DIURNAL AND NOCTURNAL WIND POWER DENSITY ASSESSMENT IN RIVERINE AND COASTAL ZONES OF NIGERIA USING ERA5 DATA
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33003/fjs-2025-0912-4322Keywords:
Power Density, Cumulative Probability, Diurnal, Nocturnal, Wind speedAbstract
This study evaluated the diurnal and nocturnal wind power density across six locations in Nigeria: Port Harcourt, Lau, Kainji, Lagos, Lokoja, and Makurdi. The observed values were compared with the on-grid wind power benchmark of 100 W/m². The results reveal significant spatial and temporal variability in wind power potential. Diurnally, Lagos (117.7 W/m²) and Port Harcourt (106.8 W/m²) exceed the on-grid threshold, indicating high suitability for grid-connected wind systems. Nocturnal power density is generally lower but close to on-grid bench mark in Lagos (98.8 W/m²) and Port Harcourt (88.8 W/m²). In contrast, Lau, Kainji, Lokoja, and Makurdi fall below on-grid requirement with power densities of 77.5 (50.2), 38.1 (49.6), 22.2 (39.5), and 37.1 (59.9) W/m² respectively for diurnal (nocturnal) conditions, suggesting limited potential for large-scale applications. Generally, the mean cut-off wind speed of 3 and 4 m/s for turbine operation was achieved in all the locations. Arguably, the findings highlight the coastal advantage, clear diurnal–nocturnal asymmetry, and the necessity for site-specific planning when deploying wind energy infrastructure.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Grace Adagba, Tertsea Igbawua, Emmanuel Vezua Tikyaa
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