Geographic Information System Based Site Selection for NSW’s Renewable Energy Zones: Addressing SDG 7

Adiba Islam, Sara Shirowzhan () and Christopher J. Pettit
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Adiba Islam: School of Built Environment, The University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
Sara Shirowzhan: School of Built Environment, The University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
Christopher J. Pettit: City Futures Research Centre, The University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 6, 1-33

Abstract: The augmentation of clean energy usage is necessary to achieve Australia’s net zero emission target. New South Wales has proposed renewable energy zones (REZs) to align with this target and aims to retire coal-based energy production plants. Site selection criteria for REZs are more focused on technical and economic benefits rather than social and environmental considerations. This study aims to create a comprehensive suitability of optimal locations for renewable energy production that will minimize social disruption and maximize production rates, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 7. To approach this gap, this study adopted a GIS-based multi-criteria evaluation method to combine understated variables such as agriculture and farmland, Aboriginal heritage, and natural conservation. Literature reviews have helped to weigh criteria based on their priority to social, economic, and environmental benefits, supporting both government targets and community concerns. This research explores the use of flexible criteria weighing in the context of a collaborative geo-design framework. This evidenced-based approach aims to assist planners in advocating for current legislation and developing strategies for coordination among private and government agencies, environmental groups, and stakeholders to minimize land-use conflicts. This study found that conducting land suitability analysis using a geo-design framework offers a collaborative strategy that can assist in mapping areas of significance for preserving community and environmental integrity. Such a collaborative approach can improve stakeholder participation in the decision-making process, with a particular focus on reaching net-zero emissions.

Keywords: renewable energy zone (REZ); Geographic Information System (GIS); multi-criteria evaluation (MCE); spatial analysis; land suitability; Sustainable Development Goal (SDG); geo-design (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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