Wind energy potential assessment, estimation, and modelling in the Vhembe district, Limpopo Province

Abstract

This study addresses the global challenge of assessing renewable wind resources by evaluating wind energy potential, spatial availability, and localised applications—such as household electricity, irrigation, and small-scale community projects—within South Africa's Vhembe District, Limpopo Province. The research integrates meteorological data from local weather stations with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing (RS) techniques. This approach maps spatial wind distribution while accounting for environmental constraints, weather conditions, and regional land suitability. The empirical results reveal highly variable wind energy prospects across the Vhembe District and broader Limpopo locations. Furthermore, the study demonstrates the efficacy of the Conceptual Framework for Identification of the Rural Energy Deployment Application Tool in optimising site selection.  Utilising integrated GIS and RS methodologies provides a robust framework for identifying viable inland wind resources, confirming that Vhembe possesses strategic pockets capable of supporting decentralised rural energy projects. These findings provide community leaders and regional decision-makers with a data-driven tool to successfully plan, implement, and accelerate sustainable wind energy deployment in remote rural areas.