Analysis and Assessment of Wind Energy Potential of Almukalla in Yemen

Abstract

Energy is an essential element for any civilized country's social and economic development, but the use of fossil fuels and nonrenewable energy forms has many negative impacts on the environment and the ecosystem. The Republic of Yemen has very good potential to use renewable energy. Unfortunately, we find few studies on renewable wind energy in Yemen. Given the lack of a similar analysis for the coastal city, this research newly investigates wind energy's potential near the Almukalla area by analyzing wind characteristics. Thus, evaluation, model identification, determination of available energy density, computing the capacity factors for several wind turbines and calculation of wind energy were extracted at three heights of 15, 30, and 50 meters. Average wind speeds were obtained only for the currently available data of five recent years, 2005–2009. This study involves a preliminary assessment of Almukalla's wind energy potential to provide a primary base and useful insights for wind engineers and experts. This research aims to provide useful assessment of the potential of wind energy in Almukalla for developing wind energy and an efficient wind approach. The Weibull distribution shows a perfect approximation for estimating the intensity of Yemen's wind energy. Depending on both the Weibull model and the results of the annual wind speed data analysis for the study site in Mukalla, the capacity factor for many turbines was also calculated, and the best suitable turbine was selected. According to the International Wind Energy Rating criteria, Almukalla falls under Category 7, which is, rated “Superb” most of the year.