Recommendations for wind energy projects in cold climates

Mountainous and elevated areas, as well as many low land areas, around the world offer large wind energy potential in demanding winter climates. The lack of knowledge of cold and icing climate (CC) issues and the lack of proven and economic technological solutions have limited the large-scale exploitation of these sites. When developing wind energy projects in CC conditions, normal best practices should be used to the extent possible, but also the additional risks that are involved in CC wind energy projects must be assessed in detail. CC conditions directly affect site access, working conditions, technology selection, loads, noise, health and safety, public safety and energy production. Recommendations for minimizing these additional risks are given in this report.