Aire Project

The AIRE project, led by CENER, aims to improve understanding of atmospheric impact on wind energy and provide advanced design tools to maximize efficiency in all weather conditions. The EU has set ambitious targets for long-term structural change in energy systems, requiring larger turbines at higher altitudes and in novel locations. Traditional wind turbine models ignore the physics and aerodynamics of atmospheric wind flows at high altitudes, and do not consider weather conditions like precipitation or sand, which can reduce efficiency and make it harder to predict energy outputs and lifespan of turbines. The AIRE project will investigate the impact of climate conditions in different terrains and altitudes, gathering data from 4 experimental sites and 4 commercial wind farms to develop new numerical models and design tools. Over the next four years, the AIRE project will reduce investor risk, lower manufacturing and operational costs, and enhance blade erosion control measures. The initiative is part of the Horizon Europe funding program (under grant agreement No 101083716), and the consortium includes Danmarks Tekniske Universitet, Fraunhofer Institute for Wind Energy Systems, Valtion Teknillinen Tutkimuskeskus, Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult, Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy, CAPITAL ENERGY, ENGIE, Plataforma Oceánica de Canarias, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, and Cartago Ventures. Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.