Evaluation of wind energy potential in the south-south geopolitical zone of Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined wind energy potential of six selected locations the South-South geopolitical zone of Nigeria using 10 year wind data obtained at a height of 10m as a possible location for energy generation from wind. The obtained data showed that the annual mean wind speed for Asaba, Benin, Calabar, Port Harcourt, Uyo, and Warri were 3.3m/s, 3.3m/s, 4.4m/s, 3.4m/s, 3.5m/s and 3.7m/s respectively, with corresponding mean power density of 21.8W/m², 21.4W/m², 35.8W/m², 23W/m², 25.2W/m², and 30.8W/m².. The mean energy output of 183.4KWh/m², 205.4KWh/m², 311.7KWh/m², 200.9KWh/m², 220.9KWh/m2, and 274.3KWh/m2 were found for the respective locations. The corresponding annual mean wind speed with maximum energy ranged from 4.1m/s to 4.4m/s with Calabar station found to be the most suitable site for the installation of wind turbine for power generation. The overall mean wind power densities and the annual mean power densities were under class 1 of wind classification scheme indicating that, the mean wind speed fell short of required standard of 6m/s for large-scale installation of wind energy generation. Nevertheless, the power generated could be improved using suitable wind turbines at reasonable heights.

Keywords: Mean wind speed, Wind power density, Wind energy, Renewable energy