Europe's offshore wind farms could slow winds and shift rainfall

German researchers found planned EU offshore wind farms in the North Sea could slow surface winds by 6–11 km/h and change rainfall: 12–18% more rain over the farms and up to 15% less on coasts of Denmark, Germany and the Netherlands. The EU plans 60 GW of offshore wind by 2030 and 300 GW by 2050.

• Coastal North Sea rainfall may drop 10–15%
• Rainfall over wind farms may rise 12–18%
• Surface wind speeds may fall 6–11 km/h
• Western Britain may lose up to 8% of rainfall