Assessment of future wind speed and wind power changes over South Greenland using the Modèle Atmosphérique Régional regional climate model

Wind is an infinitely renewable energy source that is not evenly distributed in space and time. The interconnection of energy-demanding and energy-resourceful (yet remote) regions would help prevent energy scarcity in a world where fossil fuels are no longer used. Previous studies have shown that South Greenland and West Europe have complementary wind regimes. In particular, the southern tip of Greenland, Cape Farewell, has gained growing interest for wind farm development as it is one of the windiest places on Earth. In order to gain new insights about future wind speed variations over South Greenland, the Modèle Atmosphérique Régional (MAR), validated against in situ observations over the tundra where wind turbines are most likely to be installed, is used to build climate projections under the emission scenario SSP5-8.5 by downscaling an ensemble of CMIP6 Earth System Models (ESMs). It appeared that between 1981 and 2100, the wind speed is projected to decrease by ~−0.8 m·s⁻¹ at 100 m a.g.l. over the tundra surrounding Cape Farewell. This decrease is particularly marked in winter while in summer, a wind speed acceleration is projected along the ice sheet margins. An analysis of two-dimensional wind speed changes at different vertical levels indicates that the winter decrease is likely due to a large-scale circulation change while in summer, the katabatic winds flowing down the ice sheet are expected to increase due to an enhanced temperature contrast between the ice sheet and the surroundings. As for the mean annual maximum wind power a turbine can yield, a decrease of ~−178.1 W is projected at 100 m a.g.l. Again, the decrease is especially pronounced in winter. Considering the very high winter wind speeds occurring in South Greenland which can cut off wind turbines if too intense, the projected wind speed decrease might be beneficial for the establishment of wind farms near Cape Farewell.