In the quest to harness renewable energy, the devil is often in the details—specifically, where and how to build these projects. A groundbreaking study published in Energy Strategy Reviews, the English translation of ‘Energy Strategy Reviews’, is shedding new light on how Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping and Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) can revolutionize the planning and execution of renewable energy projects. The research, led by David Cook from the University of Iceland’s Faculty of Environment and Life Sciences, delves into the intricate criteria that guide the location and design of hydropower, geothermal, and onshore wind projects.
Cook’s systematic review, which synthesized findings from 57 articles, reveals that GIS-MCDA is becoming an indispensable tool for energy planners. “The beauty of GIS-MCDA lies in its ability to integrate a multitude of factors,” Cook explains. “From resource availability and economic viability to environmental impact and social acceptance, it provides a holistic view that’s crucial for informed decision-making.”
For geothermal projects, the focus is primarily on resource prospectivity, economic returns, and risk minimization. Hydropower studies, while also considering productive capacity, delve deeper into legal, technical, environmental, and social consequences. Onshore wind projects, however, show a trend towards methodological innovation, with a keen eye on environmental impacts, land use designations, and social acceptance.
The implications for the energy sector are profound. As the world shifts towards renewable energy, the ability to make data-driven decisions about where and how to build these projects can significantly reduce costs, mitigate risks, and enhance public acceptance. For instance, in Iceland, where the Master Plan for Nature Protection and Utilization guides energy projects, GIS-MCDA could provide a more rational and comprehensive approach to determining suitable locations and designs.
“The application of GIS mapping in Icelandic decision-making could help rationalize the determination of suitable locations and designs,” Cook notes. “This would provide a broader set of information for decision-makers about the legal, technical, environmental, and social consequences of projects.”
As the energy sector continues to evolve, the integration of GIS-MCDA into planning processes could become a game-changer. It offers a way to balance the complex trade-offs involved in renewable energy projects, ensuring that they are not only economically viable but also environmentally sustainable and socially acceptable. This research paves the way for future developments, encouraging energy companies and policymakers to adopt more sophisticated, data-driven approaches to renewable energy planning. The future of renewable energy might just be mapped out, quite literally, with GIS-MCDA leading the way.