Site Suitability Anaylsis For Wind Farm Development Using Geospatial Technologies, Acase Of Some Part Of East Shoa And Arsi Zone, Ethiopia

Abstract

Renewable energy may be defined as any form of energy, that is either derived directly or indirectly from sun or from any source that replenishes itself naturally over a period of time. Being cleaner and climate friendly, wind energy has been increasingly utilized to meet the every growing global energy demands. Wind farm has emerged as a key component of the overall at global level due to its environmental and economic benefits. Despite its multiple benefits, wind energy is under considerable pressure, particularly in rapidly developing countries. In Ethiopia, a wide gap exists between wind resources and actual energy production, and it is imperative to expand the wind energy production. The main objective of this study is to analyze potential sites for wind farm development in Between East shoa and Arsi Zone using Geospatial technologies. Site suitability analysis, by its nature is a complex process and involves of multi-criteria analysis considerations which are technical, environmental and socio-economic factors for wind farm development were identified through a literature review and expert opinion. Several spatial and non-spatial datasets like wind speed, distance to roads, elevation, slope, LULC, geology, distance from transmission line and stream were recognized as the key factors affecting wind farm suitability. The factors were standardized based on suitability rankings. Analytical Hierarchy Process was employed to determine the relative importance of each factor. Suitable sites were identified through weighted spatial overlay analysis in a GIS environment. The study ends with an assessment of proposed sites to the generated suitability site. Therefore, Based on GIS-based (MCA) 11.4%, 15.5%, 56.6%,15.3% and 1.2% very highly suitable, moderately suitable, less suitable, Permanently not suitable and Restricted Area for wind farm development respectively. This study would help in the formulation of appropriate wind farm planning and management policies. It would also give energy planners and stakeholders vital information regarding appropriate sites for the growth of wind farm in the future in study area. Generally, geospatial technologies and application of GIS-based Multi-Criteria Analysis (MCA), AHP, weight overlay has provided an effective methodology to solve a complex decision problem in wind farm site selection process.