Prospects for harnessing wind-power economically in the sultanate of Oman

Abstract

Wind power as a source of harnessible energy is assessed. Average data over the 10 year period, 1985-1994, have been compiled for 12 different widely spaced locations in Oman. It is concluded that the three most promising sites for the economic harnessing of wind-power are Thumrait (latitude 17.67°N and altitude 466.86 m above sea level), Masirah (latitude 20.67°N and altitude 18.80 m above sea level) and Sur (latitude 22.54°N, and altitude 13.7 m above sea level). These locations are situated in the Southwest monsoon region of influence. The largest wind speeds occur during the summer from June to August. The highest (i.e. ~10 m s-1) long-term (i.e. over 10 years) monthly mean wind speed is that for Thumrait and ensues during the month of July.