A large scale multi criteria suitability analysis for identifying solar development potential: A decision support approach for the state of Illinois, USA

Yoonshin Kwak, Brian Deal and Tom Heavisides

Renewable Energy, 2021, vol. 177, issue C, 554-567

Abstract: The State of Illinois is examining prospects to increase the development of in-state renewable energy resources on public lands. In response, this research develops a scalable decision-support tool for identifying suitable areas for solar energy generation in the state. This paper provides guidance for state agency-driven solar development by evaluating the suitability of potential generation areas in terms of environmental impact, socioeconomic costs, and energy productivity, and providing a forum for critical decision-making. More specifically, geospatial technologies are combined with a suitability analysis to reveal the potential for solar energy generation on public lands. This study demonstrates the usefulness of the resulting information for supporting both regional and local decision-making as a Planning Support System (PSS). Our analysis suggests that the large-scale analysis using fine resolution data is useful for comparison and site-specific decision making - with site verification protocols in terms of physical implementation. We find that planning decisions for solar development should use a fine-grained suitability approach at a large scale and a feasibility analysis at a specific scale. We present our findings in statewide application along with a scalable PSS tool to optimize and support solar decision-making process and democratize the information for engaging a broader audience.

Keywords: Solar development; Renewable energy; Multi-criteria decision analysis; Suitability analysis; Decision support tool; Planning support system (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (4)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:renene:v:177:y:2021:i:c:p:554-567

DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2021.05.165

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