Wind energy generation from Nigeria continental shelf: A review

Abstract

The menace of global warming and increase of green-house gases have motivated many countries to embrace renewable energy sources as an alternative to fossil fuels. Some of the means by which sustainable energy is tapped are solar, biofuel, and wind. Wind energy have been around for quite some time and the power in the wind have been harnessed on land. However, due to some constraints related to land use, visual impacts and turbulence induced by buildings and trees, offshore wind farms have been engaged to provide quality alternative to onshore wind energy. This study reviews various works that have been done in the offshore wind development and tries to make a case for the generation of electricity from this type of renewable energy source to boost the nation's electricity demand. Work done in offshore energy assessment, wake models, offshore turbine layout, future innovation in offshore wind turbine and Nigeria onshore energy scenario were reviewed. To speed up development of offshore wind energy in Nigeria, recommendation was made for government to invest in wind energy research, industries that operate in the offshore region should be willing to share meteorological data with researchers and tertiary institutions should encourage student to work on "issue-based" projects like proffering solution to the energy deficit crisis in the country.