Abstract
Abstract. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) government has declared the increased use of alternative energy a strategic goal and has invested in identifying and developing various sources of such energy. This study aimed at assessing the viability of establishing wind farms offshore the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, UAE and to identify favourable sites for such farms using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) procedures and algorithms. Based on previous studies and on local requirements, a set of suitability criteria was developed including ocean currents, reserved areas, seabed topography, and wind speed. GIS layers were created and a weighted overlay GIS model based on the above mentioned criteria was built to identify suitable sites for hosting a new offshore wind energy farm. Results showed that most of Abu Dhabi offshore areas were unsuitable, largely due to the presence of restricted zones (marine protected areas, oil extraction platforms and oil pipelines in particular). However, some suitable sites could be identified, especially around Delma Island and North of Jabal Barakah in the Western Region. The environmental impact of potential wind farm locations and associated cables on the marine ecology was examined to ensure minimal disturbance to marine life. Further research is needed to specify wind mills characteristics that suit the study area especially with the presence of heavy traffic due to many oil production and shipping activities in the Arabian Gulf most of the year.
Highlights
The growing world population, the fast depletion of fossil fuel reserves and the documented climatic effects of fossil fuel burning have prompted world governments to pursue renewable energy alternative (El Chaar and Lamont 2010)
This study aims to assess the feasibility of establishing wind farms offshore the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE) and to identify favourable sites for such farms using a Geographic Information System (GIS)
The objectives of this study were to assess the viability of establishing wind farms offshore the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, UAE and to identify favourable sites for such farms through mapping of the offshore obstacles and prohibited areas and to identify suitable locations for eventual wind farms
Summary
The growing world population, the fast depletion of fossil fuel reserves and the documented climatic effects of fossil fuel burning have prompted world governments to pursue renewable energy alternative (El Chaar and Lamont 2010). UAE government has set a goal to reduce emission rates and seek alternative sources of energy. The development of turbines that convert wind energy into electrical energy put wind in a good position as a source of alternative renewable energy. Having wind machines with 15-20 years lifespan that can be implemented at sufficient wind sites, makes wind energy competitive with other renewable energy systems for electricity generation. Wind has become one of the fastest growing renewable energy sources for power generation and has become more competitive with conventional energy sources in recent years. Wind has become one of the fastest growing renewable energy sources for power generation and has become more competitive with conventional energy sources in recent years. (Chandel et al 2014)
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