Wind Energy Forecasting Capability

Country	Australia
Year Implemented	2004
Policy Status	Ended
Date Ended	June 2009
Agency	•Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism
Funding	AUD 14 million over 5 years
Related Policies	Advanced Electricity Storage Technologies Improving Grid Accessibility
Policy Type	•Public Investment   •Infrastructure Investment •RD & D   •Technology Development
Policy Target	•Wind   •Onshore
Policy Sector	•Electricity
Description	The Australian Government's 2004 Energy White Paper, Securing Australia's Energy Future, committed AUD14 million over five years to assist the development and installation of software and systems to allow accurate wind forecasting and promote wind energy in the national electricity market. Implementation of forecasting systems assists market management and improves strategic planning for wind farms. The Australian Wind Energy Forecasting System (AWEFS) is a centralised system that will provide predictions of wind energy generation compatible with the Australian Energy Market Operator's (AEMO's) network management systems. It takes weather forecasts from meteorological bureaus and operational data from wind energy generators, such as site wind speed and direction, and turbine availability and output, to produce forecasts of expected wind energy generation. The system became operational in November 2008, however AEMO is continuing to develop Australian-specific functionality and enhancements which are expected to be in place by 2010.
URL	www.ret.gov.au/energy/energy%20programs/wind_energy_forecasting_capability_initiative/Pages/WindEnergyForecastingCapabilityInitiative.aspx