Wind energy resources analysis of Western Greece coast in terms of sustainable environmental indicators and towards their community-based exploitation in South-East Europe

Abstract

Wind energy resources in the Ionian-Adriatic coast of South-East Europe were analyzed. Status of wind energy development in the countries of Greece, Albania, Montenegro, Bosnia-Herzegovina, and Croatia and regions of moderate and high wind potential at their west coasts were reviewed. The feasibility of the application of specific wind turbine generators with lower cut-in, cut-out, and rated speeds in moderate wind fields was investigated. The wind speed and direction as well as the availability, the duration, and the diurnal variation of several coastal sites in Western Greece were assessed, and the results were statistically analyzed as time-series or with the Weibull probability distribution function. The mean wind power densities were less than 200 W m -2 at 10 m, suggesting the limiting suitability of the sites for the usual wind energy applications. However, further technical-economical analysis revealed that the recent technological turbine improvements with lower cut-in and rated speeds make wind power viable even at moderate wind fields. Environmental indicators like energy payback period and avoided greenhouse emissions were determined to be significant for the utilization of wind energy resources in these coastal areas. Since the region is important for sea-related activities, the implementation of wind energy applications in the frame of cross-border cooperation should be prioritized. © 2013 AIP Publishing LLC.