Investigation of Wind-Wave Energy Potentials for Power Generation in Certain Lagos State Coastal and Offshore Areas

ABSTRACT The investigation of wind-wave energy potentials for power generation in the coastal and offshore areas of Lagos State, Nigeria, presents an opportunity to explore renewable energy sources within the region. It involved the use of daily, one-hourly averaged wave height, wave period, and 10m wind speed data spanning from January 1st, 1984, to December 31st, 2024 (40 years of data sets), derived from ERA5 reanalysis data sets. The wind power density was estimated using the 10m wind speed data, and the wave power density was calculated using the wave height and wave period data. Wind power density was calculated using the gamma function and the two-parameter Weibull distribution function. The relatively rich energy zones of wave power were identified using the threshold condition of wave power density above 7KW/m and a coefficient of variation below 3.0. Additionally, the main wind power density class in the region was identified using the wind power categorization. The findings showed that the wind power ranged from 40 to 170 W/m², whereas the wave power varied from 0.08 to 0.7 kW/m. The standard deviation of wind speed is 0.78 m/s, the coefficient of variation (CV) of wind speed is 0.15, and the coefficient of variation (CV) of wave power is 0.71. The highest wind power density was found offshore in the southwest portion of the study area. The locations under investigation are not suited for producing wind-wave energy on a significant scale. The energy potentials might only be sufficient for mechanical and electrical applications that are not connected to the grid, such as wind turbines, battery charging, water pumping, and agricultural uses. The findings reveal promising potential for both wind and wave energy exploitation, with several sites identified as suitable for energy projects. This research provides a foundation for future development, encouraging investment in renewable energy infrastructures. The results of the planned wind-wave energy assessment research will be a valuable tool for interested investors to use when making decisions on commercialization.