Analysis of United Kingdom offshore wind farm performance using public data: Improving the evidence base for policymaking. (February 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Aldersey-Williams, John; Broadbent, Ian D.; Strachan, Peter A.
• Is Part Of: Utilities policy. Volume 62(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-02
• Subjects: Public utilities -- United States -- Periodicals; Public utilities -- Government policy -- United States -- Periodicals; 363.6
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jup.2019.100985
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0957-1787

Abstract

Abstract: Policymakers and regulators increasingly need to balance the requirements of energy demand, security and costs, and to do so they need accurate estimates of performance. This study uses public data to assess United Kingdom offshore wind farm performance to improve policy decisions. We find that average capacity factors have improved from 34.9% in Round 1 (2001) to 41.0% in Round 2 (2002) projects. Drivers and correlations of performance for United Kingdom offshore wind farms are analysed. The research also addresses problems with existing capacity factor estimates and generates new estimates of inter-year variability of capacity factors, providing a more accurate evidence base for policy and regulatory decisions. Highlights: Existing estimates of wind farm performance in the literature have significant weaknesses. Analysis of OFGEM's ROC data provides accurate assessment of wind farm performance. Better estimates of wind farm performance can inform better policy. Comparison of co-located wind farms offers insights into reliability.