A wind energy integration analysis using wind resource assessment as a decision tool for promoting sustainable energy utilization in agriculture

The wind potential in a mountainous area of northern Greece close to an intensively exploited agricultural area has been studied via an experimental study aiming at identifying the wind farm (WF) development potentials of the area based on wind energy penetration/integration criteria. The first priority of the independent power producer (IPP) is to sell the generated electricity into the grid. However, the energy needs of the agricultural area are to be met using the non absorbed wind power. The study is a qualitative approach and examines ways for the load shed of a wind farm to be used for agricultural purposes and meet the demand and at the same time offer to the grid a less fluctuating electricity production signal. Based on the integration and wind resource analyses results, the final wind farm optimized layout can be decided. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.