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The future scope of large-scale solar in the UK: Site suitability and target analysis

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  • Palmer, Diane
  • Gottschalg, Ralph
  • Betts, Tom

Abstract

This paper uses site suitability analysis to identify locations for solar farms in the UK to help meet climate change targets. A set of maps, each representing a given suitability criterion, is created with geographical information systems (GIS) software. These are combined to give a Boolean map of areas which are appropriate for large-scale solar farm installation. Several scenarios are investigated by varying the criteria, which include geographical (land use) factors, solar energy resource and electrical distribution network constraints. Some are dictated by the physical and technical requirements of large-scale solar construction, and some by government or distribution network operator (DNO) policy. It is found that any suitability map which does not heed planning permission and grid constraints will overstate potential solar farm area by up to 97%. This research finds sufficient suitable land to meet Future Energy Scenarios (UK National Grid outlines for the coming energy landscape).

Suggested Citation

  • Palmer, Diane & Gottschalg, Ralph & Betts, Tom, 2019. "The future scope of large-scale solar in the UK: Site suitability and target analysis," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 133(C), pages 1136-1146.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:133:y:2019:i:c:p:1136-1146
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2018.08.109
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    4. Martínez-Martínez, Yenisleidy & Dewulf, Jo & Casas-Ledón, Yannay, 2022. "GIS-based site suitability analysis and ecosystem services approach for supporting renewable energy development in south-central Chile," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 182(C), pages 363-376.
    5. Taborianski, Vanessa Montoro & Pacca, Sergio Almeida, 2022. "Carbon dioxide emission reduction potential for low income housing units based on photovoltaic systems in distinct climatic regions," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 198(C), pages 1440-1447.
    6. Xiaoteng Cao & Chaofu Wei & Deti Xie, 2021. "Evaluation of Scale Management Suitability Based on the Entropy-TOPSIS Method," Land, MDPI, vol. 10(4), pages 1-17, April.
    7. Sward, Jeffrey A. & Nilson, Roberta S. & Katkar, Venktesh V. & Stedman, Richard C. & Kay, David L. & Ifft, Jennifer E. & Zhang, K. Max, 2021. "Integrating social considerations in multicriteria decision analysis for utility-scale solar photovoltaic siting," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 288(C).
    8. Katkar, Venktesh V. & Sward, Jeffrey A. & Worsley, Alex & Zhang, K. Max, 2021. "Strategic land use analysis for solar energy development in New York State," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 173(C), pages 861-875.
    9. Biggins, F.A.V. & Travers, D. & Ejeh, J.O. & Lee, R. & Buckley, A. & Brown, S., 2023. "The economic impact of location on a solar farm co-located with energy storage," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 278(C).
    10. Awan, Ahmed Bilal & Zubair, Muhammad & Chandra Mouli, Kotturu V.V., 2020. "Design, optimization and performance comparison of solar tower and photovoltaic power plants," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 199(C).
    11. Aurora Gullotta & Tagele Mossie Aschale & David J. Peres & Guido Sciuto & Antonino Cancelliere, 2023. "Modelling Stormwater Runoff Changes Induced by Ground-Mounted Photovoltaic Solar Parks: A Conceptualization in EPA-SWMM," Water Resources Management: An International Journal, Published for the European Water Resources Association (EWRA), Springer;European Water Resources Association (EWRA), vol. 37(11), pages 4507-4520, September.
    12. Saraswat, S.K. & Digalwar, Abhijeet K. & Yadav, S.S. & Kumar, Gaurav, 2021. "MCDM and GIS based modelling technique for assessment of solar and wind farm locations in India," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 169(C), pages 865-884.
    13. Hoseinzadeh, Siamak & Ghasemi, Mohammad Hadi & Heyns, Stephan, 2020. "Application of hybrid systems in solution of low power generation at hot seasons for micro hydro systems," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 160(C), pages 323-332.

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