Evaluation of Potential Wind Energy Sites in the Province of Essaouira in Morocco

The main objective of this study was to assess the wind potential of the JBEL HDID site in Essaouira. First, we give a brief overview of the current status of wind energy in the world and in Morocco. Initial lines of reflection led us to develop a methodology for developing a wind farm. The implementation of this methodology allowed us to model the wind in three sites in the region, using data from the wind of the three masts installed in the region and data from nearby sites. Secondly, measurements were taken over a one year cycle. Then they were compared with the data of winds at a meteorological station chosen for the quality of its correlation with measurements registered during the year and for which it is possible to go back in time for as long a period as possible; thus, we would know by statistical formulas if the measurements of this year were representative of all years in this area. Finally, a comparison was made between the wind turbines from different manufacturers with various configurations to make a preliminary design for the park and calculate the electrical energy that could be produced by it.