Comparative Estimation of Onshore (Okada) and Offshore (Okerenkoko) Wind Speed for Potential Wind Energy Access in Delta State, Nigeria

Abstract

The low availability of reliable electrical energy in Nigeria; urban centres and rural area in particular is alarming. At the moment, average Nigerians readily depends on non-renewable energy sources such as fossil and wood fuel which is environmental unfriendly. However, wind energy is abundant, inexhaustible, affordable, environmentally preferable, and equally sustainable. Hence, the objective of this paper was to undertake a comparative estimation of onshore (Okada) and offshore (Okerenkoko) wind speed for potential wind energy access in Delta State, Nigeria using appropriate standard methods. The outcome of the results obtained reveal that offshore areas generated more wind speeds than the onshore area of Niger Delta. The percentage of onshore wind speed to offshore windspeed was established to be 46% to 54%. Besides, offshore shows a better tendency of wind power generation against onshore and this was due to high values of wind speed generated in offshore area. The amount of electricity produced by a turbine is mostly determined by wind speed. Above and beyond, Okerenkoko has a better wind energy potential than Okada and installation of wind turbine in Okerenkoko will help to boast a green sustainable renewable energy in the region.