Precise measurement data for the energy transition TU Braunschweig takes over meteorological measurements on the FINO1 offshore research platform

• TU scientists are collecting meteorological data on the FINO1 research platform in the North Sea.
• The data is important for the further development of offshore wind energy.
• The aim of the research is to gain insights into offshore wind, reduce costs, increase yields and ensure more reliable operation of wind turbines.

A research team from Technische Universität Braunschweig led by Professor Astrid Lampert and with Dr Beatriz Cañadillas as project manager at TU Braunschweig is continuing the meteorological measurements on the FINO1 research platform in cooperation with iTUBS, the innovation company of TU Braunschweig. With this project, TU Braunschweig is strengthening its expertise in renewable energy research and providing the necessary scientific basis for the energy transition.

The project is funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection (BMWK) and is being implemented on behalf of the Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (BSH).

Analysis of environmental conditions

FINO1 has been providing meteorological data since 2004, even before the first offshore wind farms were built in the North Sea. The long-term measurements at various heights on a 100-metre measuring mast include wind speed and direction, turbulence, temperature, humidity and other atmospheric parameters. This data not only contributes to the optimisation of wind turbines, but also to a better understanding of the atmospheric boundary layer. It provides the basis for a well-founded analysis of environmental conditions in all phases of offshore wind farm construction and is an important reference for numerous research projects, investigations and evaluations.

Precise wind profile at height and across the area

FINO1 has been providing meteorological data since 2004, even before the first offshore wind farms were built in the North Sea. The long-term measurements at various heights on a 100-metre measuring mast include wind speed and direction, turbulence, temperature, humidity and other atmospheric parameters. This data not only contributes to the optimisation of wind turbines, but also to a better understanding of the atmospheric boundary layer. It provides the basis for a well-founded analysis of environmental conditions in all phases of offshore wind farm construction and is an important reference for numerous research projects, investigations and evaluations.

Relevant for science and industry

The data from FINO1 is of central importance for scientific and industrial applications. It is used to conduct studies that are crucial for the planning, construction and operation of offshore wind farms. It is also used for wind validation in models for the optimal placement of wind turbines, to estimate extreme weather conditions and to carry out environmental impact assessments.

“Precise measurement data is essential – both for the further development of offshore wind farms and for atmospheric research. My many years of working with the offshore atmosphere have shown me how indispensable continuous long-term measurements are for understanding maritime wind conditions. With over 20 years of uninterrupted data collection, FINO1 is one of the most important sources in this field and makes an important contribution to the expansion of offshore wind energy,” explains Dr Beatriz Cañadillas, FINO1 project manager at the Institute of Flight Guidance at TU Braunschweig.

Project data

The Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency has commissioned the innovation company Technische Universität Braunschweig mbH (iTUBS) to carry out meteorological measurements on the FINO1 research platform. The project, which will run from December 2024 to November 2026, is funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK).