Global warming may be making Europe less windy, study suggests

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🗞️ Driving the news: A new study from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign finds that global warming is causing a decrease in wind speeds across Europe, a phenomenon known as "stilling"
• Wind speeds are projected to decline by less than 5% between 2021 and 2050, with potential consequences for renewable energy
• This trend aligns with broader research suggesting wind speeds could slow significantly by the second half of the century

🔭 The context: Europe experienced a major "wind drought" in 2021, with UK wind speeds 15% below average, forcing the country to restart coal power plants.
• Measuring wind speeds remains complex due to topographical influences and inconsistent historical data
• The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) predicts global wind speeds could drop by up to 10% by 2100

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Slower winds could reduce wind energy output, making it harder for Europe to meet climate goals and energy demands
• Wind power accounted for 17% of the EU’s electricity in 2024, and declines in wind speeds could increase reliance on fossil fuels
• The findings highlight the need for diversified renewable energy strategies, including solar, hydropower, and energy storage solutions

⏭️ What's next: Experts warn that even a small decline in wind speeds could cause volatility in energy prices and supply
• Researchers suggest Europe must innovate its renewable energy approach to compensate for potential wind power losses.
• The study calls for continued monitoring and adaptation to ensure energy security in a changing climate

💬 One quote: “The energy system is a marginal market. That means if you change the margin by 5 to 10 per cent, the price response can be huge.” — Gan Zhang, lead researcher and climate scientist

📈 One stat: Wind energy supplied 17% of the EU’s electricity mix in 2024, despite delays in new projects across the bloc

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