Enhancing Solar Power Plant Location Selection Through Multicriteria Decision-Making with the Analytic Hierarchy Process

Abstract

Renewable energy, particularly solar power, is clean, cost-effective, and virtually limitless, making it an essential source of energy for developing countries. In the Kurdistan region, however, dependence on fossil fuels remains high, with 85 percent of electricity generated from these sources, whereas solar power contributes less than 1 percent. This study addresses this disparity by employing Boolean logical analytical hierarchy process techniques and a comprehensive set of criteria encompassing technical, ecological, and economic factors to identify suitable sites for solar power plants in Duhok Governorate. The results indicate that 68.5 percent of the governorate’s area is deemed suitable for solar power station construction, with the most promising zone comprising 132.2 km2 and capable of generating more than 8,000 megawatts of solar energy. Notably, most suitable areas are concentrated in the south and southwest, particularly in the districts of Bardarash, Shekhan, and Semel. This study paves the way for a significant shift toward renewable energy in northern Iraq. Identifying vast suitable areas for solar power plants offers a practical roadmap to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, provide a clean energy source, and enable a large-scale solar power project. This study empowers policymakers, energy companies, and investors to make informed decisions toward realizing this renewable energy potential, ultimately transforming the energy landscape in northern Iraq.