Selection Wind Farm Sites Based on GIS Using a Boolean Method: Evaluation of the Case of Cameroon

Abstract

The negative effects of traditional methods of electricity generation on the environment have created the need for strategic planning and development of renewable and sustainable energy systems. This paper presents the analysis of the suitability of wind farm sites using a Boolean decision-making approach based on geographic information system (GIS) modeling. This analysis is based on different climatic, geographical, economic and environmental criteria such as wind resource, slope, accessibility by road, proximity to the electricity network and optimal distance from airports. The results of the study show that the most favorable sites are mainly located in the northern part of the country, particularly in the Far North and North regions. There are also favorable sites in the North-West, South-West, West, Littoral and very little in the South while the central and eastern regions are not suitable. This is mainly due to the tropical forest that covers the entire region of East Cameroon and the low wind speed in these regions which is the determining factor for the installation of wind farms. The appropriate land for the installation of wind farms is approximately 2.56% corresponding to an area of 11,602.494414 km2. However, when we include the condition that a wind farm must have at least 4 km2 of surface area, is goes from 2.56% to 2.22% (11,602.494414 km2 to 10,344.424539 km2); thus a surface reduction of approximately 1258.069875 km2. We can conclude that despite the fact that Cameroon does not have a huge potential for wind energy because of the low wind speed observed in the country, it is still possible to have some favorable sites for the installation of the parks wind. In addition, a study of hybrid solar-wind systems could improve the efficiency of the power plants in Cameroon.