Assessment of wind energy potential in Côte d’Ivoire (West Africa) using ERA5 reanalysis data: advocacy for low-cost technologies tailored to local needs and low-wind conditions

Abstract This study explores the evolution of wind resources and the effects of these parameters on the wind energy potential in Côte d’Ivoire. An assessment of the climatology of wind resources in Côte d’Ivoire was conducted using the meridional and zonal components of wind speed data at altitudes of 100 and 20 m from the ERA5 reanalysis data for 1980–2022. The results revealed two main areas with high wind speeds, namely the north and the south of Côte d’Ivoire. The wind speed in these two areas exceeded 4 and 3 m.s-1 at altitudes of 20 and 100 m, respectively. High wind speeds were observed from February to August. Subsequently, at the altitude of 100 m, the Maximum number of Consecutive hours of Wind per day (CWM) for average wind speeds (3–6 m.s-1) varied between 5 and 20 h depending on the region and month. At an altitude of 20 m, the CWM was around 5 h for most months in the north and exceeded 10 h for most months in the south. Although such conditions may not be ideal for large-scale wind farms, they are well-suited for low-cost and small-to-medium-scale applications for transitioning to clean energy sources.