Objectives and expected results

Croatian wind energy sector lacks efficient wind energy management, and in particular a dedicated state-of-the-art wind and wind forecasting system designed for the specific and challenging wind climate in Croatia. The overall objective of the project is to increase the wind energy share in Croatia's electricity consumption through science and industry/business partnership resulting in improved a wind energy management.

To make an impact and contribute to the main goal, several specific objectives were designed:

• enhance ALADIN wind prediction capabilities to support the safe and efficient integration of wind power plants into the electric power system;
• assess the upgrade of performance of the advanced wind prediction system and predict the associated day-to-day forecast uncertainties;
• integrate the improved wind prediction technology into the forecasting and wind energy management processes;
• raise awareness about weather-related research results and identify key joint research and development priorities for the benefit of the Croatian industry in the wind energy sector.

Expected results of the project:

- a next-generation site-specific ALADIN wind forecasting system,
- reduction of forecast errors and a procedure for monitoring and prediction of forecast uncertainties,
- an automatic protocol for distribution of real-time advanced prognostic products for incorporation into the forecasting and energy management processes,
- better-informed Croatian SMEs, industry and stakeholders when it comes to weather-related research and strengthened science-industry/business interaction in the weather and energy sector

Results of the project will be reached through a synergy of research and business/industry partners using state-of-the-art research results. An innovative wind forecast system will be developed using measured data, numerical weather forecast models and neural networks. Upgrading the performance of the innovative prediction system will be evaluated for several wind power plant locations. Wind forecasts will be integrated into the wind energy management process by establishing online access to local wind forecasts through web and mobile applications, thus enhancing the management of the national electric grid, as well as the operation of individual wind power plants.