Assessment of Wind Energy Potential in Ethiopia: A Case Study of the Sela Dingay Wind Farm

Abstract

Wind energy is an increasingly viable solution for sustainable power generation, particularly in developing regions with high wind potential. This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the wind power and energy output estimation for the Sela Dingay wind farm, a candidate site in Ethiopia. The study utilizes measured wind speed data at 50 meters and interpolates it to different hub heights (91m, 102.5m, and 127.5m) using both the Power Law and Logarithmic Law methods. A detailed evaluation of a sample wind turbine (WT) is conducted, incorporating its power curve characteristics to estimate the energy yield across different hub heights. Additionally, wind direction data is analyzed using a wind rose diagram to identify dominant wind patterns, allowing for the estimation of wake losses. The results indicate an annual energy output ranging from 2,151.83 MWh to 2,580.50 MWh per turbine with wake losses estimated at approximately 8.37% for the 50 m hub height. These findings demonstrate the site’s potential for large-scale wind power generation and provide a methodological framework for optimizing turbine layout and energy yield in similar emerging markets.