A recent study led by Kareem Tonbol from the College of Maritime Transport and Technology at the Arab Academy for Science Technology and Maritime Transport has shed light on the wind energy potential along Egypt’s Mediterranean coast. Despite the absence of operational wind parks in the region, this research, published in the journal Energy, Sustainability and Society, identifies promising locations for future wind energy projects.
The research analyzed wind data collected from five coastal meteorological stations—Marsa Matruh, Ras El-Tin, Abu Qir, Port Said, and Arish—over a span of 16 years, from January 2007 to December 2022. The findings revealed that the dominant wind direction is predominantly from the north-northwest to north, with notable exceptions at Arish, where winds come from the south. The study found that wind speeds varied across the locations, with Ras El-Tin, Abu Qir, and Port Said experiencing speeds between 4 to 6 meters per second, while Marsa Matruh and Arish saw lower speeds of 2 to 4 meters per second.
Tonbol’s analysis employed the Weibull distribution function, a statistical tool that proved effective in characterizing the wind energy potential of the area. He noted, “The overall analysis showed that Abu Qir and Port Said were potentially the most suitable locations for wind energy projects.” However, he cautioned that the high variability of wind conditions at Abu Qir would necessitate robust system designs to harness this energy effectively. In contrast, Port Said may offer a more stable environment for wind energy generation, making it an attractive option for developers looking for reliability over maximum output.
For maritime professionals, this study opens up several commercial avenues. The development of wind parks could not only diversify Egypt’s energy portfolio but also enhance the maritime transport sector. With the Mediterranean Sea as a backdrop, the establishment of wind farms could lead to increased shipping activity, particularly in the transport of wind turbine components and maintenance equipment. Additionally, as the world shifts towards renewable energy, Egypt’s strategic position along the Mediterranean could attract international investments and partnerships, positioning the region as a hub for renewable energy in the maritime domain.
While Arish may not be suitable for large-scale projects due to its lower wind power density, Tonbol suggests that smaller installations or hybrid systems integrating other renewable sources could still find a place there. This flexibility means that even areas with less wind potential can contribute to the overall energy mix, which is crucial for a country looking to meet its growing energy demands sustainably.
As the maritime industry continues to adapt to the challenges posed by climate change and the need for cleaner energy sources, the insights from this study provide a valuable foundation for future projects. The findings underscore the importance of thorough wind resource assessments and the potential for the Egyptian Mediterranean coast to play a significant role in the transition to renewable energy.
