Examining wind quality and wind power prospects on Fiji Islands

Wind resource analysis was carried out for two major islands in the Fiji. Wind data from July 1993 to June 2005 from NASA data base was analysed. Annual seasonal variation in wind speed, direction and power density were analysed for various locations. The average yearly wind speed for Fiji is between 5 and 6m/s with average power density of 160W/m2. Site specific validation showed no significant relationship between NASA and experimental data. The wind resource at Laucala Bay has a power density of 131W/m2 at 55m. The expected annual energy produced from a 275kW GEV Vergnet wind turbine is 344MWh. The capacity factor of the turbine is expected to be 14.3% with an overall efficiency of 37%. The electricity generated would cost $FJ 0.27 perkWh. The system will payback its worth in 12.2 years.