Heatmaps to Guide Siting of Solar and Wind Farms

Cheng Cheng (), David Firnando Silalahi, Lucy Roberts, Anna Nadolny, Timothy Weber, Andrew Blakers and Kylie Catchpole
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Cheng Cheng: ANU Centre for Energy Systems, School of Engineering, College of Systems and Society, Australian National University, Acton, ACT 2601, Australia
David Firnando Silalahi: ANU Centre for Energy Systems, School of Engineering, College of Systems and Society, Australian National University, Acton, ACT 2601, Australia
Lucy Roberts: ANU Centre for Energy Systems, School of Engineering, College of Systems and Society, Australian National University, Acton, ACT 2601, Australia
Anna Nadolny: ANU Centre for Energy Systems, School of Engineering, College of Systems and Society, Australian National University, Acton, ACT 2601, Australia
Timothy Weber: ANU Centre for Energy Systems, School of Engineering, College of Systems and Society, Australian National University, Acton, ACT 2601, Australia
Andrew Blakers: ANU Centre for Energy Systems, School of Engineering, College of Systems and Society, Australian National University, Acton, ACT 2601, Australia
Kylie Catchpole: ANU Centre for Energy Systems, School of Engineering, College of Systems and Society, Australian National University, Acton, ACT 2601, Australia

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 4, 1-27

Abstract: The decarbonization of the electricity system coupled with the electrification of transport, heat, and industry represents a practical and cost-effective approach to deep decarbonization. A key question is as follows: where to build new solar and wind farms? This study presents a cost-based approach to evaluate land parcels for solar and wind farm suitability using colour-coded heatmaps that visually depict favourable locations. An indicative cost of electricity is calculated and classified for each pixel by focusing on key factors including the resource availability, proximity to transmission infrastructure and load centres, and exclusion of sensitive areas. The proposed approach mitigates the subjectivity associated with traditional multi-criteria decision-making methods, in which both the selection of siting factors and the assignment of their associated weightings rely highly on the subjective judgements of experts. The methodology is applied to Australia, South Korea, and Indonesia, and the results show that proximity to high-voltage transmission and load centres is a key factor affecting site selection in Australia and Indonesia, while connection costs are less critical in South Korea due to its smaller land area and extensive infrastructure. The outcomes of this study, including heatmaps and detailed statistics, are made publicly available to provide both qualitative and quantitative information that allows comparisons between regions and within a region. This study aims to empower policymakers, developers, communities, and individual landholders to make informed decisions and, ultimately, to facilitate strategic renewable energy deployment and contribute to global decarbonization.

Keywords: solar photovoltaics; wind energy; GIS analysis; heatmap; resource assessment (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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