Wind energy potential in Maputaland

Abstract

This study examines the feasibility of harnessing wind energy to better the lives of rural people in an area of KwaZulu Natal which is remote from the national electricity grid. Using WASP, a computer program which is able to extrapolate data on wind speed and calculate potential energy, wind simulations were performed for 12 sites in the area. All these sites are near schools or clinics, and none is further than 60 kilometres from the coast. The simulations indicate that wind is a viable and efficient energy source to supplement the conventional coal‐generated electricity in Maputaland, particularly in the flat, smooth coastal areas.

Notes

Lecturer at the University of Zululand and PhD student at the University of Natal. This project was carried out in the Department of Geographical and Environmental Sciences at the University of Natal.