Home » Industry » Industry & market monitoring » Forecasting » Analysis of wind integration » Correlation between wind generation output and hydro inflows

Correlation between wind generation output and hydro inflows

Integration of wind generation is seen as a key issue for the power system. One area of concern is the possible interaction between wind and hydro generation.

New analysis shows that:

• New Zealand wind generation appears to be seasonal – with output typically being high from October to January and low from April to July;

• there is a moderate correlation between wind generation output and national hydro inflows (i.e. a “dry period” is more likely to be a “calm period”). This correlation holds for wind farms throughout most of New Zealand, with the exception of Taranaki and the upper North Island.

In assessments of dry-winter security, the assumed contribution of wind should be reduced by 10% to reflect these findings.

There may also be implications for the economics of wind generation.

The Meridian dataset was prepared using NIWA weather station data, available from the National Climate Database.

This page is related to: Generation.

Back to top Last updated on 11 November 2010