Assessment of Wind Power Potential for Two Contrasting Coastlines of South Africa Using a Numerical Model

Abstract

A two-dimensional numerical model is used to predict near surface wind velocities, and consequently wind power, for five distinct synoptic regimes for contrasting east and west coasts of South Africa. The model results suggest that no one solution for optimizing a wind generator location would satisfy both coastlines owing to their differing characteristics. On the east coast, the most favorable location is approximately 55 km inland on the high-lying terrain, whereas on the west coast, the best location is generally about 10 km offshore. The application of the two-dimensional form of a primitive equation model in areas where the topography and the coastline are in accordance with model constraints is shown to provide a useful framework for measurements and analysis of the potential wind power of such a region.