A new hybrid multi-criteria decision-making approach for location selection of sustainable offshore wind energy stations: A case study

Abstract

Developments in wind energy projects have received much interest in the last decade due to the encouragement of sustainable development policies. Consequently, the number of wind energy projects has rapidly increased so that wind energy is an important part of an integrated power system. The success of an offshore wind energy project depends on the selection of the optimal offshore wind power station (OWPS) location, which is often determined through the use of multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM). There are, however, a number of shortcomings in the use of MCDM methods for site selection: 1) the incomplete utilization of information and loss of data in the decision-making process; and 2) the interaction issue in the neutrosophic vicinity is neglected. In this study, to address those shortcomings, we propose a new hybrid methodology for the selection of offshore wind power station location combining the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Preference Ranking Organization Method for Enrichment Evaluations (PROMETHEE)-II methods in the neutrosophic environment. First, a comprehensive index system of evaluation criteria is constructed of OWPS site selection. Then, the neutrosophic set is utilized in the specialist committee decision to express incomplete information. Furthermore, by gathering opinions of specialists, we take into consideration the interaction problem. Through the development of the hybrid method, this research presents rigorous methodological support for site selection in order to achieve benefits in coastal management. The proposed methodology for OWPS site selection is validated through the use of a case study from Egypt.