A comprehensive framework for high-resolution assessment and short-term forecasting of the solar resource for renewable energy applications

Objective

"The foreseen depletion of the fossil resources is forcing us to seek for new energy springs but the everyday issue of the climate change claims for non-pollutant solutions. In addition, it is expected that the demand for electricity will strongly increase between 2006 and 2030. Therefore, it is unavoidable the transition to more and more renewable energy shares. In this scenario, solar and wind energy are probably the only energy solutions that are acceptable enough to sustain the planet’s long term requirements.
However, as solar and wind energies are strongly dependent on highly variable weather, increased penetration rates will lead to strong fluctuations in the electricity grid. Therefore, renewable energies cannot guarantee the amount of energy which is requested by the users and secondary support energy sources are required. Consequently, accurate assessments and forecasts of the resources are pivotal for optimal sitting of the facilities and improved planning and operating decisions. In this proposal we address the development of the methods for assessing and forecasting the solar resource using Numerical Weather Prediction models, the current state of the art in weather modelling. The outgoing phase will be conducted at the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) of the USA, one of the foremost centers in weather modelling.
The fellow will acquire high-quality research training, NCAR’s work methodologies, organization, transfer of knowledge and synergy with university and private sector. Reintegration will increase the perspectives available on this topic in the EU and the experience will be used in future management positions of the fellow. This project will help to promote the solar production in Europe and to increase its penetration in the electricity grid. This proposal will help to meet the increasing demand of electricity, to decrease the emission of greenhouse gases, and also to overcome the dependency of energy imports from outside Europe."

Fields of science

• engineering and technology › environmental engineering › energy and fuels › renewable energy › windpower

Programme(s)

• FP7-PEOPLE - Specific programme "People" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013)

Topic(s)

• FP7-PEOPLE-2010-IOF - Marie Curie Action: "International Outgoing Fellowships for Career Development"

Call for proposal

FP7-PEOPLE-2010-IOF
See other projects for this call

Funding Scheme

MC-IOF - International Outgoing Fellowships (IOF)

Coordinator

UNIVERSIDAD DE JAEN

Address

Campus Las Lagunillas Sn Edifico B1 Vicerrectorado De Investigacion Desar Tecn E Innovacion
23071 Jaen
Spain

Activity type

Higher or Secondary Education Establishments

EU contribution

€ 212 869,60

Administrative Contact

Antonio David Pozo Vázquez (Prof.)