MET OFFICE News
Release issued by COI News Distribution Service. 5 March 2009
A new online
service highlighting the potential for small-scale wind power
generation at specific locations has been launched.
The innovative web tool has been developed by applying science
from the Met Office and follows a study commissioned by the Carbon Trust.
By simply entering a postcode, users can choose the relevant type
of building and local environment to understand the total power
yield of installing a small wind turbine.
The effectiveness of wind generation has been calculated by using
historical Met Office climate data, local land use and large scale
orography of the land.
If 10% of the population installed turbines, a saving of 0.6
million tonnes of carbon dioxide is possible, generating 1.5 TWh
of green electricity.
However, it is possible that some urban sites will not pay back
the carbon embedded in manufacturing, production and installation
of the turbine, and this new tool will help people evaluate the
potential benefits of using local wind generation.
The carbon prize for rural sites is about four times that of
urban due to higher wind speed conditions. This is because of the
increased frictional effect caused by buildings and other urban structures.
Cathy Durston, Head of Met Office Consulting said: "By using
our historical climate data, people will be able to asses the
potential to place a small wind turbine at their location.
"Applying scientific expertise from the Met Office has
provided the Carbon Trust with a new way of serving businesses and
the public with specific wind data for their property."
Mark Williamson, Director at the Carbon Trust added: "In the
right location small-scale wind turbines can provide both cost and
carbon savings, but anyone considering installing a turbine should
use the Carbon Trust wind estimator to check before proceeding
with actual onsite wind monitoring. There has been some confusion
around the true performance of small wind turbines but this online
tool should help to clear that up."
To find out about wind data in your local area go to: http://www.carbontrust.co.uk/windpowerestimator/
The launch of the new web feature comes as scientists from around
the world gather in Copenhagen, for the conference 'Climate
Change: Global Risks, Challenges and Decisions.
The Met Office will be presenting work at the conference which
has investigated climate model information and how it can be used
by the wind energy industry. This includes how climate change may
impact upon wind power generation within the UK and across Europe.
ENDS
For further information contact Met Office Press Office 01392
886655 or email pressoffice@metoffice.gov.uk
Notes to editors:
* The Met Office is the UK's National Weather Service,
providing around the clock world-renowned scientific excellence in
weather, climate and environmental forecasts and severe weather
warnings for the protection of life and property.
* The Carbon Trust is an independent company set up by government
to accelerate the move to a low carbon economy by working with
organisations to reduce carbon emissions and develop commercial
low carbon technologies.