Characterization of Wind Energy Potential in Ladeba, Lagos State, Nigeria

Abstract

Accurate wind resource assessment (WRA) is essential in evaluating the feasibility and planning of wind energy projects, especially in under-studied coastal regions like Ladeba, Ibeju Lekki, Lagos State, Nigeria. This study investigates the wind energy potential of Ladeba using 24 months of wind speed data measured at four heights (41 m, 61 m, 80 m, and 81.5 m), in accordance with IEC 61400-12-1 standards. Wind speed distributions were analyzed using both Weibull and Rayleigh models to estimate key parameters such as wind power density (WPD) and wind energy density (WED). Results reveal that the Weibull model consistently estimates higher WPD and WED across all heights, indicating greater wind energy potential due to its superior ability to model variable wind regimes. In contrast, the Rayleigh model produced significantly lower estimates—especially for power density—which may signal a potential underestimation or suggest its limited suitability in more variable coastal wind environments. The analysis also confirms that wind speeds and energy potential increase significantly with height, reinforcing the importance of site-specific, multi-height measurements for reliable wind assessment. These findings position Ladeba as a viable location for wind energy development and underscore the Weibull model’s reliability for energy planning in similar coastal regions. The results offer valuable insights for policymakers, investors, and engineers in design and deployment of effective renewable energy systems in Nigeria.