Wind Resource Assessment in Ghana-Challenges and Opportunities

19721212

Abstract：
! a! p7 n. x; F& ?! m" D$ `The conversion of the kinetic energy in wind into electrical energy offers unique opportunity to the overall energy supply where resources exist as well as partial solution to the world’s over dependence on exhaustible primary energy sources such as fossil fuel and their consequences which include climate change. Wind resource assessment based on industrial practice, offers a first step towards the technical establishment of the wind energy potential. The political-will to harness this resource will create a unique market opportunity for investment in wind energy development. To this end, the study “wind resource assessment in Ghana-challenges and opportunities” overall goal is to research the wind resource potential, challenges and investment opportunities in Ghana.
& L. |0 ~1 V4 X/ B7 l; oThe research methodology included review of earlier works on Ghana’s wind resource, renewable energy policies and frameworks for wind energy development, analysis of existing wind data, technical challenges for grid integrated wind energy development and availability of land for commercial wind farms. The results showed that Ghana has regions of proven moderate to excellent wind resource. Average wind speeds of ca 5.6 ms-1 to 7.5ms-1 at 12m and 50m respectively exist along the coastline with low turbulence. Regions of excellent wind climates are the mountainous regions. Although the overall wind resource outlook is promising, a lot more need to be done in the resource assessment. Potential wind sites interestingly coincide with sound infrastructural development including access roads, electricity transmission and distribution networks, and load centers. 1