The main objective of NASENI Wind Energy Project (NAWEP) is to develop capacity for the aerodynamic design, fabrication and installation of wind turbine blade that can give optimum performance in our vast but low wind speed region with long durational harvest specifically for electricity generation.

The project which is part of NASENI's effort at developing capacity in renewable energy, arose because imported blades cannot perform optimally in this country since they are built to operate at the speed of at least 8ms^-1 and above whereas the wind speed in Nigeria is between 3-5 m/s. In recognition of this fact which has been a major setback to wind powered electricity generation in Nigeria, NASENI is undertaking the development of wind turbine blades for optimal wind energy conversion in Nigeria.

So far the aerodynamic design of the blade has been carried out; first approximation performance test has been carried out using steady state air flow from wind tunnel and theoretical performance analysis using Blade element / momentum method.

Presently, the blade is being subjected to advanced aerodynamics analysis using the necessary fluid dynamic equations formulated for modelling and simulation in COMSOL Multiphysics software acquired by NASENI headquarters for related modelling and simulation analysis.

Results so far obtained are very impressive, however further tests are still ongoing before actual construction starts. NASENI is also making effort to acquire a complete set of wind turbine for the purpose of reverse engineering of other components like tower, control system and the power conversion unit.

The local fabrication of the blade and reverse engineering of the other standard components are proposed to be carried out at HEDI, Kano. Hydraulic Equipment Development Institute (HEDI) is one of NASENI Development Institutes that is equipped with facilities for related fabrication. It is going to serve as the test bed for the project. The institute also has an outstanding experience in wind pump project which is also part of the Agency's effort in wind energy utilization.