Debanu, G, Sinha, S, Singh, TP, Gagnon, AS and Dharmaveer, S Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis-Based Solutions for the Installation of Solar Power Plants in an Energy Deficit State in India. Transactions in Geographic Information Systems (GIS). ISSN 1361-1682 (Accepted)

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Abstract

The shift towards renewable energy sources has been driven by several factors, including the depletion of non-renewable energy sources, environmental concerns related to the emissions of greenhouse gases associated with burning fossil fuels, energy security, technological advancements, and government incentives. Solar energy, especially in countries like India, which have abundant sunshine, holds significant promise as an effective and affordable renewable source. Recently, Purulia in West Bengal has been experiencing energy shortages due to increased demand, particularly during summertime. The state government has taken on the task of addressing energy shortages while mitigating environmental impacts in areas like Purulia by implementing renewable energy projects. This paper presents a comprehensive study that was conducted to evaluate land suitability for installing ground-mounted and grid-connected solar photovoltaic power plants in the Purulia district using GIS and Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) techniques. Thirteen physical parameters were considered, representing the district's climatic, topographical, environmental, solar geometrical, and locational characteristics to create a site suitability map. The weight of these parameters was determined using MCDA, and overlay analysis was carried out under a GIS environment to produce the final map of suitable locations. The map was divided into six categories, namely restricted (26.5 %), very low (< 1%), low (7.6%), moderate (32.5%), highly (27.4%), and very highly (~6%) suitable areas. This classification is expected to assist the government, energy providers, and other stakeholders in installing solar PV power plants in the state, thereby satisfying the growing energy demand of the people in an eco-friendly manner.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	site suitability; AHP; MCDA; geospatial; solar PV power plants; 0804 Data Format; 0909 Geomatic Engineering; 1604 Human Geography; Geological & Geomatics Engineering
Subjects:	G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GE Environmental Sciences
Divisions:	Biological & Environmental Sciences (from Sep 19)
Publisher:	Wiley
SWORD Depositor:	A Symplectic
Date Deposited:	09 Sep 2024 09:17
Last Modified:	09 Sep 2024 09:17
URI:	https://researchonline.ljmu.ac.uk/id/eprint/24091

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