Distribution characteristics and assessment of wind energy resources in the coastal areas of Guangdong

In order to improve the efficiency, availability and economy during construction and operation of wind farms, characteristic analysis and evaluation of the regional wind energies are key components. In this paper, wind energy resource evaluation was conducted for coastal areas of Guangdong, including spatial and seasonal characteristics and overall evaluation. Results indicate that: <Circled Digit One> Effective wind speed frequency is the highest in the seaward area of the study area, followed by the excessive area and the lowest in the landward area. The seaward area is relatively suitable for wind energy development. <Circled Digit Two> Total theoretical exploitable area in the study area is 5.15x105 MW, and the high production area is mainly concentrated in the outer sea areas. Developable areas are in the nearshore areas, and the potential development areas are in the sea-land interface and estuary areas. Annual effective wind energy density values along the coast of eastern Guangdong are larger than that of western Guangdong. Its development potential is larger than that of western Guangdong. <Circled Digit Three> Wind energy variation coefficient has significant seasonal differences. Wind energy density in winter and spring is more stable than that in summer and autumn. Additionally, overall seasonal variation index is smaller, which can provide stable wind energy.