Wind Energy for Electricity Generation in the Far North Region of Cameroon

This paper explores mountain ridges around Kousseri and Maroua in the far north region of Cameroon for assessing the potential for wind energy development and electricity generation. A 28-year (1985-2013) wind speed data measured at 10 m above ground level (AGL) is statistically analysed using Weibull Distribution, a widely accepted model to probabilistically describe wind speeds variations. Weibull scale and shape parameters are determined using an iterative method, namely, the moment method. The power law relationship is considered to extrapolate Weibull parameters and wind profiles at exposed ridge-tops in the range of 100-300 m AGL. The results show that the selected ridge-tops fall under Class 3 or greater of the international system of wind classification and are deemed suitable for most wind turbine (WT) applications. A performance assessment of five commercial WT (50 to 2000 kW) for electricity generation is then realized through the computation of their respective capacity factors, power and energy outputs. Amongst explored WT, YDF-1500-87 (1500 kW) emerges as the most attractive option for installation, with the highest capacity factor and the lowest cost of energy.