Evaluation of some state-of-the-art wind technologies in the nearshore of the black sea

Abstract

The main objective of this work was to evaluate the nearshore wind resources in the Black Sea area by using a high resolution wind database (ERA-Interim). A subsequent objective was to estimate what type of wind turbines and wind farm configurations would be more suitable for this coastal environment. A more comprehensive picture of these resources was provided by including some satellite measurements, which were also used to assess the wind conditions in the vicinity of some already operating European wind projects. Based on the results of the present work, it seems that the Crimea Peninsula has the best wind resources. However, considering the current geopolitical situation, it seems that the sites on the western part of this basin (Romania and Bulgaria) would represent more viable locations for developing offshore wind projects. Since there are currently no operational wind projects in this marine area, some possible configurations for the future wind farms are proposed.