# Advancing Smart Zero-Carbon Cities: High-Resolution Wind Energy Forecasting to 36 Hours Ahead
## 7 Applications and Contributions
### Real-World Case Study and Promising Investments  
The practical usefulness of the SWEDD framework is improved by the inclusion of a real-world case study. The impact of the SWEDD is directly applicable to sizable renewable energy projects that extend to onshore and offshore of 60,863 km\({}^{2}\) as in Figure 24. The Middle East is a strategically important region as a significant crude oil supply source for the world [90]. This region is in the heart of the Middle East and has the highest potential for wind power generation. The wind power analysis displays a region with high wind speeds, particularly in the Gulf of Suez and along the Red Sea coast. This wind power analysis suggests that an offshore wind farm in this area will be highly promising. The strong winds, coupled with the vast expanse of water, provide a significant renewable energy source. Additionally, the region's proximity to major energy markets in Egypt, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia makes it a valuable asset for grid integration and energy security. Therefore, studying the Gabl El Zeit wind farm provides a solid foundation for analysis of this promising wind energy area. Figure 24: Gulf of Suez and Gulf of Aqaba: one of the highest wind power potential areas in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region reaching a maximum of 1903 W/m\({}^{2}\) and 1235 W/m\({}^{2}\) as a top 10% [34]. On the other hand, the wind power electrical interconnection between NEOM and surrounding countries such as Egypt, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia presents a significant opportunity for regional energy collaboration [87; 88]. NEOM, with its ambitious plans to harness 100% renewable energy, particularly from wind and solar, to become a primary energy hub in the region. The interconnection enables NEOM to export surplus wind power to neighboring countries, helping to stabilize energy grids and reduce dependency on fossil fuels. Countries such as Egypt and Jordan, which also have substantial renewable energy potential, especially in wind and solar, could benefit from this collaboration by sharing resources and balancing supply and demand across borders. Such a cross-border electrical interconnection would enhance energy security and foster economic cooperation. Egypt, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia are already exploring renewable energy projects, and linking them with NEOM's wind power network could pave the way for a sustainable energy corridor in the region. This interconnected grid could optimize the use of wind energy, reduce carbon emissions, and support the goals of energy diversification across the Middle East. Additionally, it could create a foundation for the export of clean energy to other regions, such as Europe and Africa, further positioning the region as a leader in the global renewable energy market. Accordingly, Saudi Arabia has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Egyptian Electricity Transmission Company to develop a 10 GW wind energy project. Egypt will provide land for feasibility studies before finalizing contracts. This follows ACWA Power's recent $1.5 billion investment in an 1100 MW wind station in Egypt's Gulf of Suez, aiming to reduce carbon emissions by 2.4 million tons of GHG annually and power over a million homes. Promoted as the largest single contracted wind farm in the Middle East and among the largest onshore wind farms globally, this power plant is located in the Gulf of Suez and the Gabal El Zeit region. As a result, the key importance of high wind speed and power in this region is as follows:  
1. Abundant Renewable Energy Source: High wind speeds and power density in the region offer a significant and readily available renewable energy resource, as shown in Figure 24.
2. Reduced Dependence on Fossil Fuels: Harnessing wind energy can reduce reliance on fossil fuels and mitigate the associated environmental impacts, such as greenhouse gas emissions. 3.