ALBERT

Description: 〈p〉〈em〉The urgency to transition to renewable energy sources is underscored by the environmental crises stemming from our reliance on non-renewable fuels. This study focuses on assessing wind energy potential in Odisha, India, utilizing satellite data and Geographic Information System (GIS) technologies. The research addresses the critical need for strategic planning and site selection before investing in renewable energy infrastructure. By employing a model that integrates various free satellite datasets and leverages fundamental physical principles, the study calculates wind power density (WPD) at a height of 90 meters above the surface for both onshore and offshore locations. The methodology involves acquiring and processing datasets such as temperature, wind speed, digital elevation model (DEM), pressure, air density, and land use/land cover (LULC) classifications. The model applies equations derived from physical laws to determine key parameters necessary for calculating WPD. Specifically, temperature and pressure data are used to estimate air density, while surface roughness is assigned based on LULC classes with windspeed at 10m to extrapolate wind speed at 90 meters above ground level. The method can be used at any hub height. Results reveal significant wind energy potential in Odisha, particularly along the coastal regions. Jagatsinghpur and Puri emerge as areas with high WPD onshore, while the offshore exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of Odisha exhibits substantial wind energy resources. The model outputs provide valuable insights for various studies related to renewable energy and facilitate informed decision-making in site selection analyses. Furthermore, the study emphasizes the simplicity and effectiveness of the developed model,〈/em〉〈br〉〈em〉making it a practical tool for assessing wind energy potential in other regions as well. Overall, this research contributes to the global effort towards transitioning to sustainable energy sources and combating climate change. By highlighting the renewable energy potential of Odisha, it underscores the importance of harnessing wind energy as a viable pathway towards a cleaner, greener future.〈/em〉〈/p〉