Based on the combined data of observations, RegCM3 model and the power curve of GE 2.5 MW wind turbine, the interannual variability of wind energy potential (WEP) over 1982-2006 in China is analyzed. It is calculated that the WEP of RegCM3 wind, observation-adjusted wind and their mean wind is 25, 2.5 and 11 PWh/a, all more than 20% of China’s expected electricity demand in 2030 (2 PWh/a). Their relative standard deviations of yearly WEP are about 3%, 8% and 5%, and their relative ranges of yearly WEP are 15%, 33% and 23%. Because of the seasonal variation of wind energy and electricity demand, power deficit could occur in summer if relying on wind energy only, resulting in a need of huge backup capacity that reduces the economic benefit and emission benefit.

Based on the derivation of the formula of channel IR4 albedo, the data including the brightness temperature and the albedo of channel IR4 was applied to analyze a case of the precipitation in summer in Beijing. The results show that channel IR4 albedo will increase and then decrease significantly before the precipitation is generated. Channel IR4 has an earlier feedback on the precipitation than long-wave infrared (IR1) channel and water vapor (WV) channel. In the weak echo phase after heavy precipitation, the brightness temperatures of channel IR1 and WV will continue to decrease while the temperature and albedo of channel IR4 continue to increase. Correspondingly, the appearance of the minimum brightness temperatures of channel IR1 and WV is later than the appearance of the maximum echo of the weather radar.