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High-altitude wind resources in the Middle East
Chak Man Andrew Yip1, Udaya Bhaskar Gunturu2, Georgiy L Stenchikov3,2
1King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Applied Mathematics and Computational Science, Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia. andrew.yip@kaust.edu.sa.
Scientific Reports
|August 31, 2017
Summary
High-altitude wind energy (AWE) offers a consistent power source in the Middle East, unlike intermittent near-surface winds. This study identifies optimal AWE deployment zones in Oman and Saudi Arabia for reliable energy generation.
Area of Science:
- Renewable Energy Systems
- Atmospheric Science
- Wind Energy Technology
Background:
- The Middle East heavily relies on fossil fuels, facing challenges with intermittent near-surface wind resources.
- High-altitude wind is abundant, persistent, and presents a viable alternative energy source for the region.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify favorable locations for airborne wind energy (AWE) systems in the Middle East.
- To determine optimal operating altitudes for AWE systems.
- To compare AWE potential with near-surface wind energy generation, considering variability.
Main Methods:
- Utilized wind field data from Modern-Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications Version 2 (MERRA-2).
- Estimated AWE potential based on realistic system specifications and deployment scenarios.
- Analyzed diurnal and seasonal variability of wind resources.
Main Results:
- Identified specific regions in the Middle East suitable for AWE deployment.
- Calculated optimal altitudes for AWE system operation.
- Oman and Saudi Arabia show high potential for AWE power generation with low annual variability.
Conclusions:
- Airborne wind energy (AWE) systems demonstrate significant potential to meet high energy demands in the Middle East.
- AWE offers a more consistent and reliable energy alternative compared to near-surface wind resources in the region.
- Strategic deployment in areas like Oman and Saudi Arabia can enhance energy security and sustainability.
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