Techno-economic analysis to develop the first wind farm in the Egyptian western desert at Elkharga Oasis

Abstract

Abstract During the past few years, Egypt has increased the share of electricity generation from renewable energy sources to achieve the renewable-energy strategy. The Egyptian Ministry of Electricity and Renewable Energy has set an ambitious target to increase the share of renewable energy among the total energy mix to be 20% by 2022 and 42% by 2035. This target will be achieved using several approved policies such as feed-in tariffs, build–own–operate and independent power producers under a merchant scheme. This paper presents a full analysis of wind-potential characteristics at Elkharga Oasis in Egypt based on an actual wind-measurement campaign taken by a met mast at two height levels of 10 and 25 m, respectively. The measurements show an average annual wind speed of 5.72 m/s at 10-m height and 6.53 m/s at >25-m height. The estimated wind speed, however, is 8.38 m/s at 120 m, which is technically convenient to generate electricity from wind energy. In this paper, the wind potential in the area is assessed using the statistical method of the Weibull probability density function. The different methods to estimate the Weibull distribution parameters are presented and the relevant accuracy is verified based on the root mean square error. A techno-economic assessment and selection of the optimal wind-turbine size with ideal micro-sitings are performed using the software package windPRO. Different cases of study for three typical wind-turbine models with various rotor diameters, power capacity, layout configuration and annual yield are assessed at the site. The selection of the most convenient wind turbine is determined based on the IEC 61400 standard criteria and the turbine that produces the lowest levelized cost of electricity.