Roadmap small scale wind energy

The Netherlands aims for net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050. This means we need to replace fossil fuels with sustainable energy sources, such as wind energy. Until now, we've primarily done this with large wind turbines on land and at sea. However, small wind turbines can also play a significant role in the sustainable energy mix. Entrance is researching the potential of small-scale wind for various application areas, current barriers, and necessary innovations for the upcoming years.

Small(er) wind turbines have pros and cons  

In the Netherlands, we already generate wind energy on a large scale on land and at sea. This is currently done with big wind turbines that have a high-power output. However, wind energy can also be generated with smaller wind turbines. These have less impact on the surrounding landscape and the environment. There are, however, still some drawbacks. For example, the cost per unit of energy generated is significantly higher than with large-scale wind, and less energy can be produced per square meter.

Roadmap: what are the possibilities for small-scale wind?  

Because TKI Urban Energy sees a continuing interest and innovation in the field of small-scale wind energy, Entrance has been asked to draw up an innovation roadmap. This innovation roadmap needs to provide insight into the current market, technological possibilities, relevant application areas, and the expected growth of small-scale wind energy at companies and business parks. It includes the following components:

• Conceptual framework for small-scale wind: What do we mean by small-scale wind, and how large is such a turbine?
• Overview of providers and application areas for small-scale wind turbines.
• Assessment of generation potential in different scenarios (policy, energy prices, costs).
• Identification of barriers and innovation questions for further development.

Multidisciplinary approach

The professorships Wind Energy and Energy Transition at Entrance are collaborating to answer these questions. This way, they are bringing the broader application of small-scale wind energy a step closer.