Regional Studies for Renewable Wind Energy Using the Second Modern-Era Retrospective analysis for Research and Applications (MERRA-2) Dataset

The second Modern-Era Retrospective analysis for Research and Applications (MERRA-2) is a NASA 35+ year (1980 – present) atmospheric reanalysis using the Goddard Earth Observing System Data Assimilation System, Version 5 (GEOS-5). MERRA-2's goal is to provide climate-quality analysis through various products and services to the global community. The focus of this study is to analyze wind speed at 50 m above displacement height and wind power density over a long-term time period. Primary locations suitable for renewable wind energy will be identified utilizing the hourly MERRA-2 time-averaged data at a spatial resolution 0.5 º by 0.625º. Detailed description of the methods used during the analysis will be discussed as well as further demonstration of available tools and services at the Goddard Earth Science Data and Information Services Center (GES-DISC) for accessing and visualization of the data. The goal is to provide a use case for wind energy providers and developers and also to exhibit the capacity of MERRA-2 data.