Evaluation of Wind Energy Potential in Injibara, Awi Zone, Ethiopia

Abstract

With the rising demand for sustainable and environmentally friendly energy sources, wind energy assessment has become more significant, especially in developing countries like Ethiopia. This study investigates the wind energy potential of the Injibara area of Awi Zone of Amhara Region, Ethiopia, by applying Weibull and Rayleigh statistical distribution models. The data was then analyzed to determine the wind characteristics, wind power density, and the suitability of wind turbines for high altitude atmospheric conditions. The
Maximum Likelihood Estimation (MLE) and Method of Moments (MOM) methods were used to estimate Weibull parameters, and the wind speeds were extrapolated to the turbine hub heights of 30 m and 50 m. The results show that the Weibull model is a better fit for the observed wind data than the Rayleigh model. The wind power estimation in high altitude regions is greatly affected by air-density
correction. The wind potential at Injibara is moderate with a mean annual wind speed of approximately 2 m/s at 10 m height, which is suitable for small and medium-scale wind energy applications. The results of the study offer significant insights for the selection of turbines, planning of renewable energy, and sustainable energy development in Ethiopia.