Geospatial Evaluation of Wind Energy Potential in the South-East and South-South Sections of Nigeria

Abstract

Investment into a renewable energy project spurs the need to investigate sites with potential for a renewable energy source. Such a crucial investigation is the main motivation for this study, which uses a geospatial technology to evaluate wind energy potential within the southeast (SE) and south-south (SS) regions of Nigeria. A multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) model was implemented using Landsat TM images at bands 2, 3 and 4, and integrated with NASA global wind speed data, airport location map and forest reserve map of the area. The criteria for generation of wind energy potential map were wind speed ≥ 3m/s, 2000m buffer from built-up areas, 2,500m buffer from airports and outside the forest reserve. The results indicate the presence of a reasonable amount of potential for wind energy, which lies mostly in the southernmost part of the study area. The total potential area is about 104,700 hectares in land size, which is merely 1.2% of the total study area, although River state encloses most of the potential locations. When compared to global vortex wind data, by visual inspection, these potential areas show a great deal of sensitivity to wind speed, highlighting its critical importance in the present modelling. Wind farms can be located in this area, although it is a rather small-scale investment in a renewable energy resource considering that the consumable amount of energy in the study area is in a steady increase. Stakeholders and experts in energy economy will find that the need to protect this potential energy location from indiscriminate urban development and other anthropogenic activities is compelling.

Geographical Information System Based Assessment of Small Hydropower Potential in South-Eastern Nigeria: A Case Study of Abia State

“…Wind Energy: Due to the fluctuating wind patterns, solar and hydroelectric are often more prevalent than wind energy in Abia State. Studies suggest despite the low potentials of wind energy in Abia state owing to low elevation and wind speed, there are still opportunities for small scale investments in about 108 potential sites in Abia south covering a a distance of 270Km 2 [31]. However, to find suitable sites for wind energy projects, wind resource assessments evaluations could be carried out.…”

Geo-spatial Assessment of small hydro potential in Abia state, South-Eastern Nigeria

“…In Abia State, solar and hydroelectric energy are frequently more common than wind energy because of the erratic wind patterns. According to the literature, there are still prospects for small-scale investments at around 108 viable sites in Abia south, which span a distance of 270 km 2 , despite the poor potential for wind energy in Abia state due to low height and wind speed [31]. Nonetheless, wind resource assessments and evaluations might be done to identify appropriate locations for wind energy projects.…”

Spatio-Temporal Dynamics of Sediment yield across the Imo River Basin South- East Nigeria

“…Rainfall amount ranges from over 2500mm in the southern part of the basin to about 1500mm annually towards the northern borders with an average number of rain days ranging between 120 -152 rain/days annually. Rainfall intensities are high and often above 50mm/h with short interval intensities over 100 mm/h (Igwe, 2012;Chiemelu, et al, 2019). Rainfall often comes between March and lasts till October and a two-week break in August.…”