Design of a Wind Farm in Kuwait

Abstract

Kuwait is considering diversifying its energy resourcesand not solely depending on oil and gas. Wind energy is one ofthe renewable energies being considered by the Government. Bythe year of 2030, the Government is planning to generate 120MW from wind energy, which makes about 6% of the totalrenewable energy produced. Previous work conducted by formerAUM senior students concluded that the area of the Abraq AlHabari has the highest potential for installing wind farm withwind power density (WPD) of 180 W/m2 at hub height of 10meters. This finding, however, was based on wind data for oneyear only (2013). In this project we collected data for three yearsto see if the wind speeds recorded in 2013 are consistent, yearafter a year. We will also have looked at best wind farm layoutthat would yield the maximum energy production at theminimum cost. Important factors such as terrain, and fieldroughness will be studied with the help of industry standardsoftware such as WAsP and Windrose. Nevertheless, the costanalysis will be conducted to see how the project is.