Development of benchmark wind speed for Gharo and Jhimpir, Pakistan

This paper deals with the development of benchmark wind speed values for different regions at different height levels in Gharo – Keti bandar wind corridor in the south of Pakistan. Unavailability of reliable long term historical wind data had made many uncertainties to project development activities because of unsteady nature of wind. This situation has resulted in realizing the importance of development of the benchmark wind speed values for the development of wind energy sector in Pakistan. Thus Government of Pakistan has introduced an innovative concept of Wind Risk by guaranteeing the wind speeds as given in benchmark wind speed table and has consequently diluted the financial risks of project developers involved in execution of wind power projects in Pakistan. Developing countries that do not have long term wind data, can be benefited from this study to establish wind energy in their country on fast track basis by pursuing same path. This will lead to the creation of new wind energy markets in the world.