Wind resource assessment and energy potential of selected locations in Fiji. (July 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dayal, Kunal K.; Cater, John E.; Kingan, Michael J.; Bellon, Gilles D.; Sharma, Rajnish N.
• Is Part Of: Renewable energy. Volume 172(2021)
• Page Start: 219
• Page End: 237
• Publication Date: 2021-07
• Subjects: Fiji -- Wind resource assessment -- Power density -- Energy potential -- WAsP; Renewable energy sources -- Periodicals; Power resources -- Periodicals; Énergies renouvelables -- Périodiques; Ressources énergétiques -- Périodiques; 333.794
• DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2021.03.034
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0960-1481

Abstract

Abstract: This study summarizes an assessment of the wind resource at selected locations in Fiji for the potential of future utility-scale wind-power development. We use 2–8 years of near surface wind observations (2011–2018) from thirty automatic weather stations. The standard wind-industry software, WAsP is used to simulate the wind resource in terms of mean wind speed, dominant wind direction, power density and annual energy production (AEP) using a Vergnet 275-kW wind turbine. Our analysis identifies three sites: Rakiraki, Nabouwalu and Udu, which should be considered for a future comprehensive resource assessment for utility-scale wind-power development once further wind resource data is available. High-resolution resource maps for each wind resource parameter at a horizontal resolution of 50 m are produced for 6 km × 6 km domains around these sites. Rakiraki, Nabouwalu and Udu have average wind speeds of 7.6 m/s, 7.1 m/s and 7.0 m/s, with an average power density of 401 W/m 2, 512 W/m 2 and 294 W/m 2, and a potential average AEP of 0.91 GWh, 0.80 GWh and 0.72 GWh at 55 m AGL, respectively. The dominant wind direction is southeasterly. Modelling a 10 MW wind farm at each site yields a net AEP of 43 GWh, 42 GWh and 37 GWh for Rakiraki, Nabouwalu and Udu, respectively with capacity factors of 0.42–0.48 and wind farm efficiencies of 97–98%. Highlights: Assessment of wind resource and energy potential for new onshore locations in Fiji. Three potential sites of Rakiraki, Nabouwalu and Udu identified. Sites have potential for future utility-scale wind-power development. Each site can accommodate a 10 MW wind farm using Vergnet 275-kW wind turbines. Modelling a 10 MW wind farm at each site yields an AEP of 43 GWh, 42 GWh and 37 GWh.