Abstract

This work uses the Weibull distribution for assessing the wind potential in Senegal; a country located in West Africa. In this study, data from the ERA5 reanalysis and the Ziguinchor station were used to characterize the spatio-temporal variability of wind and its available power density at 10 m and 100 m of altitude. The results showed that the wind potential was stronger on the coast and the north-western part of the country. A case study was carried out in the Basse Casamance on five (5) different sites located on the coast and inland (Kafountine, Diembering, Kabrousse, Bignona, and Ziguinhor). The results show good wind potentials in the coastal areas: Kabrousse, Kafountine, and Diembering. The most favourable period for wind power production is the winter. The ERA5 data and those of the Ziguinchor weather station were also compared. The results showed that the annual average wind power density calculated with the ERA5 reanalysis was slightly higher than that of the data from the station. The wind rose’s analysis, an essential parameter of the turbine's orientation, shows that the dominant wind direction in the Basse Casamance is northwest. In the last part of the study, an analysis of the choice of wind turbines adapted to the Ziguinchor site was carried out. Finally, this study provides the basic knowledge necessary for better planning of wind power projects in Senegal, especially in the Basse Casamance area.

Key words: Wind potential, power density, Weibull distribution, ERA5 reanalysis, Senegal.