System impacts of wind energy developments: Key research challenges and opportunities

McKenna R, Lilliestam J, Heinrichs H, Weinand J, Schmidt J, Staffell I, Hahmann AN, Burgherr P, Burdack A, Bucha M, Chen R, Klingler M, Lehmann P, Lowitzsch J, Novo R, Price J, Sacchi R, Scherhaufer P, Schöll EM, Visconti P, Velasco-Herrejón P, Zeyringer M, Ramirez Camargo L (2025)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2025

Journal

Joule Elsevier

Book Volume: 9

Pages Range: 101799

Article Number: 101799

Issue: 1

DOI: 10.1016/j.joule.2024.11.016

Abstract

Wind power accounted for 8% of global electricity generation in 2023 and is one of the cheapest forms of low-carbon electricity. Although fully commercial, many challenges remain in achieving the required scale-up, relating to integrating wind farms into wider technical, economic, social, and natural systems. We review the main challenges, outline existing solutions, and propose future research needed to overcome existing problems. Although the techno-economic challenges of grid and market integration are seen as significant obstacles to scaling up wind power, the field is replete with solutions. In many countries, planning and permitting are immediate barriers to wind-power deployment; although solutions are emerging in the EU and several countries, the effectiveness and long-term acceptance of fast-track permissions and go-to areas remains to be seen. Environmental impacts on wildlife and recycling challenges are rising issues for which tested and scalable solutions are often still lacking, pointing to large remaining research requirements.

Authors with CRIS profile

Johan Lilliestam Lehrstuhl für Sustainability Transition Policy

Involved external institutions

University of Aberdeen GB United Kingdom (GB) Universität Leipzig DE Germany (DE) Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) CH Switzerland (CH) Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich (ETHZ) / Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich CH Switzerland (CH) Forschungszentrum Jülich / Research Centre Jülich (FZJ) DE Germany (DE) Universität für Bodenkultur Wien (BOKU) / University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna AT Austria (AT) Imperial College London / The Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine GB United Kingdom (GB) Kelso Institute Europe DE Germany (DE) Technical University of Denmark / Danmarks Tekniske Universitet (DTU) DK Denmark (DK) University College London (UCL) GB United Kingdom (GB) University of Oslo NO Norway (NO) Universiteit Utrecht (UU) / Utrecht University NL Netherlands (NL) International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA) AT Austria (AT) Europa-Universität Viadrina Frankfurt (Oder) DE Germany (DE)

How to cite

APA:

McKenna, R., Lilliestam, J., Heinrichs, H., Weinand, J., Schmidt, J., Staffell, I.,... Ramirez Camargo, L. (2025). System impacts of wind energy developments: Key research challenges and opportunities. Joule, 9, 101799. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joule.2024.11.016

MLA:

McKenna, Russell, et al. "System impacts of wind energy developments: Key research challenges and opportunities." Joule 9 (2025): 101799.

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