Evaluation of the Wind Energy Potential in the North–Eastern Part of Nigeria, West Africa: Case Study Gombe State, Nigeria

Abstract

Energy is one of the essential requirements for the existence of human race, it is required to sustain and improved the standard of life. Wind energy resources are considered among the fastest growing energy resources all over the world, it offers numerous advantages including clean fuel source that do not produce atmospheric pollutants that causes acid rain and greenhouse gases. It is one of the lowest – priced atmospheric renewable energy technologies. This project focused on evaluation of the wind energy potential in the North – Eastern part of Nigeria West Africa. In achieving this statistical method of research analysis were employed – regression and correlation, percentage distribution and graphical method for data analysis. It was found that the average measured wind power, wind speed and temperature difference between maximum and minimum values for the period (2007 to 2010) occurred in May, June, and July and November and December respectively. The effective percentage of the annual power density of 46.24% gave up to 50.03% W/M² power density which is sufficient to serve as power supply in the North – Eastern region of Nigeria. This will play important role in the energy policy of Nigeria since it has the ability to save power and it can be operated either alternatively or in parallel with diesel engine to reduce fuel consumption.