends Bulletin, a quarterly analytical wind report. The report reviews wind patterns in Europe, India and North America for the fourth quarter of 2011.
‘The fourth quarter was marked by some large shifts in the monthly anomalies across North America,’ notes Mark Taylor, lead meteorologist at AWS Truepower. ‘Strongly positive North Atlantic and Arctic oscillations resulted in a more northerly storm track and higher wind speeds across much of North America and northern Europe.’
Results in India were mixed. Much of northern and southern India experienced above-average wind speeds during the fourth quarter. On the other hand, the majority of Rajasthan, which is a key state for wind projects, experienced wind speeds that were well below normal.
"Although deviations in wind resource are to be expected, a strategy to mitigate the risk of major portfolio underperformance is essential to hedging against the annual variability of wind," says Arvinder Singh, India business head. "Prior to developing or investing in a wind project, it is important to take a holistic view of the long-term resource and climate trends to ensure a balanced approach."
The reports for each region can be viewed here: North America, Europe, India.
