Tracking down the roots: Energy meteorology
In 1983, a key focus of the emerging field of energy meteorology was using models to fill data gaps, aiming to provide large-scale, time-resolved information on wind and solar energy influences.
The Energy Laboratory at University of Oldenburg
In March 1982, the “Energielabor” (“Energy Laboratory”) opened at the University of Oldenburg. This building was unique for its time, designed to be energy self-sufficient year-round through 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 calculated through simulations that this energy supply concept would succeed.
The calculations proved accurate, allowing the team to shift focus toward fundamental research questions such as whether large-scale renewable energy systems could be reliable and secure—for example, at the level of an entire country.
Evolution of research focus
Initially, Oldenburg's energy research concentrated on measuring and modeling individual components like energy converters and storage systems. However, it became clear that efficient renewable energy use would require high-resolution wind and solar data beyond what conventional weather forecasts offered.
There was also a growing demand for methods to analyze potential influences on fluctuating energy sources. This need led to the establishment of the new research field of energy meteorology, created to develop practical solutions.
Summary
Energy meteorology emerged to provide precise data and methodologies essential for managing and optimizing renewable energy systems on a large scale.
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