Global Wind Atlas: Evolution and Technical Development
The Global Wind Atlas (GWA) serves as a critical tool for the global energy transition, providing high-resolution wind resource data to developers, policymakers, and researchers. Developed through international collaboration, the atlas has evolved from a foundational mapping project into a sophisticated modeling platform that enables precise estimates of wind power potential across the globe.
Key Facts
- Lead Developer: DTU Wind Energy.
- Key Partners: World Bank (ESMAP), IRENA, and the Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM).
- Current Resolution: Advanced microscale modeling reaching down to 250 meters in previous iterations.
- Data Depth: Version 3.0 includes data for five different heights (10m to 200m).
- Offshore Coverage: Extends up to 200 kilometers from the coastline.
The Origins of GWA 1.0
The journey began with the Global Wind Atlas 1.0, developed by DTU Wind Energy. This initial version was created under the framework of the Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM), specifically the Working Group on Solar and Wind Technologies led by Denmark, Spain, and Germany. Funding for this phase was provided by the Danish Energy Agency's Technology Development and Demonstration Program (EUDP 11-II, 64011-0347).
Launched in 2015, GWA 1.0 was a collaborative effort involving the MASDAR Institute and the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). To ensure the data reached a global audience, the IRENA Global Atlas of Renewable Energy provided the dedicated hosting platform.
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The Transition to GWA 2.0 and Iterative Improvements
In early 2017, DTU Wind Energy partnered with the World Bank's ESMAP (Energy Sector Management Assistance Program) to modernize the atlas. The goal was to align the wind data with the Global Solar Atlas launched earlier that year. This phase introduced a two-tier modeling approach:
- Mesoscale Modeling: VORTEX FDC was commissioned to perform global modeling at a 9 km resolution.
- Microscale Modeling: DTU Wind Energy further refined this data, initially down to a 1 km resolution.
GWA 2.0 was officially launched in November 2018 at the Wind Europe conference in Amsterdam, featuring a redesigned user interface by Nazka Mapps. This was followed by rapid updates: GWA 2.1 (July 2018) improved resolution to 250 meters, and GWA 2.2 (September 2018) introduced poster map tools and bug fixes. By November 2018, GWA 2.3 added capacity factor layers (the ratio of actual energy output to the maximum possible output), new wind roses, and GIS file download capabilities.
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The Current Standard: Global Wind Atlas 3.0
Launched on October 25, 2019, GWA 3.0 represents a significant leap in methodological accuracy. This version utilizes raw data based on 10 years of mesoscale time-series model simulations. It expanded the scope of available data to include heights of 10, 50, 100, 150, and 200 meters above ground or sea level, and extended offshore coverage to 200 kilometers.
A standout feature of version 3.0 is the energy yield calculator. This tool allows users to specify custom or generic wind turbines to generate GIS data for annual energy production, full load hours, and capacity factors, making it possible to estimate power generation for specific points or larger areas.
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Technical Evolution Summary
| Version | Launch Date | Key Technical Milestone | Primary Feature/Improvement |
|---|---|---|---|
| GWA 1.0 | 2015 | Initial Framework | CEM and IRENA collaboration |
| GWA 2.0 | Nov 2018 | Mesoscale (9km) & Microscale (1km) | New UI by Nazka Mapps |
| GWA 2.1 - 2.3 | 2018 | High-res Microscale (250m) | Capacity factor layers & GIS downloads |
| GWA 3.0 | Oct 2019 | 10-year time-series simulations | Energy yield calculator & 5 height levels |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who developed the Global Wind Atlas?
The Global Wind Atlas was developed by DTU Wind Energy in collaboration with various international partners, including the World Bank (ESMAP), IRENA, and the Clean Energy Ministerial.
What is the difference between mesoscale and microscale modeling in GWA?
Mesoscale modeling provides a broad overview of wind patterns at a coarser resolution (e.g., 9 km), while microscale modeling refines that data to a much higher resolution (down to 250 meters) to account for local terrain and obstacles.
What heights are available for wind data in GWA 3.0?
GWA 3.0 provides wind data at five different heights: 10, 50, 100, 150, and 200 meters above ground or sea level.
What can the energy yield calculator do?
The energy yield calculator allows users to input specific or generic wind turbine details to estimate annual energy production, capacity factors, and full load hours for a given area, which can then be exported as GIS data.
How far offshore does the GWA 3.0 data extend?
The data coverage in version 3.0 extends up to 200 kilometers offshore.