The Impact of Global Warming on Wind Power Potential in the Greater Horn of Africa
Abstract
The wind speed variability and wind power potential in the Greater Horn of Africa is analyzed
in this study to fill a knowledge gap regarding if wind power can be used more as a
source of energy for the region. This is investigated based on reanalysis data from ERA5,
observed wind speeds, CORDEX-Africa regional climate models (RCMs) for future projections
and a literature review. The study reveals a small but continuous increase in ERA5
wind speed with a significant correlation to the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) but this development
is not well supported by the RCMs. The wind power potential was generally
low upto the year 2100 but significant higher potential was seen in northern Kenya and
Somalia, most likely due to the Turkana jet and the Somali jet. Despite the quantitative
results, recommendations for further research regarding observation data and land cover
changes in the region as well as uncertainties regarding the future warming of the Indian
Ocean and its impact on the IOD are addressed as ways to improve the study as a strive
for more robust results.
Degree
Student essay
Collections
View/ Open
Date
2023-08-17Author
Apondi, Bromwel
Keywords
Near-surface wind speed
the Greater Horn of Africa
ERA5
Wind power density
CORDEX-Africa
Series/Report no.
B1258
Language
eng