The results workshop of the three-year WindGISKI research project took place in Hanover on 22 October 2024. A total of eight project partners from science and practice were involved in this project - including the Institute of Social Sciences at the University of Oldenburg. The aim of the research project was to find out to what extent artificial intelligence (AI) can be used in the search for and designation of potential areas for wind energy. To this end, an AI-based geographical information system (GIS) was developed and presented in a demo version. For this AI tool, Germany was divided into 50x50 metre tiles and the AI was trained to evaluate the tiles according to their suitability for wind power locations. Even though this demo version already illustrates the potential of using AI in this area, further steps would be necessary to develop a market-ready product.
However, even a full version of an AI-based GIS would not guarantee the accelerated expansion of wind energy.
This is the conclusion reached by Jannika Mattes and Tamara Schnell from the OrgInn working group at UOL. As part of the project, they analysed six case studies from five different Federal States to determine which factors and dynamics can arise in the further course of wind power projects that go beyond the selection of sites. It became clear that although planners and project planners can better assess the potential for conflicts by selecting low-conflict areas with the help of AI, this is no guarantee of low-conflict project progression. In order to accelerate the expansion, projects must therefore be analysed more closely in addition to the selection of areas. The success of projects therefore depends on the specific composition of land characteristics, the actors involved and socio-cultural factors. The willingness and ability of all stakeholders involved, such as local politicians, authorities, planners and project developers, to resolve conflicts is key.
And what's next for WindGISKI?
Even though the main project has now been completed, some project partners are still working on it and trying to refine their findings. The UOL team is also continuing to analyse the case studies until the end of June 2025, which will be made available to academics and practitioners in various formats.
To get a better insight into the project and the results workshop, you are also welcome to take a look at the various media reports on the project.
Article from Deutschlandfunk in "Umwelt und Verbraucher": https://www.deutschlandfunk.de/umwelt-und-verbraucher-100.html
Further news articles:
- https://www.windkraft-journal.de/tag/windgiski?doing_wp_cron=1729778311.9489860534667968750000
- https://www.windkraft-journal.de/2024/10/23/windgiski-ein-meilenstein-fuer-die-windkraftplanung-mit-kuenstlicher-intelligenz/205493
- https://www.rundblick-niedersachsen.de/kuenstliche-intelligenz-verleiht-der-suche-nach-windkraftflaechen-neuen-schwung/
- https://www.erneuerbareenergien.de/technologie/onshore-wind/forschungsprojekt-ki-tool-hilft-bei-der-windflaechenanalyse
- https://www.nwzonline.de/niedersachsen/kuenstliche-intelligenz-in-niedersachsen-geoinformationssystem-revolutioniert-windkraftplanung_a_4,1,2879838191.html#
- https://www.noz.de/deutschland-welt/niedersachsen/artikel/niedersachsen-ki-optimiert-windkraft-flaechenauswahl-47895830