Integrating Fuzzy-AHP and Fuzzy-GIS method in zoning wind power development in Bac Lieu province towards sustainability

Abstract

From the perspective of economic, environmental, and social point of view , Wind project site selection is a difficult problem with many criteria to consider. In this study, a proposed decision support tool was developed by the integration of the Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process Method (Fuzzy-AHP) and Fuzzy Geographic Information System (Fuzzy–GIS) methods. Fuzzy-AHP was used to determine the weights of the criteria and the Fuzzy-GIS was used to normalize the data and develop the maps for optimal option determination. The study has proposed two sets of evaluation criteria, including a set of exclusion criteria and a set of criteria for ranking priority of wind power plant locations. The set of evaluation criteria was divided into 3 criteria and 10 sub-criteria. Besides, the research results showing the suitability with the wind power development planning in Bac Lieu province, an outstanding result of the study is: While local decision-makers considered that the rice fields, which account for 83.86% of the total area of the province, were unsuitable for wind power development, we found that the rice fields should be included in the planning consideration area because of the high wind speed as well as the positive effects of wind farms on crop yields and minimizing negative impacts on the natural environment.