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Multi-Criteria Decision Methods for Selecting a Wind Farm Site Using a Geographic Information System (GIS)

Author

Listed:
  • Rahim Moltames

    (Energy Modelling and Sustainable Energy System (METSAP) Research Lab., Faculty of New Sciences and Technologies, University of Tehran, Tehran 1439956191, Iran)

  • Mohammad Sajad Naghavi

    (Energy Modelling and Sustainable Energy System (METSAP) Research Lab., Faculty of New Sciences and Technologies, University of Tehran, Tehran 1439956191, Iran)

  • Mahyar Silakhori

    (Centre for Energy Technology, School of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia)

  • Younes Noorollahi

    (Energy Modelling and Sustainable Energy System (METSAP) Research Lab., Faculty of New Sciences and Technologies, University of Tehran, Tehran 1439956191, Iran)

  • Hossein Yousefi

    (Energy Modelling and Sustainable Energy System (METSAP) Research Lab., Faculty of New Sciences and Technologies, University of Tehran, Tehran 1439956191, Iran)

  • Mostafa Hajiaghaei-Keshteli

    (Tecnologico de Monterrey, Escuela de Ingeniería y Ciencias, Puebla 4500, Mexico)

  • Behzad Azizimehr

    (Faculty of Engineering, Islamic Azad University West Tehran Branch, Tehran 1468763785, Iran)

Abstract

Wind energy is an economically, technically, and environmentally attractive option due to its cheapness and availability in different regions. The most important obstacle to developing renewable resources in Iran is subsidies for fossil fuels. The Iranian government has recently decided to reduce subsidies for electricity and fossil fuels, which has led to an increase in the prices of fossil fuels and electricity and makes renewable technologies more attractive to use. This study uses a multi-criteria decision method to identify wind energy potential in Khuzestan province. A GIS is used to determine the wind energy potential in this province. The technical, environmental, and economic criteria, which are a total of 14 layers of information, were examined by considering different values for each and from a Boolean point of view. The results show that, from the economic point of view, Shadegan city has the most potential and, from the technical point of view, Khorramshahr city has the highest amount of electricity production through wind energy. Furthermore, Dasht-e Azadegan city, due to its population, can supply the maximum amount of electricity it needs through wind energy. Among the three 550, 2500, and 8000 kW turbines, the 550 kW turbine has the most potential in the region.

Suggested Citation

  • Rahim Moltames & Mohammad Sajad Naghavi & Mahyar Silakhori & Younes Noorollahi & Hossein Yousefi & Mostafa Hajiaghaei-Keshteli & Behzad Azizimehr, 2022. "Multi-Criteria Decision Methods for Selecting a Wind Farm Site Using a Geographic Information System (GIS)," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(22), pages 1-19, November.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:14:y:2022:i:22:p:14742-:d:967248
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    References listed on IDEAS

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