Yuji Murayama Author

Research Article Open Access

Onshore Wind Farm Suitability Analysis Using GIS-based Analytic Hierarchy Process: A Case Study of Fukushima Prefecture, Japan

Author(s):

Ahmed Derdouri, Yuji Murayama

Fukushima prefectural government adopted a vision to become100% renewable energy self-sufficient by 2040. Wind energy stands firm as one of the important renewable energy sources in the prefecture as it has a huge onshore potential that has not been exploited yet. The purpose of this study was to identify and evaluate the suitable locations for the sitting of onshore wind facilities in Fukushima prefecture based on a suggested framework that combines Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) approach namely Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). The framework consisted of three key steps: First, we excluded all areas where wind farms cannot be installed due to law or landscape constraints. Second, we identified nine criteria influencing the suitability ... view more»

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