Multicriteria GIS-Based Renewable Energy Location Selection in Low-Density Areas

As global electricity usage continues to increase, renewable energy is becoming increasingly important as a clean energy option. Egypt needs clean energy sources in order to generate electricity and fulfill the electrical demands of the population. A team of international researchers, led by scientists from the University of California, Irvine, has discovered that a significant portion of the current electricity needs in developed and industrialized nations can be fulfilled by utilizing a combination of wind and solar energy. Worldwide, solar and wind farms are being constructed with the purpose of producing electrical power. As a result of the worldwide need for environmentally friendly energy, nonrenewable sources that cause pollution are being substituted. This study assesses urban, environmental, and social variables in order to identify the optimal location for a solar and wind farm. The evaluation prioritizes the study of topography, solar radiation, accessibility, land utilization, proximity to highways, coastlines, wind speed, and impacts on the ecosystem, plants, and the movement of migratory birds. After reviewing the data using a GIS tool, the criteria are combined into a unified GIS to create a spatial fit model. A thorough analysis of existing research reveals that environmental factors play a crucial role in determining suitable sites for the installation of solar and wind energy collection projects. Furthermore, the analysis also takes into account additional factors such as the closeness to metropolitan centers and roadways. These parameters impact the financial ramifications of solar and wind farms. The objective and key results of this study is to evaluate several factors that affect the choice of the best site for solar and wind energy farms to prevent wasting time and money, while considering the aforementioned criteria. A study was conducted in Gebel El Zeit, using data obtained from the Urban Planning Authority in the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development. I created cartographic representations and compiled quantitative data, which helped us select locations that met the established criteria using GIS software. After completing the study, several places that met the specified criteria were chosen. The current study specifically examines areas with significant capacity, and the results are presented using geographical and objective maps. One of the key advantages of using this methodology is its versatility, because it can be applied in various sectors. The study’s findings provide policymakers with valuable insights into the optimal and effective sites for developing solar/wind hybrid energy farms in the Gebel El Zeit area. The objective is to harness solar and wind power, which are substantial sources of sustainable energy, to produce electricity throughout the city.