Wind Power Plant Location Selection with Fuzzy Logic and Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Methods

Abstract

This study aims to examine the effectiveness of the fuzzy multi-criteria decision-making methods, especially Fuzzy Weight by Envelope and Slope (F-WENSLO) and Fuzzy Ranking Alternatives with Weights of Criterion (F-RAWEC) for evaluating the potential locations for wind power plants. The study's objective is to provide a solid framework for deciding which locations are most suitable for wind energy projects, taking into account various criteria and expert opinion. The study includes the evaluation of five potential places including Gürün, Kangal, Divriği, Ulaş and Zara in Sivas province of Turkey. The evaluation criteria include wind speed and direction, altitude, land use, environmental impacts, infrastructure proximity, social acceptance, economic costs, security and risk factors, climatic conditions and legal and permit requirements. Scores from experts from various fields and weights of criteria were determined. The analysis revealed that Ulaş and Kangal got the highest point for the wind power plant installation. As Ulaş gets the highest point due to favorable wind conditions, favorable altitude and advantageous land use; Kangal stood out as a strong candidate because of its acceptable wind speed, positive social acceptance and low economic costs. The study highlights the importance of integrating multiple criteria and expert assessments in the decision-making process. The findings suggest that fuzzy multi-criteria decision-making methods can be effectively supportive of wind power plant site selection. The study provides valuable information for project managers and policy makers, emphasizing the importance of criteria such as security in the choice of location, legal requirements and social acceptance. Future research may expand these findings to examine the integration of additional criteria, alternative locations, and other multi-criteria decision-making techniques.