GIS-Based Land Suitability and Wind Resource Analysis for Assessing Potential Wind Power Sites in Camiguin Island

Abstract

The increasing energy demand in Mindanao, alongside Camiguin Island’s slow urbanization, underscores the need for sustainable energy solutions. The Philippines' reliance on fossil fuels has led to rising carbon emissions, highlighting the urgency of transitioning to renewable energy. Wind energy offers a viable alternative, but its deployment is constrained by geographical and logistical challenges. This study employs a Geographic Information System (GIS)-based methodology to assess wind energy potential in Camiguin Island. Wind speed data from the Global Wind Atlas, integrated with theoretical modeling on a GIS platform, were used to identify optimal wind farm locations. The analysis revealed two highly suitable sites in Guinsiliban, specifically in Barangay Cabuan, that align with the operational parameters of wind turbines such as Gamesa G114-2.0 and Sany SE11520. The identified land area covers approximately 270,000 m2, with an estimated wind energy yield of 17.9 GWh/year. These findings highlight the feasibility of wind power development in Camiguin and provide a replicable framework for wind resource assessment in geographically constrained regions.