In a significant stride toward harnessing renewable energy in Sudan, a new dataset detailing wind speed measurements from the SOBA-D161094 meteorological mast station in Khartoum has been unveiled. This dataset, covering three months from June to August 2017, is expected to serve as a vital resource for researchers and energy developers alike, offering insights that could catalyze the growth of wind energy in the region.
The research, led by Abubaker Younis from the Wind Energy Department at the National Energy Research Center in Khartoum, utilized the two-parameter Weibull distribution to analyze the wind speed data. The findings revealed a scale parameter of 4.175 m/s and a shape parameter of 2.099, indicating a promising wind resource potential. “Our analysis shows that the wind conditions in Khartoum are favorable for wind energy generation, which could be a game-changer for local energy production,” Younis stated.
The accuracy of these wind speed measurements was corroborated by comparing them with the MERRA-2 database, a NASA satellite observation dataset. The research found a remarkably low root mean square error of 0.385, reinforcing the reliability of the local data. Furthermore, statistical tests indicated that the wind speed samples from the two sources are drawn from the same population, underscoring the dataset’s robustness.
This dataset not only provides essential parameters for wind energy modeling but also highlights the potential for domestic wind power generation in Sudan. With the mean power transported by wind calculated at 103.45 W and a maximum mean power extractable by turbines at 61.3 W, the implications for commercial wind energy projects are significant. Younis emphasized, “By making this data available, we hope to inspire further research and investment in wind energy, which is crucial for achieving Sustainable Development Goal 7—ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all.”
The publication of this dataset in ‘Data in Brief’ (translated to English as “Data in Brief”) marks an important step in making vital information accessible to the energy sector. As wind energy continues to gain traction globally, this research not only positions Sudan as a potential player in the renewable energy market but also encourages the development of local expertise in wind energy modeling and optimization.
For those interested in further exploring this groundbreaking work, Younis can be reached through the Wind Energy Department at the National Energy Research Center. The data provided could very well illuminate unrecognized opportunities for wind power generation in a region that is increasingly seeking sustainable energy solutions.
