Mesoscale variations in available wind power potential

Previous studies have suggested that mesoscale processes are important in determining available wind energy potential in southern Australia. These effects are quantified by application of a numerical mesoscale model to the Swan coastal plain of Western Australia, illustrating that the wind power potential in this area is dominated by the sea breeze circulation and topographical influences. While sea breezes are a common feature of the summer climate, they are a significant source of wind energy only under weak synoptic flows, whereas mesoscale topographical effects are significant under all synoptic conditions.