Energy-Economic Analysis of a 30 MW Wind Farm in Bahía de Caráquez, Ecuador, Using RETScreen Software
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55204/trc.v6i2.e705Keywords:
Wind energy, RETScreen, economic feasibility, wind farm, Bahía de Caráquez, EcuadorAbstract
Wind energy has relevant potential on the Ecuadorian coast. This study aimed to evaluate the energy and economic performance of a 30 MW wind farm comprising ten ENERCON E-82 wind turbines in Bahía de Caráquez, Manabí. The analysis used 2014 meteorological data as a documentary baseline, RETScreen Method 3, NASA satellite information, and Hellmann’s exponential law to extrapolate wind speed to a 138 m hub height. The financial assessment considered an investment of €48,046,875, a 20-year project life, and an electricity export tariff of €67/MWh. The results showed an average hub-height wind speed of 10 m/s and net exported energy of 65,921 MWh/year. Net Present Value reached €46,498,264, the capital Internal Rate of Return was 9%, and the benefit-cost ratio was 3.42, although cumulative cash flow remained negative until year 12. The project demonstrates energy feasibility; however, the 2.1% asset Internal Rate of Return limits its financial attractiveness under the analyzed conditions.Downloads
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