PNNL

Abstract

Wind energy is anticipated to play a central role in enabling a rapid transition from fossil fuels to a largely renewable power system. For wind power to fulfill its expected role as the backbone of a renewable-based, carbon-neutral energy system, critical challenges around design, development, and deployment must be addressed. Otherwise, the transition will stagnate. Over the past three years, the wind research community has invested significant effort toward understanding the nature and implications of these challenges and the associated gaps we face. The outcomes of these efforts are articulated in a series of ten articles, some already submitted to Wind Energy Science (WES) and others planned for submission during the coming months. This letter explains the genesis of these efforts, their utility, and their importance.