Missions Sensors/Models Data Product

Aquarius Aquarius Scatterometer Average wind speeds over the ocean g. Benefit to Society: Additional renewable energy source through better data in the Wind Energy Resource Atlas Use of wind energy has increased significantly over the past decade. However, virtually all wind resources are in remote locations—not close to the power grid or population centers. An alternative to land-based wind farms is to go offshore. NASA’s scatterometer data (currently QuikSCAT (Quick Scatterometer) and the future Aquarius) can help identify and quantify potential wind resources over water. The DOE’s (Department of Energy’s) Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy branch uses the Wind Energy Resource Atlas as a decision support tool to determine good sites for wind farms, but currently the atlas covers only land areas. NASA scatterometer data over the oceans can be used to update and supplement the Atlas. This candidate solution aligns with the Energy Management National Application