Assessing the Techno-enviro-economic viability of wind farms to address electricity shortages and Foster sustainability in Palestine

Abstract

This study critically examines the feasibility of wind turbines in addressing electricity shortages in the coastal region of Palestine. Assessing technical, economic, and environmental aspects offers vital insights for sustainable energy solutions. Hence, 10 turbines with different rated powers were selected to determine the optimal and economically viable solution. Wind velocities were assessed at altitudes of 10, 65, and 80 m. Various performance indicators such as wind power density, capacity factor (Cf), anticipated energy yield, cost of wind-generated electricity, benefit-cost ratio (BCR), and simple payback period were examined. The findings indicate that the Siemens SWT-2.3-93 turbine yields an annual energy production of 3910.3 MWh. The Lagerwey-LW58/750 turbine boasts the highest capacity factor at 20.5 % making it the most cost-effective option with generation costs of $0.0604/kWh to $0.0825/kWh. It exhibited the highest benefit-cost ratio, ranging from 1.287 to 1.758, and payback period of 6.33 years. Consequently, the Lagerwey-LW58/750 turbine emerges as the optimal choice for implementing the wind power plant project in Palestine's coastal region. The use of wind turbines to generate electricity leads to 3323.75 ton/year of emissions reduction. This research provides crucial insights for decision-makers aiming to tackle electricity shortages and enhance environmental sustainability in Palestine's energy sector.

Keywords

• Sustainable energy
• wind energy
• wind turbine
• Environmental impact
• Economical indexes