Mean Power Density South Africa North Cape 250m WASA May 2013

Mean power density P [Wm−2] @ 100 m above ground level for North Cape.

Purpose

This data set was created for the WASA project and the Department of Energy, South Africa. The wind resource maps were designed specifically for inclusion in GIS-based strategic environmental assessments (SEA) for wind power in Western Cape and parts of Northern and Eastern Cape.

Methodology

Reference is made to the information and documentation available from http://www.wasaproject.info

Limitations

The data set is limited by the operational envelopes of the wind atlas methodology and the WAsP models. The accuracy depends on a) the accuracy of the VNWA, which has been verified against the data from 10 WASA measurement masts, b) the WAsP microscale modelling and c) the input topographical data.
In complex terrain (RIX > 5%), the wind resources may be significantly over-estimated by the WAsP microscale modelling. Above and close to built-up areas like cities, towns and villages, the results are less reliable. Close to and above forested areas, the results are also less reliable and should be interpreted and used accordingly.
The data set was designed specifically for planning purposes and should be used with utmost care for design, development and detailed assessments of actual wind farms; where local, on-site meas-urements are strongly recommended. The wind resource maps are subject to change without notice if and when more accurate and reliable data, models and procedures become available.

Available documentation

The wind atlas methodology is described in the European Wind Atlas (1989); the application of WAsP in the program documentation, see www.wasp.dk. The First Verified Numerical Wind Atlas for South Africa is a product of the Wind Atlas for South Africa project and is described further on the WASA download pages http://wasadata.csir.co.za/wasa1/WASAData

Acknowledgements

SANEDI (South African National Energy Development Institute) for managing WASA

CSIR Environmental Management Services for providing height contour data for Eastern Cape and Northern Cape

MetroGIS (Pty) Ltd. for providing height contour data for Western Cape in WAsP-compatible format. WASA Implementation team: UCT (CSAG), CSIR, SAWS, DTU Wind Energy and World in a Box Oy for Frogfoot development.