Sci Data. 2026 Apr 21;13(1):631. doi: 10.1038/s41597-026-07290-4.
ABSTRACT
The expansion of wind energy is a key strategy for mitigating global climate change. To support this goal, consistent global-scale datasets of existing wind turbines are essential for planning the future deployment of wind energy. Here, we introduce GOWIRES, a comprehensive global dataset of onshore wind turbines. GOWIRES provides detailed information on 416,417 horizontal-axis wind turbines (HAWT) across 89 countries. The dataset includes geographic coordinates, key technical specifications, and site-specific environmental characteristics for each wind turbine. In addition, GOWIRES provides historical (1989-2018) and future (2030-2059) site-specific wind resource data. Wind resources are characterized by mean wind speed, mean wind power density, Weibull parameters, power law exponents, and air density. Future Weibull parameters are based on simulations from 13 statistically downscaled global climate models under the SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5 scenarios. GOWIRES is a valuable resource for energy and climate research, as well as for applications in wind energy development, grid and infrastructure planning, and policy-making.
PMID:42014750 | DOI:10.1038/s41597-026-07290-4
