Assessment of Wind Energy Potential in Kolaka Using Era5-land Reanalysis Data

Abstract

This research aims to evaluate the potential for wind energy in Kolaka Regency using ERA5-Land reanalysis data from the output of the European Center for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) model, which has a spatial resolution of 9 km with hourly temporal resolution for the period of 2001 to 2020. This research also compared the quality of ERA5-Land reanalysis wind speed data on data from nearby meteorological stations using statistical assessment methods. The analysis results reveal that the highest average wind speed is discovered at a height of 80 to 150 meters with a range of 4.99 to 5.93 m/s. The spatial distribution map of wind power density indicates that the energy potential at a height of 80 to 150 meters can reach 60 to 170 W/m2. The largest wind energy potential in Kolaka Regency can be generated in the DJF period (December-January-February) with the highest average monthly wind power density in January and the JJA period (June-July-August) with the highest average in July. In general, Kolaka Regency can be classified as an area with first-class wind energy potential, so it tends to be more suitable for the development of small-scale power plants. The suitable locations for developing small-scale wind power plants in Kolaka Regency are the southern Pomalaa coast and the Tanggetada coast because both locations have better wind energy sources than other areas.