Impact of climate change on wind energy generation in Mannar-Sri Lanka

Abstract

North Western coastal area of Sri Lanka is identified as a region with substantial wind power potential. Favorable geographical location and the terrain conditions have effected for higher wind power generation. Presently, the Sri Lankan government is promoting wind power generation in the country. This study is intended to evaluate impact of climate change on wind power generation in Mannar area. Wind data collected in Mannar was used to develop generalized wind atlas for the region. To generate wind atlas for the region measured wind data, topography and elevation details are required. To evaluate cost of wind energy generation in Mannar, suitable commercial wind turbines were micro-sitted by superimposing generalized wind atlas on selected wind turbine locations with the effect of ground roughness. Wind power generation was evaluated by considering wind turbine characteristics and predicted wind potential of the locations. General Circulation Models (GCM) and Regional Climate Downscaling (RCD) model was predicted wind speed change trend in the region and positive trend was identified. In the micro-sitting wake effect in wind farms were also calculated. This study validated the potential of wind power development target in Mannar with viable cost of wind energy generation.