Work

Beyond resolution: Multi-scale weather and climate data for alpine renewable energy in the digital twin era

Year: 2026

Type: review

Abstract: Mountain regions concentrate significant renewable energy potential-including approximately 70% of global hydropower capacity-yet, the meteorological datasets essential for planning systematically fail in complex terrain. Using the Alps as a globally transferable testbed, we evaluate datasets spanning the seamless chain from global reanalyses (ERA5, 31 km) through convection-permitting reanalyses (ARA, 2.5 km) to kilometer-scale digital twins (4.4 km) and AI-driven forecasting systems, assessing their performance against energy-relevant phenomena including population-weighted temperature extremes, wind gusts, and compound events. No single dataset excels universally; resolution alone does not ensure accuracy without adequate physics representation. Sparse mountain observations above 1,500 m fundamentally limit validation. We propose six recommendations-from multi-dataset ensemble approaches to a pan-Alpine transboundary reanalysis-providing actionable guidance for energy planners, meteorological service providers, and policymakers navigating the energy transition in complex terrain worldwide.

Source: iScience

DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2026.116855

Authors: Irene Schicker, Marianne Bügelmayer-Blaschek, Annemarie Lexer, Katharina Baier, Kristofer Hasel, Paolo Gazzaneo

Institutions: GeoSphere Austria, AIT Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH

Language: English

Topic: Meteorological Phenomena and Simulations

Subfield: Atmospheric Science

Field: Earth and Planetary Sciences

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Climate action, Affordable and clean energy

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,240