Wind energy potential in Iraq

Abstract

Eleven years' wind data for nine locations inside Iraq and six outside in the neighbouring countries were used to calculate the potential of wind energy in Iraq. The nine selected stations were used to draw the regional distribution of mean wind speed in Iraq. It was found that four distinctive regions exist: 2.0–3.0, 3.1–4.0, 4.1–5.0, and greater than 5.1 m/s regions. A full statistical analysis has been carried out for each station which involved monthly average speed, annual values of shape and scale parameters of Weibull distribution, the average speed frequency. Weibull distribution speed distribution and their cumulative duration in hours, and the diurnal pattern of wind speed of each location. It can be seen that one sixth of the country enjoys annual wind speed greater than 5.0 m/s. Wind farms could be used in Iraq to supply electricity to many parts.