Wind Speed Projections for Electricity Application over Thailand

Abstract

© 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. One of alternative renewable energy resources in Thailand have rapidly grown is wind energy for electricity generation. Investigation to identify the region of high potential electricity generation and possibility in decision making for locating new wind turbines is needed. Investment risks in wind speed variability are influenced by climate change during the life span of wind turbine. The typical height of wind turbine is 80 m which requires wind speed at least 6 m/s for generating electricity. In this study, wind magnitudes are simulated by a regional climate model, PRECIS, Providing REgional Climate for Impact Studies, driven by two different General Climate Models (GCMs). The control runs (1961-1990) are forced by two boundary conditions, HadAM3P and ECHAM4. The future projections (2071-2100) are undertaken based on higher (SRES-A2) and lower (SRES-B2) emission scenarios. Wind speeds at 80 m wind turbine were analyzed to identify potential of wind power during 2071-2100 compared with 1961-1990. Assessments of wind speed indicated that the sufficient regions are located southern and northeastern Thailand. The results show that seasonal mean wind speeds in DJF associated with northeast monsoon active are strongest among other seasons. Surface and higher altitude wind increases are also found in southwest monsoon period, which agree with likely-strengthen monsoon systems.