Evaluation of resource spatial-temporal variation, dataset validity, infrastructures and zones for Vietnam offshore wind energy

Abstract

The shortage of reliable datasets and resource assessments, resource variations, and lack of marine planning are the technical challenges facing offshore wind energy development in Vietnam. This pioneering paper comprehensively addresses these challenges by first screening available datasets to select crosscalibrated multi-platform (CCMP) data and validating them with measurements. The resource is divided into four zones of 100 NM-width from the coastline. The wind energy density (WED) and capacity factor (CF) are calculated using an 8 MW reference turbine. The assessment of the zoned resource and infrastructures is based on the location of synchronous power sources and ports, along with the variation of WED and CF. Zone 3, comprising of the Binh Thuan and Ninh Thuan seas, the southern part of Zone 2 (Phu Yen and Khanh Hoa), and the northern part of Zone 4 (Ba Ria and Vung Tau) are found to have the highest wind energy potential, where the annual accumulated WED is 80 GWh/km2. The five year CF and average wind speed in Phu Quy island were 54.5% and 11 m/s, respectively. These zones, with moderate resource variation and excellent ports are the most suitable for offshore wind energy development. Zones 1 and 4 are recommended for far-offshore wind farms. This work is useful to various environmental groups and is a crucial input to marine and power planning.