Wind energy resource map of Labrador

In this paper a wind energy resource map of Labrador, Canada is presented. Surface data collected from weather stations located throughout Labrador has been collected and extrapolated for height and surface condition adjustments. Several mesoscale wind maps have been obtained from the NCEP/NCAR and COADS databases, along with the generation of a couple of mesoscale wind maps with information from a NASA database. By combining the global data based maps and the modified ground data, a wind resource map indicating various classes of wind potential has been developed. This wind resource map indicates that wind speed is strongest in the southeast portion of Labrador in the Battle Harbor region. It has also been found that wind speed gradually decreases from the coastal regions the interior, in addition to a decreasing wind speed moving northward along the coast. Suggestions for future work and development of a complete wind map are also provided. (c) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.