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Integrating MCDM and GIS for renewable energy spatial models: assessing the individual and combined potential for wind, solar and biomass energy in Southern Spain

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A Correction to this article was published on 23 October 2019

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Abstract

The present study aims to develop an integrated methodology using multi-criteria decision-making methods and geographical information systems for a renewable energy spatial planning model. This methodology has been applied to the province of Malaga (Southern Spain), which is characterised by high energy demand for both residential and touristic use. Criteria and restrictions are defined, weighed and combined in order to identify high potential areas for the construction of single- or combined wind power, solar power and biomass generation facilities. Finally, a cluster analysis is carried out in order to classify municipalities within the province according to the availability of medium and high potential land for the construction of these facilities. Results suggest that for the three types of energy analysed (wind, solar and biomass), single- or combined solar and wind power facilities are the best options in the province of Malaga. The breakdown of these results at the municipality level is of great interest from the point of view of spatial planning. For instance, in some municipalities less than 1 km2 is regarded as having a medium-to-high potential in terms of renewables. Some of these municipalities, situated on the Costa del Sol, must meet high current- and future energy demands, owing both to population density and the volume of touristic demand, which is the highest in the region of Andalusia. The methodology used can be applied to other regions and will be of interest for planners, managers and investors, all of whom can use this information for spatial- and energy planning, and the definition of targets and strategies, and, therefore, as and to aid decision-making.

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Change history

  • 23 October 2019

    In the original article by Díaz et al. (2019), the authors have become aware of an error in the application of Equation 4, aimed at checking the validity of the method.

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the editor and reviewers for their comments which have undoubtedly improved the manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Physical Geography and Regional Geographical Analysis, University of Seville, Seville, Spain

    Pilar Díaz-Cuevas & Antonio Prieto-Campos

  2. Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas, Madrid, Spain

    Javier Domínguez-Bravo

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  1. Pilar Díaz-Cuevas
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  2. Javier Domínguez-Bravo
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  3. Antonio Prieto-Campos
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Correspondence to Pilar Díaz-Cuevas.

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Díaz-Cuevas, P., Domínguez-Bravo, J. & Prieto-Campos, A. Integrating MCDM and GIS for renewable energy spatial models: assessing the individual and combined potential for wind, solar and biomass energy in Southern Spain. Clean Techn Environ Policy 21, 1855–1869 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10098-019-01754-5

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