Site selection analysis for wind power plant: The case of Giresun provi̇nce

In this study, in line with Turkey's increasing energy needs and the necessity to reduce its dependence on foreign energy sources, a wind energy power plant (WEP) site selection analysis was conducted for Giresun province, focusing on the effective use of wind energy, one of the renewable energy sources. The absence of active wind energy plant investments throughout Giresun province necessitates the evaluation of the province's wind energy potential using scientific and spatial methods. In this context, the main objective of the study is to identify areas within the borders of Giresun province that have potential for WPP installation and are technically suitable. To this end, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) were used together, and the analyses were performed using ArcGIS 10.5 software. The Reclassify, Euclidean Distance, and Weighted Overlay analysis methods were utilized. During the analysis process, key criteria affecting RES site selection, such as wind speed, land use, distance from residential areas, and elevation, were taken into account. The suitability map obtained has been divided into five classes: unsuitable, slightly suitable, moderately suitable, suitable, and highly suitable. Upon examining the results, it was determined that areas suitable for wind energy plant installation are generally concentrated in the central and southeastern parts of the province, while restrictions are greater in mountainous and rugged areas. Furthermore, the limited number of highly suitable areas indicates that wind energy investments in Giresun province should be evaluated with a planned and selective approach. The suitability maps obtained serve as the first spatial guide for wind energy investments in Giresun province and provide an important decision support tool for decision-makers. This approach, which combines GIS and AHY, has been found to be effective and applicable in WPP site selection studies to be carried out in regions with similar characteristics.