Wind energy assessment in underdeveloped areas: The case of Natal-Kwazulu,South Africa

Knowledge of the wind characteristics of a region is germane to the determination of the economic viability of wind energy systems. Underdeveloped regions experience particular problems in this regard because not only is there a lack of observational data, but there are other difficulties encountered in the use of alternative techniques such as modelling or inferential techniques. Using Natal-K waZulu in South Africa, as a case study, this paper focuses on the attempts that have been made to overcome the problem of data inadequacy and considers their relevance to other underdeveloped regions.