Wind speeds are a critical component of any wind turbine project. Doubling the wind speed generates eight times as much energy; this means that even an increase in one metre per second can have a major impact on the returns from a project. Sometimes even dictating whether or not a project is viable.
2013 Wind Speeds January to May
Spring 2013 has been noted as one of the coldest in living memory. However, in terms of wind speeds, the results are positive. If we compare January to May 2013 with the same period in 2012, wind speeds are on average 11% higher in 2013.
Although January and February were 7% lower than last year, March was a staggering 34% up on last year, with April and May 21% and 22% higher respectively.
Further analysis shows that 2013 wind speeds are so far 10% higher than the 2002-2012 average for the same period. Good news for wind turbine owners!