Abstract:
The desire to seek for lasting and alternative solutions to the energy crisis in Nigeria prompted
the need to assess the nation’s potential for wind and solar energy. This study employed
geospatial technology in exploring the potentials of solar and wind energy for improving
electricity generation in Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara States, North Western Nigeria. The
objectives are to assess the spatio-temporal variability of wind and solar energy and to
determine suitable sites for locating wind and solar hybrid farms in the study area. The study
made use of wind and solar radiation data was obtained from the Nigerian Metrological Agency
(NIMET), Landsat 8, Digital Elevation Model (DEM) and the relevant shapefiles were utilised.
The wind and solar radiation data were computed in Microsoft Excel, Hydrognomon software,
4.0 and were subsequently interpolated using the spatial analyst tools of ArcGIS 10.5 to
determine the spatio-temporal variability of wind and solar energy. In order to determine
suitable sites for wind and solar farms locations, exclusion maps were developed after defining
restriction zones in line with the International Renewable Energy Association (IRENA)
standards and subsequently combined with the resource maps generated. The result shows
that average monthly wind speed ranged from 4.5 to 5.9 m/s. seasonally, average wind speeds
ranged between 4.5 to 5.9 m/s and 7.0 to 7.5 m/s during the dry season in the months of October
to March, wet season of April to September, respectively. GIS Spatial interpolation also showed
that annual and monthly average solar insolation and wind speed in the study area slightly varies
and can be used for potential Solar and wind farm locations. Consequently, the estimated
generated electricity output from solar radiation and wind power in the study area is 1.7MW
and 1.4MW/yr respectively. Variation in solar radiation and wind speed has been observed
throughout the year in the study area thereby justifying the need for a hybrid solar and wind
farm to compliment periods of low energy output in the country.
