Offshore wind power, historically rooted in Europe, is now rapidly expanding in the APAC region, which is emerging as a global leader in new offshore wind activity. However, developers in the region face challenges when using wind resource modelling methods designed for Europe.
The Weibull distribution, widely used for early-stage modelling in Europe, often fails to capture the complexities of APAC wind patterns. Recent data from a wind resource modelling case study in South Korea illustrates the significant impact of using high-resolution time series data for accurate yield assessments.
When comparing three approaches (Weibull distribution, ERA5 ‘freemium’ time series data, and Vortex TIMES premium data), Youwind’s analysis revealed stark differences in estimated annual energy production (AEP). The ERA5 data showed a -4.15 percent net AEP deviation compared to Weibull distribution, while the Vortex data recorded a +2.29 percent net AEP.
These findings – which are common across the APAC region - highlight the limitations of relying on Weibull and free Time Series data, which lack the granularity of premium datasets like Vortex.
Less precise models either overestimate or underestimate wind speeds, leading to significant variances in AEP calculations. For developers in the APAC region, where accurate modelling is critical for long-term project success, integrating high-resolution time series data at the earliest stages of planning ensures more reliable and bankable yield projections.
Youwind’s platform – used to accelerate early-stage screening, layout and yield optimisation for offshore wind projects worldwide – benefits from a unique integration with Vortex, a leading provider of high-resolution modelled wind resource data. This enables users in APAC and other global markets to incorporate Vortex 10-minute time series data into early-stage project development, leading to more reliable AEP estimates, tailored to regional conditions.
“APAC’s wind conditions are fundamentally different from Europe’s, and it’s critical that developers adapt their methodologies accordingly” said Edvald Edvaldsson, CTO and Co-Founder at Youwind Renewables. “By giving developers the means to leverage high resolution time series data earlier in the development lifecycle and removing outdated practices, we’re ensuring that offshore wind in the region achieves its full potential. Accurate modelling is not just a technical necessity – it’s the foundation for building a sustainable and profitable industry in APAC.”
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