The Potential of Wind Energy as a Source of Renewable Energy in Selected Local Government Areas of Delta State, Nigeria

The wind energy potential of five selected local Government Areas of Delta State, Nigeria was investigated using Exetech 45116 Digital Wind Anemometer and Garmin GPS 111 plus Model. Ten readings of the wind speed data was obtained from five sampled sites located within the selected local government areas. The results revealed that the mean wind speed for Bomadi, Uvwie , Warri South, Warri North, and Warri South West LGAs is 2.36 m/s, 4.50 m/s, 2.19 m/s, 2.05 m/s and 2.5 1m/s respectively. Similarly, the wind power densities (WPD) for the aforementioned areas are 8.03 W/m^2, 44.91 W/m^2, 6.46 W/m^2 5.30 W/m^2 and 9.73 W/m^2 respectively. The data obtained was analysed statistically using linear regression and the results revealed that there is correlation between the wind speed and the temperature with R^2 values 96%, 73%, 55%, 92% and 89% for Bomadi, Uvwie, Warri South, Warri North and Warri South West LGAs respectively. Thus, indicating that wind speed is a function of temperature. In addition, Bomadi, Warri South, Warri North and Warri South West are suitable for small wind generation (domestic use) and this finding is based on the results of the wind speed obtained from the locations. However, the mean wind speed for Uvwie local Government Area (4.50 m/s) indicates that area is suitable for large wind generation (commercial use). Lastly, the obtained data was compared to the Battelle Wind Energy Classification Scheme and the results of the above mentioned study areas fell into the Class 1 Wind Resource Power Category, WPD ? 100 W/m2 and for wind speed ? 4.4 m/s. This indicates that the wind resource of the areas under study are suitable for domestic use.