The future of forecasting for renewable energy

Sweeney, C., Bessa, R. J., Browell, J. and Pinson, P. (2020) The future of forecasting for renewable energy. WIREs Energy and Environment, 9(2), e365. (doi: 10.1002/wene.365)

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Abstract

Forecasting for wind and solar renewable energy is becoming more important as the amount of energy generated from these sources increases. Forecast skill is improving, but so too is the way forecasts are being used. In this paper, we present a brief overview of the state-of-the-art of forecasting wind and solar energy. We describe approaches in statistical and physical modelling for time scales from minutes to days ahead, for both deterministic and probabilistic forecasting. Our focus changes then to consider the future of forecasting for renewable energy. We discuss recent advances which show potential for great improvement in forecast skill. Beyond the forecast itself, we consider new products which will be required to aid decision making subject to risk constraints. Future forecast products will need to include probabilistic information, but deliver it in a way tailored to the end user and their specific decision making problems. Businesses operating in this sector may see a change in business models as more people compete in this space, with different combinations of skills, data and modelling being required for different products. The transaction of data itself may change with the adoption of blockchain technology, which could allow providers and end users to interact in a trusted, yet decentralised way. Finally, we discuss new industry requirements and challenges for scenarios with high amounts of renewable energy. New forecasting products have the potential to model the impact of renewables on the power system, and aid dispatch tools in guaranteeing system security.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Browell, Dr Jethro
Authors: Sweeney, C., Bessa, R. J., Browell, J., and Pinson, P.
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Mathematics and Statistics > Statistics
Journal Name:WIREs Energy and Environment
Publisher:Wiley
ISSN:2041-8396
ISSN (Online):2041-840X
Published Online:09 September 2019

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