Analysis of Wind and Solar Energy Potential in Eldoret, Kenya

Abstract

As a developing nation, Kenya urgently needs new sources of affordable, clean and renewable energy. Wind and solar energy are potentially attractive because of their low environmental impact, availability and sustainability. This work investigated the wind and solar power production potential in Eldoret, Kenya. Wind speed and sunshine duration data over a five-year period (2004-2008) from Eldoret meteorological station (0.53^oN, 35.28^oE) are presented. Wind power densities, seasonal variations of speed, and estimates of power likely to be produced by small wind turbines (WT’s) are included. The site investigated is found to be a class 2 wind power site with annual average wind speed of 2.5 m/s at 2 m height and power density of 80.379 W/m² at 20 m height. The site is, therefore, likely to be suitable for wind farms as well as small, stand............