Spatiotemporal variations of 100 m wind in Mongolia and implications for wind energy resources

Abstract

AbstractMongolia is a high‐altitude inland country, which experiences strong near‐surface winds that could be valuable resources for wind power generation. In this study, we examine the spatiotemporal variations of 100 m wind and assess wind energy potential in Mongolia using the European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts Reanalysis version 5 (ERA5) data during 1979–2020. Mongolia exhibits two peaks in the monthly variation of 100 m wind, the higher peak in April and the lower peak in November. The eastern and southern (ES) region of the country is characterized by relatively high wind speed, night‐time diurnal maximum of wind speed and relatively small amplitudes of monthly and diurnal variations of wind speed. This region is classified to have good potential for wind energy development with a long mean episode length. On the other hand, the western and northern (WN) region is characterized by relatively low wind speed, afternoon diurnal maximum of wind speed and relatively large amplitudes of monthly and diurnal variations of wind speed. This region is classified to have less wind energy potential. Four hotspots which have the greatest wind energy potential are found near the eastern border of Mongolia, south of the Gobi‐Altai Mountains, near the southern border of Mongolia and in the southern region. Two principal modes of spatiotemporal variations of 100 m wind speed are obtained using the cyclostationary empirical orthogonal function (CSEOF) analysis method. The first CSEOF mode shows a spatial contrast between western and eastern Mongolia and is positively amplified in winter and negatively amplified in summer, which is associated with the seasonal change of the East Asian monsoon. The second mode is amplified in spring and autumn and shows mountain–basin contrasts that are reversed diurnally, which may be associated with the mountain–plains solenoid circulations and resultant vertical mixing of momentum.