Geospatial Evaluation of Wind Energy Potential in the South-East and South-South Sections of Nigeria

Abstract

Investment into a renewable energy project spurs the need to investigate sites with potential for a renewable energy source. Such a crucial investigation is the main motivation for this study, which uses a geospatial technology to evaluate wind energy potential within the south-east and south-south regions of Nigeria. A multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) model was implemented using Landsat TM images at bands 2, 3 & 4, and integrated with NASA global wind speed data, airport location map and forest reserve map of the area. The criteria for generation of wind energy potential map were: wind speed ≥ 3m/s, 2000m buffer from built-up areas, 2,500m buffer from airports and outside the forest reserve. The results indicate the presence of a reasonable amount of potential for wind energy which lies mostly in the southernmost part of the study area. The total potential area is about 104,700 hectares in land size, which is merely 1.2% of the total study area, although River state encloses most of the potential locations. When compared to global vortex wind data, by visual inspection, these potential areas show a great deal of sensitivity to wind speed, highlighting its critical importance in the present modelling. Wind farms can be located in this area, although it is a rather small scale investment in a renewable energy resource considering that the consumable amount of energy in the study area is in a steady increase. Stake holders and experts in energy economy will find that the need to protect this potential energy location from indiscriminate urban development and other anthropogenic activities is compelling.