Airborne Wind Energy in Turkey with a Focus on Wind Resource Life Cycle Assessment and Techno-Economic Analysis

Abstract

Airborne wind energy (AWE) technology has emerged as a promising alternative to conventional wind turbines, harnessing stronger and more consistent winds at higher altitudes. This paper explores the potential of AWE systems in Turkey through a case study of the Hatay region. The study begins with the selection of the optimal two-parameter Weibull distribution model and compares various parameter estimation methods to accurately estimate wind speeds using wind speed data. This analysis is followed by a life cycle assessment (LCA) to quantify the global warming potential (GWP) and cumulative energy demand (CED) associated with the deployment of an AWE plant in Turkey. Additionally, a techno-economic assessment evaluates the economic viability of AWE systems over their operational lifetime through detailed cost modelling. Experimental verifications and comparisons with existing renewable energy technologies are also presented to validate the findings. The results demonstrate that AWE systems offer significant environmental and economic benefits, providing critical insights for policymakers, investors, and stakeholders. This study not only contributes to the growing body of AWE research, but also offers a replicable methodological framework for assessing AWE potential in other regions with similar wind energy prospects.