Evaluation of Onshore Wind Power Potential to Maximize Renewable Energy-Supported Transportation Electrification – Applied Along the Red Sea Coast of Saudi Arabia

This study evaluates the onshore wind power potential along the Red Sea coast of Saudi Arabia to inform strategic planning for renewable energy-supported transportation electrification. Nine locations, spaced 120-240 km apart, were selected based on 10-year wind speed data and analyzed. Distinct wind patterns were identified between the northwest and southwest coasts. Hourly meteorological data (from January 2014 to December 2023) was obtained and average annual wind speed and power density values were estimated. Sites were evaluated using NREL’s classification system. The study utilized the maximum likelihood estimation derived Weibull distribution, shape and scale parameters to model power density and mean speed. Capacity factors were analyzed for 36 wind turbine models spanning 1.5-4MW to identify the wind turbine optimally suited to each region's wind resources. Annual capacity factor performance determined the models' ability to reliably activate concurrent electric vehicle charging ports. Leading choices included Suzlon’s 4MW S146 consistently demonstrating highest median port activations. MingYang’s 3MW MySE3.0-135 and Windey’s 3MW WD140-3000 emerged as optimal with stable double-digit port activations depending on wind resources. SANY’s 2MW SE12520 and Windey’s 2MW WD121-2000 also performed prominently across sites. Dongfang’s 1.5MW G2000-116 maintained strong performance. The results characterize wind energy potential and pinpoint optimal turbine selections capable of stably supporting transportation electrification targets depending on site conditions. In addition, the results also provide valuable information related to strategic integration planning to maximize the onshore wind sector's contribution to Saudi Arabia's renewable energy and emissions reduction goals through electrified transportation.