NORA3 Dataset Comparison with Observed Onshore Wind Measurements in the Eastern Baltic Sea Region

Accurate wind resource assessment is critical for the effective planning of wind farms, as well as for forecasting production values to ensure grid stability, yet it remains a complex challenge. This study evaluates the robustness of the Norwegian reanalysis model (NORA3) as a wind assessment tool specifically for the Baltic Sea region. The NORA3 model was validated by comparing it to observation data from four onshore locations in Latvia, collected from meteorological masts and a lidar wind measurement device. The evaluation applied correlation analysis, wind distribution and wind rose comparisons, and annual energy production (AEP) estimates. Results reveal high similarity between NORA3 and observation datasets in terms of wind speed correlation and distribution, while wind roses feature significant differences, especially for short-term observations. AEP estimates based on the NORA3 dataset are more optimistic compared to the actual observations for all investigated locations.