Assessment of electricity generation by wind power in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

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Abstract
The wind speeds measured by the Saudi Meteorological Department at 18 stations distributed over the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have been analyzed. Monthly average power density distributions were determined for each station. A technical and economic assessment has been made of the generation of electricity using small wind-turbine generators for rural applications at the most promising potential wind sites. Another two sites were also considered, one of which has a moderate power density level and the other having the lowest level among the total sites in Saudi Arabia. A levelized unit costing methodology was applied to evaluated the cost per kWh generated. The cost per kWh generated was found to be higher than the unit cost per kWh purchased by the industrial sector from Saudi Electric companies. However, if it is compared with the actual unit cost of generation by the electric companies (without any kind of subsidy), and considering also the additional cost of cable extensions to remote areas, the wind energy cost would be cheaper. The idea presented in this paper explores a new basis for a better understanding of how wind energy can, most profitably, be utilized for local electricity generation in industry.

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