Evaluation of wind energy potential in Lunga District, Luapula Province, Zambia

Zambia's electricity generation mix currently excludes wind power, despite the potential for wind energy to mitigate power deficits and increase renewable energy generation. This study evaluates the wind energy potential in Lunga District, Luapula Province, using wind speed data collected at 40 m, 50 m, and 60 m hub heights from 2017 to 2018. The annual mean wind speed was found to be 5.4 m/s at 60 m and 6.8 m/s at an extrapolated hub height of 116.5 m, indicating moderate wind conditions suitable for wind energy harvesting. Two wind farm scenarios were analyzed: (1) two Vergnet GEV MP-200 wind turbines (60 m hub height) and (2) two Vestas V117-3.45 wind turbines (116.5 m hub height). Using WAsP and WindPRO software, the P50 net energy yields were 525.4 MWh/year and 30.2 GWh/year, respectively. This study highlights the feasibility of utilizing wind energy for rural electrification and provides a basis for policy formulation to encourage private sector investments. Future research should include financial feasibility studies and environmental assessments to support the deployment of wind energy projects in Zambia.