Wind power potential over northern South America using ERA5-Land global reanalysis

Abstract

Abstract The northernmost region of South America has great potential for wind energy production and is a strategic area for the energy transition. We analysed data from ERA5-Land global reanalysis from 1980 to 2020 to determine the wind power potential in this area. Our aim was to identify areas with a high potential for wind energy that could be used to supply energy in case of drought in the region or increases in fuel prices. We compared data from 19 meteorological stations located in Colombia with ERA5-Land reanalysis data to generate reliable information for the feasibility and operation of wind farms. According to our analysis, the Colombian Caribbean and Coastal Plain have monthly average wind speeds at 90 m ranging from 4.85 to 10.34 m/s and 3.79 to 6.62 m/s, respectively. Based on wind power density calculations, these regions have the highest wind power density in our study, with a monthly average of between 250 and 399 W/m2. The Caribbean Region had a 69% increase in wind power density from January to July compared with the annual average. The wind power density in the plains increased from January to March, while the Mountain Region had higher anomalies from May to October. The Alta Guajira and Paraguaná Peninsula have great potential to generate wind energy due to their privileged geographical location. Although ERA5 offers valuable information about wind availability in time and space, it cannot represent the influence of local effects on wind patterns for the Mountain Region.