Evaluation of the Wind Energy Potential of Guinea's Administrative Regions

In this article, we assess the wind potential of the different administrative regions of Guinea. To do this, we use data from national weather stations covering a period of six years (2010–2015). The measurements were recorded every hour at a height of 10 meters above the ground. The analysis focuses on the characteristics of the average wind speed at different temporalities: monthly, annual and interannual. In order to model the velocity distributions, the data were fitted according to Weibull's law, and the shape and scale parameters were determined for each region. In addition, the study of the compass rose made it possible to identify the dominant directions and their associated frequencies in all the territories examined. The results indicate that the Conakry region has the highest wind potential, with average speeds above 3.5 m/s and an estimated power density of around 27 W/m². Analyses of wind characteristics reveal that August stands out as the most favourable month for wind energy development in all regions, while November has the least windy conditions. Statistically, the dominant wind directions vary according to the area: in Middle Guinea, Upper Guinea and Forest Guinea, the winds are mainly north-east and south-west, which reflects a significant spatial variability in air flows. On the other hand, in the Lower Guinea region, the wind shows an almost unidirectional trajectory, oriented from the southwest. In summary, the study highlights a marked regional disparity in Guinea's wind potential, with Conakry as the main attractive area for the development of wind capacity, supported by directional patterns and seasonal variability that guide operational and planning choices. These results provide a robust quantitative basis to guide investments and strategies for the deployment of wind technologies in the country.