Overview of wind energy and its cost in the Middle East

Electrical energy demand of the Middle Eastern region is currently fulfilled by conventional energy sources impacting negatively on the region’s environment by producing high CO2 emissions and relatively high pollution levels. However, the growth in energy demand is continuous and sometimes exceeding the available supply causing shortages. Solutions to such problems are to either expand the capacity with conventional technologies which in turn will lead to higher carbon footprint or exploring alternatives such as renewable energy sources in particular solar and wind since such sources are energy green, free and inexhaustible energy sources. This paper presents an overview of wind energy potential and existing wind energy conversion technology used to harness the available wind in this region with a detailed analysis on the economics behind deploying wind energy conversion technologies. Moreover, wind characteristics for the region are described in detail while assessing suitable technologies for the region.