Tracking Down the Roots: Energy Meteorology
In 1983, one of the pioneering directions in the emerging field of energy meteorology was the development of models to fill missing data. The goal was to create extensive, time-resolved datasets that could describe the impact of wind and solar energy on a large scale.
The Oldenburg Energy Laboratory
In March 1982, the “Energielabor” (Energy Laboratory) opened at the University of Oldenburg. The facility was exceptional for its time: designed to operate year-round with complete energy self-sufficiency. Its power came exclusively from photovoltaic modules, solar collectors, biogas, and a 25-meter-high wind turbine.
“The working group ‘Physics of Renewable Energy Sources’ led by Prof. Joachim Luther had previously calculated through simulations that this type of energy supply would work.”
These simulations were later confirmed in practice, giving researchers the confidence to explore deeper scientific challenges. They began asking whether renewable-based systems could reliably and securely support large-scale networks, even at the national level.
Shift to Data and Modeling
At first, Oldenburg’s energy research concentrated on measuring and modeling individual components such as converters and storage systems. However, it soon became evident that future advances in renewable energy required far more detailed data on wind and solar conditions — something traditional weather forecasting could not provide.
This realization emphasized the need for new analytical methods and information describing how variable weather factors affect renewable energy sources. From this necessity, the research field of energy meteorology was officially born, aiming to create tools and knowledge for a sustainable energy future.
Author’s Summary
Energy meteorology took root in early 1980s Germany, combining renewable energy research and atmospheric science to model, measure, and optimize solar and wind energy use.