Decadal predictions (from year-ahead up to a decade) play a crucial bridging role between short-term weather forecasts (days to weeks) and long-term climate projections (multi-decadal to centennial). For the energy sector, especially for renewable energy like wind and solar, this intermediate timescale is an important planning horizon. Wind droughts—extended periods of abnormally low wind speeds—can significantly impact grid stability and the profitability of wind farms. Decadal predictions offer promising potential for anticipating if such events will be more or less frequent in the coming years compared to the climatology.

As an intern responsible for evaluating the performance of decadal forecasts in capturing the changing frequency of wind drought episodes in Europe, your tasks will be as follows:

• Evaluate the performance of decadal climate prediction models in reproducing wind drought episodes and the large-scale factors causing these events (e.g. blockages). 
• Compare model results with reanalysis datasets (e.g. ERA5) and observational data. 
• Identify systematic biases and uncertainties in the forecasts. 
• Propose robust indicators for the operational characterisation of wind droughts.

Methodology:

• Statistical analysis of wind time series at surface level and at wind turbine height.
• Definition of thresholds and criteria for detecting wind drought events.
• Cross-validation between forecasts and reference datasets.
• Mapping of risk areas and visualisation of results.

You will work within a team of experienced professionals and with a mentor-coach who will serve as a reference for your future career. Personalised support will help you develop your independence and guide you to your degree!

Currently enrolled in an engineering school or Master's program in the climate science field, are you looking for an 6-month end-of-study internship starting in february 2025?

Do you have familiarity with climate model evaluation and extreme event statistics ? 

Are you comfortable with office automation and familiar with the Office suite? You'll be using Excel, Word and Powerpoint in particular.

Are you a self-starter, rigorous and a team player?

Can you take the initiative?

A professional command of English will be essential for this position. Good writing skills are a plus.

So don't wait any longer, apply to join our team!

Cette offre concerne un stage conventionné à temps plein, les stages alternés ne sont possibles.
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