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In an analysis of all suitable sites for onshore wind farms, the new study reveals that Europe has the potential to supply enough energy for the whole world until 2050. The study reveals that if all of Europe's capacity for onshore wind farms was realised, the installed nameplate capacity would 52.5 TW -- equivalent to 1 MW for every 16 European citizens.
Co-author Benjamin Sovacool, Professor of Energy Policy at the University of Sussex, said: "The study is not a blueprint for development but a guide for policymakers indicating the potential of how much more can be done and where the prime opportunities exist.
"Our study suggests that the horizon is bright for the onshore wind sector and that European aspirations for a 100% renewable energy grid are within our collective grasp technologically.
"Obviously, we are not saying that we should install turbines in all the identified sites but the study does show the huge wind power potential right across Europe which needs to be harnessed if we're to avert a climate catastrophe."
Spatial analysis of Geographical Information System (GIS)-based wind atlases allowed the research team to identify around 46% of Europe's territory which would be suitable for siting of onshore wind farms.
The advanced GIS data at sub-national levels provided a far more detailed insight and allowed the team to factor in a far greater range of exclusionary factors including houses, roads, restricted areas due to military or political reasons as well as terrains not suitable for wind power generation.
The greater detail in this approach allowed the research team to identify more than three times the onshore wind potential in Europe than previous studies.
(Score: 2) by EvilSS on Friday August 16 2019, @04:47PM (8 children)
(Score: 2) by PartTimeZombie on Saturday August 17 2019, @11:19PM (7 children)
Ha ha! Oh yes, funded by Big Wind.
Hilarious.
(Score: 2) by EvilSS on Sunday August 18 2019, @05:49PM (6 children)
(Score: 2) by PartTimeZombie on Sunday August 18 2019, @09:49PM (1 child)
No, I think they're built by a bunch of businesses that haven't got the political clout of the oil industry (yet) so haven't managed to fleece taxpayers quite as efficiently.
Yet.
(Score: 2) by EvilSS on Monday August 19 2019, @04:24PM
(Score: 2) by PartTimeZombie on Sunday August 18 2019, @09:52PM
Also, "Big Wind" is probably the organic bean industry.
(Score: 2) by PartTimeZombie on Sunday August 18 2019, @09:59PM (2 children)
Oh, I just realised that "Big Wind" is probably the sustainable organic bean industry.
(Score: 2) by EvilSS on Monday August 19 2019, @04:27PM (1 child)
(Score: 2) by PartTimeZombie on Monday August 19 2019, @09:12PM
Yes. I just decided I that I would love to work for Big Wind™