Long-term wind energy potential analysis in Vietnam’s central highlands using the innovative trend analysis method

Abstract

Understanding long-term trends in local wind resources is a critical prerequisite for sustainable energy planning. This study provides a detailed investigation of historical wind-speed trends in Vietnam’s Central Highlands, a region with significant untapped wind power potential. We employed the advanced innovative trend analysis (ITA) method to analyze a 30-year (1985-2014) daily wind-speed dataset from four key meteorological stations, which was rigorously checked for homogeneity. While the observational period concluded in 2014, we established a critical historical baseline and a robust methodological framework. Unlike conventional monotonic tests, the graphical ITA method detected and visualized hidden, non-linear trends across different data sub-series. The analysis revealed highly heterogeneous and localized trend patterns. A statistically significant decreasing trend was identified at Bao Loc station during the wet season (p<0.05). In contrast, stations like Ayun Pa exhibited opposing trends between seasons, indicating an intensification of wind seasonality. This study demonstrates that a granular, site-specific, and methodologically advanced understanding of wind resource dynamics is essential, revealing nuances completely overlooked by traditional methods and providing crucial insights for climate-resilient energy planning.

Keywords

Climate change / Innovative trend analysis / Renewable energy / Trend analysis / Wind speed / Central highlands

Funding

None.

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

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