Wind farm suitability analysis using Geographic Information System with Best-Worst Method in Amhara region of Ethiopia

Abstract

The analysis of suitability for wind farms is important not only for finding a suitable wind potential site for energy production but also for a sustainable land use planning, environmental management and protection. The objective of this study was to identify a suitable locations for wind farms using the Geographic Information System (GIS) with Best-Worst Method (BWM). Eight criteria were used, and BWM was implemented to calculate the criteria weights. The wind speed was chosen as the most important criterion for locating wind farms, followed by slope, Power grid lines, land cover, aspect, airports, main roads, and protected areas. The suitability map of the wind farm was presented using Weighted Overlay analysis in a GIS environment. The findings indicate that the eastern and western parts of the Amhara region have good potential for generating renewable energy from the wind. The result is presented with a scale of 0 to 5 to represent the degree of suitability such as unsuitable, very low, low, moderate, high, and very high potential for wind farms.