In the vast, windswept expanses of Morocco’s southern regions, a promising frontier for renewable energy is taking shape. A recent study published in the journal “Energy Nexus” has shed light on the substantial wind energy potential in the Boujdour region, particularly at the Lamsid site, offering insights that could reshape the energy landscape and drive commercial opportunities.
The research, led by Younes El Khchine from the Energy and Sustainable Development Laboratory at Moulay Ismail University, evaluates the wind energy potential for both electricity generation and hydrogen production. The study employs a decade’s worth of wind speed data and a comprehensive techno-economic analysis to assess the viability of wind energy projects at different hub heights.
“Our findings reveal that the wind speed in the region varies significantly throughout the year, with the lowest speeds recorded in October and the highest in July,” El Khchine explained. “At a hub height of 100 meters, for instance, wind speeds can reach up to 10.7 meters per second, which is exceptionally good for wind energy generation.”
The study’s key indicators, including wind power density, electricity and hydrogen production costs, and the capacity factor of wind turbines, paint a compelling picture. The average monthly power density at hub heights of 100, 80, and 50 meters is approximately 588.8, 479.912, and 313.708 W/m², respectively—values considered good to excellent for wind-based electricity generation.
Among the thirty-seven commercially available wind turbines analyzed, the EWT DW52 500, Repower MM100 50 Hz, and GoldWind GW140/3.0 models stood out for their high capacity factors, achieving 43.9%, 41.44%, and 49.36% at hub heights of 50, 80, and 100 meters, respectively. These turbines also demonstrated competitive electricity generation costs, ranging from $0.0471 to $0.0561 per kWh.
The study’s implications extend beyond electricity generation. The potential for hydrogen production is substantial, with annual volumes of compressed hydrogen reaching up to 5705.194 cubic meters at a hub height of 100 meters. The corresponding hydrogen production costs show a notable reduction with increasing hub height, dropping to as low as $8.556 per kg.
Moreover, the use of wind turbines for electricity generation can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. For instance, the GoldWind GW140/3.0 wind turbine can avoid the emission of 11,934.1 tons of CO2 annually, along with substantial reductions in SO2 and NOx emissions. This not only mitigates environmental impact but also eliminates the annual emission treatment cost of $319,432.1.
The research conducted by El Khchine and his team offers a robust framework for assessing the wind energy potential in Morocco’s southern regions. As the world increasingly turns to renewable energy sources, this study provides valuable insights for investors, policymakers, and energy companies looking to tap into the region’s wind energy potential.
“Our findings highlight the immense potential of wind energy in Morocco’s southern regions,” El Khchine noted. “This research can guide future developments in the field, helping to create a sustainable and economically viable energy sector.”
As the energy sector continues to evolve, studies like this one will be crucial in shaping the future of renewable energy. The insights gained from this research could pave the way for innovative projects that harness the power of wind, driving commercial growth and contributing to a more sustainable energy landscape.