1. CUBAN WIND ATLAS Introduction Wind Resource Impacts Website
Project funded by Canadian International Development Agency
Introduction
Wind Resource
Impacts
Cuba Wind Atlas was developed in 2013, between the Institute of Meteorology of Cuba and Environment Canada with funding from the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA). As a numerical model was used Wind Energy Simulation Toolkit (WEST) and also was used Cressman method to improve the results of model, using data from surface stations and masts prospecting located in different regions of Cuba.
The figures show the Cuban wind resource for several above ground level (10, 30, 50 and 100m), allowing the use of this renewable source for various applications, ranging from the installation of windmills for pumping water for agriculture and livestock, to the installation of small, medium and large wind turbines for producing electricity.
Growth in the use of wind energy, mainly in the production of electricity. Currently operating three wind farms testing and construction of the first commercial wind farm is undertaken.
The installation of windmills in various regions, will be strengthened by a scientific approach.
The wind atlas can be used as a roadmap. One can pin-point the potential sites within seconds, and install an observation tower for double check.
Website will become a key management instrument in the area of environmental management with more information added, such as towns, roads, lakes, transmission lines… , facilitating making decisions.
Increased awareness of the nation’s wind resources by policy-makers, stakeholders, foreign investors, researchers, and university & high school students
Website
For access to the results of the Wind Atlas was created the website: which allows any user to obtain information about the Cuban wind resource, interactively.
Wind Farms for Testing
Met. Stations and Observation Towers
Los Canarreos, 1.65 MW Gibara I y II MW
Isla de la Juventud Holguin
VERGNET GAMESA
Conclusion
Cuban Wind Atlas confirms the Cuban’s northern coast from Ciego de Avila province to Holguin province, as the region where is located the main wind resource of Cuba.