Study shows huge potential of Europe’s onshore wind

Conducted by researchers from the universities of Sussex and Aarhus, the study used spatial analysis of Geographical Information System (GIS)-based wind atlases. The advanced sub-national GIS data enabled the team to include a wide range of exclusionary factors such as houses, roads and areas restricted for military or political reasons. They determined that around 46 per cent of Europe’s landmass is theoretically suitable for onshore wind turbines. The results are published in Energy Policy.

"The study is not a blueprint for development but a guide for policymakers indicating the potential of how much more can be done and where the prime opportunities exist,” said study co-author Benjamin Sovacool, professor of Energy Policy at the University of Sussex.

"Our study suggests that the horizon is bright for the onshore wind sector and that European aspirations for a 100 per cent renewable energy grid are within our collective grasp technologically. Obviously, we are not saying that we should install turbines in all the identified sites but the study does show the huge wind power potential right across Europe which needs to be harnessed if we're to avert a climate catastrophe."