Determination of Optimal Locations for Offshore Wind Farms Using the Analytical Hierarchy Process

Abstract

Kim, G.; Jeong, M.-H.; Jeon, S.-B.; Lee, T.-Y.; Oh, H.-Y., and Park, C.-S., 2021. Determination of optimal locations for offshore wind farms using the analytical hierarchy process. In: Lee, J.L.; Suh, K.-S.; Lee, B.; Shin, S., and Lee, J. (eds.), Crisis and Integrated Management for Coastal and Marine Safety. Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 114, pp. 439–443. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208. The ocean is one of the largest renewable energy sources. Offshore wind energy has attracted considerable attention owing to the increasing adoption of renewable energy technologies; therefore, it is vital to select the most appropriate sites for offshore wind farms. This study aims to select the optimal sites for offshore wind farms based on the analytical hierarchy process(AHP). This study considered 11 criteria: wind speed, water depth, distance from the shore, ship route density, military operations areas, marine ecosystem protection areas, marine biodiversity protection areas, special protected islands, protected areas for wildlife, cultural heritage sites, and national parks. The feasibility of potential sites for offshore wind farms was evaluated across the Korean Peninsula. The southern coast between Goheung and Yeosu is the most optimal area for installing offshore wind farms, followed by the west coast of Taean.