Geographical information systems-based analysis of site selection for wind power plants in Kozlu District (Zonguldak-NW Turkey) by multi-criteria decision analysis method

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to examine the selection process of the installation sites for wind power plants (WPP) to be built in Kozlu district of Zonguldak province of Turkey in the framework of geographical factors and through the application of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) – Multi Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) methodology and ArcGIS 10.2 software. According to the results obtained from this study, it was deduced that the study area, Kozlu, where the WPPs were likely to be installed had low and medium sensitivity levels. Wind turbines with sufficient power generation capacity should be installed initially at appropriate sites at least.

KEYWORDS:

• Wind power plant (WPP)
• site selection
• geographical information systems (GIS)
• multi-criteria decision analysis method (MCDA)
• Kozlu

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Deniz Arca

Deniz Arca is a lecturer in Department of Architecture and Urban Planning, Izmir Vocational School, Dokuz Eylul University. She has PhD degree in the department of Geomatics engineering. Her main areas of interest are geomatic engineering, landslides, GIS, 3D modeling, risk analysis and renewable energy sources.

Hulya Keskin Citiroglu

Hulya Keskin Citiroglu is a geological engineer in Directorate of Investment Monitoring and Coordination of Aydin Governorship in Turkey. She is Associate professor in scientific area of Geosciences and Engineering. Her main areas of interest are engineering geology, landslides and renewable energy sources.