Spatial Decision Support System (SDSS) to Optimize Renewable Energy Parks (Solar and Wind) Site Selection

5. National School of Applied Sciences, Ibn Zohr University, Morocco

Abstract: The present work focuses on proposing a Spatial Decision Support System (SDSS), which provides other variables that increase the reliability of the site selection. Factors such as the economic feasibility, technical, social and legal aspects are neglected on most works on the subject. Our model tool (SDSS), provides a result for decision-makers, which goes beyond knowing only the potential of energy generated, but considering all the other variables, that intervene during the process that directly leads to the selection of the site, where the investment will be carried out. The model, based on a multi-criteria approach, includes seven consecutive stages, which evaluate potentially suitable areas, for the installation of renewable energy parks. Based on the biophysical calibration of the terrain, climate and infrastructure variables are executed. This calibration is carried out according to a categorization of levels made of five classes. The latter allows obtaining a mapping of the fitness level per variable. Finally, the mappings are an input for the formulation of the algorithm generated by the SDSS. As a result, SDSS models contain the outcome of the calibration of each variable and its respective categorization, according to the degree of suitability for the feasibility of the establishment of renewable energy parks.