WIND RESOURCE ASSESSMENT IN SOUTHERN ALBANIA: DATA COMPARISONS FROM THE BALKAN AND NEW EUROPEAN WIND ATLASES

This article describes a new method to more accurately evaluate the wind potential of 5 areas interest in southern Albania. Using WAsP simulation program, authors were able compare data from Balkan Wind Atlas (BWA) and New European (NEWA) real measurements Mamaj, Tepelenë, showed that NEWA is closer conditions Albania than BWA. Furthermore, by analyzing speed, power density direction, illustrate BWA match closely five Albania, although tends overestimate more. The class was evaluated four deemed appropriate for establishing farms. analyzed eight different turbine types identified with highest capacity factor region be SG 2.1-114 turbine. electricity production proposed farms using RETScreen Expert program. research allows experts confidently use atlas Southern Finally, these results confirm building interest, which will contribute fulfillment energy demand country reduce imports sector.