Wind energy is one of the most abundant and viable renewable energy resource options worldwide which can be used as alternative to fossil fuel, but spatial distribution and variability makes it difficult to utilize. In this study wind resource availability and electricity generation potential of wind resource was computed. For this purpose, Era-5 reanalysis dataset was utilized to develop the wind resource map of Pakistan. Geospatial and site suitability analysis has been conducted to find the most appropriate side for wind farm. Weights showing the degree of importance of each criterion were calculated via the analytic hierarchy process method and integrated to the model. During this process geographical data was collected and processed using GIS for finding the best wind resource site and restricted regions were developed by overlaying the maps on each other. In this study six main criteria were considered which includes different factors i.e., elevation, slope, land use, proximity to road, urban expansion, and proximity to transmissions lines. Results showed that the most suitable site for wind energy farm is in the District of Sindh, Jamshoro. After finding the most appropriate site techno economic analysis was conducted using SAM. Empirical model was designed to study the long-term feasibility of the wind farm. Results indicate that annual energy production of about 193,592,672 can be generated form this site which in return can reduce the carbon emissions of about 8219944 equivalent kg of CO2 emissions. Moreover, a positive net present value, levelized cost of electricity around 4.39¢/kWh, and payback period of approximately 9.7 years justify the economic viability of the proposed wind farm design at Jamshoro region. This study will serve as a valuable reference for similar wind profile site locations in neighboring countries as well. Moreover, this study presents long-term economic feasibility with site specific analysis which can provide prospects for investment in sustainable energy development and increase its utilization in developing countries.
Wind energy is one of the most abundant and viable renewable energy resource options worldwide which can be used as alternative to fossil fuel, but spatial distribution and variability makes it difficult to utilize. In this study wind resource availability and electricity generation potential of wind resource was computed. For this purpose, Era-5 reanalysis dataset was utilized to develop the wind resource map of Pakistan. Geospatial and site suitability analysis has been conducted to find the most appropriate side for wind farm. Weights showing the degree of importance of each criterion were calculated via the analytic hierarchy process method and integrated to the model. During this process geographical data was collected and processed using GIS for finding the best wind resource site and restricted regions were developed by overlaying the maps on each other. In this study six main criteria were considered which includes different factors i.e., elevation, slope, land use, proximity to road, urban expansion, and proximity to transmissions lines. Results showed that the most suitable site for wind energy farm is in the District of Sindh, Jamshoro. After finding the most appropriate site techno economic analysis was conducted using SAM. Empirical model was designed to study the long-term feasibility of the wind farm. Results indicate that annual energy production of about 193,592,672 can be generated form this site which in return can reduce the carbon emissions of about 8219944 equivalent kg of CO2 emissions. Moreover, a positive net present value, levelized cost of electricity around 4.39¢/kWh, and payback period of approximately 9.7 years justify the economic viability of the proposed wind farm design at Jamshoro region. This study will serve as a valuable reference for similar wind profile site locations in neighboring countries as well. Moreover, this study presents long-term economic feasibility with site specific analysis which can provide prospects for investment in sustainable energy development and increase its utilization in developing countries.
