Evaluations of solar power plant sites using integrated GIS and MCDM methods reveal the best locations for solar energy development in Kermanshah Province, Iran.
With increasing pressure on energy consumption due to population growth and industrial development, finding sustainable energy solutions has never been more urgent. Among renewable sources, solar energy stands out as both abundant and environmentally benign. A recent study has leveraged Geographic Information Systems (GIS) alongside Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) methods to optimally identify sites for solar power plant development within Kermanshah Province, Iran.
This research introduces the Dempster-based Best-Worst Method (DBWM), providing novel group weighting methods derived from expert opinions to evaluate various site characteristics affecting solar suitability. The area, which benefits from high solar radiation potential, was assessed to pinpoint optimal locations for solar power plants, aiming to increase sustainable energy production.
Conducted by teams of researchers specializing in resource management, the study drew on various criteria, including distance to roads, solar radiation levels, and climatic impacts, among others, to evaluate site suitability. By employing DBWM, researchers aimed to improve reliability and accuracy compared to other weighting methods traditionally used.
The results revealed notable findings: Eslamabad-e Gharb, Kangavar, and Gilan-e Gharb emerged as the most favorable locations for potential solar plants based on criteria such as slope, sunshine, and distance to urban areas. According to the study, 3% of the area was classified as very low suitability, 9% as low, 24% as moderate, 33% as high, and 31% as very high suitability for solar power plant establishment.
"The study highlights the substantial impact of selecting appropriate spatial analysis techniques and uses normalization to standardize input criteria," the researchers noted, reinforcing the importance of employing the right methodologies to derive accurate site evaluations. Overall, the findings align with forecasts which suggest significant potential for solar electricity generation by 2050 at competitive costs.
The integrated approach of GIS and DBWM contributes significantly to the field of solar power development by providing a reliable framework for future energy projects. This not only addresses local energy needs but also assists Iran strategically diversify its energy source away from fossil fuels.
This comprehensive assessment of solar energy potential within Kermanshah Province demonstrates not just the importance of geographic analysis for energy strategy but also highlights how integrating advanced methodologies can lead to more effective decision-making processes. Future work should explore similar methodologies across varying climatic conditions, paving the way for optimized solar energy solutions worldwide.
Based on this study, it’s evident: effective site selection for solar energy facilities is fundamental to achieving high levels of efficiency and sustainability. The broad applicability of these results can assist various stakeholders and decision-makers as they plan for energy projects aimed at fostering sustainable development.