Assessment of Offshore Wind Farm Potential Near Saint Martin, Bangladesh, Using Statistical Data Analysis

Bangladesh is one of the world’s most populous countries, and its economy is mainly dependent on agriculture. As a result, there is a scarcity of land here. As a developing country, Bangladesh has a huge demand for energy, as it plays a key role in health, nutrition, water access, infrastructure, education, and even life expectancy. For a nation to move from developing to developed, it needs access to sufficient energy. Furthermore, with the climate crisis, all nations must transition to renewable energy sources to power the future. The Bangladesh government intends to generate a significant amount of the country’s electricity from renewable resources. Wind can be a source of renewable energy. Onshore locations have only an average wind speed. In addition to low average wind speeds, certain places endure high winds during typhoons, flooding, and poor grid stability. With a high population causing a shortage of viable land, offshore wind farms can play a vital role in meeting renewable energy targets. This paper assesses Bangladesh’s offshore wind energy potential, aiming to identify a suitable location for wind power generation. Using meteorological data and geographic analysis, potential offshore places for wind farms with favorable conditions are identified. The study also emphasizes the crucial aspect of cyclones and their influence on offshore wind farms, focusing on the necessity of planning to address these environmental challenges. The results indicate that the region possesses favorable wind conditions, particularly at a height of 50 meters, with an average wind speed of 4.515 ms-1, making it viable for sustainable energy production. The analysis also highlights the natural shielding effect of Saint Martin Island, which reduces cyclone intensity in certain areas, enhancing the site's feasibility.