ASSESSMENT OF WIND ENERGY POTENTIAL IN THE BIEN DONG SEA USING CCMP SATELLITE DATA

This study assessesed the wind energy potential in the Bien Dong Sea by using the Cross-Calibrated Multi-Platform (CCMP) satellite wind data from 1991 to 2020. The results showed that the wind energy potential at 10 m height above ground is not high in the offshore areas with annual mean wind speeds ranging from 5 to 8 m/s. At heights of 100 m, 150 m, and 200 m, the greatest wind energy potential is found in the offshore areas of the North Bien Dong Sea Region, Binh Dinh - Ninh Thuan, Binh Thuan - Ca Mau, and the central part of the Gulf of Tonkin. Especially, the wind energy is quite high in the Sea of Ninh Thuan to Ba Ria - Vung Tau with annual mean wind speeds of 8 to 10 m/s, and the annual mean wind power density of 500 to 700 W/m2 at a height of 100 m. On the seasonal scale, the wind energy potential of January and October is greater than that of April and July for the orthern offshore areas while the wind energy potential of January is the greatest, followed by July and transition months for the southern offshore areas.