Unveiling the Potential and Viability of Offshore Wind Energy Along Morocco’s Mediterranean Coast Using Robust Statistical Analysis
摘要
This study is framed within Morocco’s energy transition context, aiming to achieve an energy mix comprising 52% renewable sources by 2030. It specifically focuses on analysing the offshore wind potential in five Moroccan sites offshore in the Mediterranean, highlighting their long-term viability in this context. Data regarding wind speed and direction are collected at a height of 50 m and extrapolated to the heights of wind turbine towers, namely 100 and 105 m. Two-time intervals are studied, covering periods of 43 and 7 years, respectively. It is noted that the difference in average wind speed between these two-time intervals does not exceed 3.35%. The study’s results primarily focus on the 43 years, deemed representative of long-term variability. Statistical parameters are computed, and the Weibull distribution is estimated using the maximum likelihood algorithm. The study reveals that the average wind speed varies between 4.65 and 6.49 m/s, while wind direction is predominantly unidirectional. The examined sites exhibit relatively high-capacity factors, ranging between 32 and 35% at a height of 100 m, and between 37 and 42% at 105 m. Importantly, except for site P5, all sites are deemed highly suitable for potential future offshore wind projects.