Impact of wind-energy generation on climate: A rising spectre

Several theoretical studies have been reported in recent years which have indicated that large-scale wind farms can have an impact on local and regional meteorology, possibly on climate. Now evidence of it based on field observations has also begun to emerge. The present paper traces the evolution of this knowledge. It discusses the theoretical studies on the possibility of wind turbines effecting climate change, and summarizes the emerging confirmation of those predictions. The concluding part of the paper assesses the implications of these findings in the context of the world's past experience on global warming and its present thrust to meet substantial portions of its energy needs with renewables. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.