Tracking Down the Roots: Energy Meteorology
In 1983, energy meteorology focused on model-based data gap filling to deliver large-scale, time-resolved information on wind and solar energy effects. In March 1982, the University of Oldenburg opened the "Energielabor" ("Energy Laboratory").
This facility was unique for its time, designed to be energy self-sufficient year-round using photovoltaic modules, solar collectors, biogas, and a 25-meter wind turbine. The working group "Physics of Renewable Energy Sources," led by Prof. Joachim Luther, had previously simulated and confirmed the feasibility of this energy setup.
“Can larger-scale energy supply systems based on renewable energy sources be reliable and secure? For example, for an entire country?”
Originally, Oldenburg's research spotlit measuring and modeling components like energy converters and storage. It became clear that truly efficient renewable energy use required high-resolution wind and solar data beyond conventional weather forecasting capabilities.
Moreover, there was a rising need to develop methods that could describe potential influences on fluctuating energy sources. This led to the establishment of energy meteorology as a new research field aimed at finding solutions.
Summary: Early energy meteorology pioneered advanced data modeling and high-resolution weather insights to ensure reliable, large-scale renewable energy integration.