Wind energy as an alternative source to alleviate the shortage of electricity that prevails during the dry season: a case study of Tanzania

Currently, hydroelectric power supply systems in Tanzania are faced with drought, site and water management problems hindering efficient and reliable power supply from this source. Thermal power systems that were intended to alleviate the shortage of hydroelectricity that arise during the dry season are themselves expensive due to high operational and running costs as a result of the increasing prices of petroleum and spare parts. Wind speed data from two prospective sites indicate that during the dry season, wind speed is sufficiently high and steady to generate electricity. The wind speed at these sites from August to October is well above 7.0 m/s as measured at a height of 10 m above ground level. A combined hydro-generator and wind-turbine system is suggested as a possible alternative of electric power supply in Tanzania. The use of wind energy in generating electricity will reduce the large dependence on fossil fuel sources that are expensive and also harmful to our environment. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.