Wind Energy Potential and Economic Assessment of Southeast of Pakistan

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study aims to evaluate wind resource potential and analyze the performance of wind turbines for six onshore and near-coast sites (three commercial power plants and three new potential sites) of Pakistan. The technical and economic performance analysis of more than 200 commercially available turbines suitable for weak wind regions is performed, 20 turbines were selected based on performance. The percentage increase in annual Capacity Factor (CF) and decrease in Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE) for commercial sites using proposed turbine is 42–61% and 30–38% respectively compared to installed turbines on the sites. Three potential sites have wind power density as 155, 203, and 237 W/m2 and corresponding wind power class as poor, marginal and marginal respectively. The CF and LCOE of potential sites having marginal power class using PT10 turbine (Goldwind GW140/3.0) is up to 50% and 5.5 US¢/kWh respectively so these two sites are economically feasible for future wind projects. The CF and LCOE of potential sites having poor power class using PT10 turbine is 34% and 7.2 US¢/kWh. The wind turbines having lower cut-in wind speed and lower-rated wind speeds are economically feasible for sites having poor wind power class.