Tracking Down the Roots: Energy Meteorology
In 1983, an early focus in the emerging field of energy meteorology was on model-based gap filling in data to provide large-scale, time-resolved information about wind and solar energy influences.
In March 1982, the “Energielabor” ("Energy Laboratory") opened at the University of Oldenburg. Innovative for its era, this building maintained year-round energy self-sufficiency using photovoltaic modules, solar collectors, biogas, and a 25-metre-high wind turbine.
The working group "Physics of Renewable Energy Sources," led by Prof. Joachim Luther, had previously confirmed through simulations that this energy system would be viable. These calculations were proven accurate, allowing the team to explore deeper questions on sustainable energy.
Research Questions in Energy Supply
The group sought to determine whether large-scale energy supply systems based entirely on renewable sources could be reliable and secure, even for a whole country.
Development of Energy Meteorology
- Initial research concentrated on measuring and modelling energy converters and storage systems.
- It became clear that efficient renewable energy use required high-resolution wind and solar data unavailable from standard weather forecasts.
- A growing demand emerged for methods to describe factors influencing fluctuating energy sources.
To address these challenges, the new field of energy meteorology was established, focusing on developing innovative solutions.
"Can larger-scale energy supply systems based on renewable energy sources be reliable and secure? For example, for an entire country?" — Prof. Joachim Luther
Author's summary: The foundation of energy meteorology emerged to bridge gaps in renewable energy data, ensuring reliable and large-scale energy supply from fluctuating natural sources.