Wind Energy Potential in Nigeria: A Computational Study of Wind Turbine Performance

Abstract

This study investigates the potential of wind energy in Nigeria, focusing on the feasibility of wind turbine power generation using Sokoto State as a case study. Despite Nigeria's significant energy demand, the country currently generates a limited amount of wind power, relying primarily on natural gas and hydropower for electricity generation. With the national grid frequently facing outages and a large energy deficit, the exploration of alternative sources like wind energy has gained attention. This research employs the Enercon E-126 wind turbine model to evaluate power generation capacity using wind data from Sokoto in July and August 2023. The study calculates wind flow power, power efficiency ratios, and the installed capacity utilization factor (ICUF). The results indicate that while July experienced higher wind speeds (3.93 m/s), August had slightly lower speeds (2.74 m/s, a decrease of 30.3%) yet demonstrated a higher ICUF of 18.77%, an increase of 166% compared to July's ICUF of 7.06%. The research also considers the turbine's aerodynamic properties, such as lift and drag coefficients, which impact energy efficiency. To address the intermittency of wind energy, the study explores the potential of hybrid energy systems combining wind with solar or battery storage to ensure a stable power supply during low-wind periods. These findings suggest that wind energy can play a crucial role in addressing Nigeria's energy shortfall, particularly in regions with favorable wind conditions. The study calls for increased investment and policy support to integrate wind energy into Nigeria's renewable energy mix, contributing to a more sustainable power sector.