Spatial Mapping of Renewable Energy Potentials in Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study analyzed the renewable energy potentials (solar energy, wind energy and hydropower) in Zaria using
Geographic Information system (GIS). Three types of data were used for this study namely; solar radiation data,
wind speed data and hydrological data. Twenty two (22) year monthly average of solar radiation and 10 year
monthly average of wind speed data (at an altitude of 50m) of each political ward in the study area were
obtained from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). These are the available solar
radiation and wind speed data on the NASA website. These data were used to map the solar and wind energy
potentials in ArcGIS 10.3 software. The hydropower potential was determined by digitizing the water bodies in
the study area in ArcGIS environment.Findings revealed that the amount of solar radiation received in the study
area ranges from 5.52 to 5.78kWh/m2/day.It was found that the wind speed in the study area ranges from 3.20 to
4.50m/s.Three sites have been identified that can be used for generating hydropower in the study area. These
are, Ahmadu Bello University (A.B.U.)/Kubanni dam, Shika dam, and River Galma. It was observed that the
solar energy potential in the area is enormous while the wind energy potential is moderate but significant for
generating electricity in the area.Also, each of the dams identified in the area has small scale hydropower
potentials which can be harnessed to increase the energy supply mix in the area.