Analysis of future wind and solar potential over India using climate models

Abstract

Climate change is expected to impact future renewable energy production. Therefore, investors in this sector should understand and consider possible changes due to climate change. Here, we analyse the future wind and solar energy potential over the Indian landmass using climate model ensembles. Our analyses reveal that, in future, seasonal and annual wind speed is likely to decrease over North India and increase along South India. On the other hand, solar radiation is estimated to decrease (10–15 Wm–2) over the next 50 years dur-ing all seasons. With the estimated decrease in future wind and solar potential, expanded and more efficient networks of wind and solar farms are needed to increase renewable energy production.