Evaluation of wind power potential in three selected Northwestern State, Nigeria

Abstract

Because of the increasing demand for clean energy to solve the environmental problems brought on by the use of fossil fuels, Nigeria must create an alternative energy source from the untapped wind that is abundant in the area. This study aims to assess the wind power potential of Jigawa, Katsina, and Kano, three (3) states in Nigeria's northwest. Wind speed data spanning 25 years (1996-2020) was acquired from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet). Wind power density was calculated in the analysis using the statistical model Weibull two-parameter; the scale parameter (c) and shape parameter (k) were also determined using the moment model. Microsoft Excel was used to analyze the collected wind speed data. Nigeria's wind speed distribution shows that certain northern regions are capable of producing wind. Furthermore, an assessment of the wind energy resources in the area reveals that Kano has the most potential, with an annual WED of 4.921kWhm^-2day^-1 and a WPD of 443.03 Wm^-2 at 10m AGL. The lowest potential is 7.69 Wm-2 for Dutse. 492 kWhm^-2day^-1. Due to their WED of 0.712 kWhm^-2day^-1, Dutse have the lowest potential (7.69 Wm-2). This means that whereas Kano and Katina are excellent for large-scale wind power generation, Kaduna is best suited for small-scale wind power development. Dutse, however, might not be feasible because of their poor wind potential. Since wind is a very significant energy source with a lot of potential to help Nigeria overcome its energy crisis, it is advised that it be properly utilized. Additionally, much research should be done to better understand how climate change is affecting Nigeria's weather patterns, which are exhibiting a chaotic tendency.