ANALYSIS OF WIND AND SOLAR ENERGY POTENTIALS IN NORTH WESTERN NIGERIA

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.