Sequential MCDM methods for site selection of hydroponic geothermal greenhouse: ENTROPY and ARAS

Abstract

With the increasing global population, there is a growing need for agricultural land and an associated impact on greenhouse activities. In response to issues of limited energy and natural resources, the use of hydroponic greenhouses that use renewable energy sources has become increasingly popular. Among these, the use of geothermal energy in hydroponic greenhouses has garnered particular attention. In this study, we propose a sequential solution method that incorporates the Entropy and ARAS methods for the location selection of hydroponic greenhouses heated by geothermal energy. The model considers 5 main criteria, and 21 sub-criteria, and evaluates five alternative cities in Turkey. The weighting of the criteria was established through the Entropy technique. Subsequently, the decision alternatives were ranked using the ARAS method. The results of the study revealed that Denizli province is the most appropriate location for the establishment of a hydroponic geothermal greenhouse in Turkey. The alternative cities of Aydin and Afyonkarahisar were found to be the second and third most suitable provinces respectively. This determination was made based on a thorough evaluation of various factors such as geothermal resources, land availability, and infrastructure. The results of the study align with Turkey's potential for using geothermal energy and its existing greenhouse areas. This study highlights the potential for using geothermal energy in the cultivation of crops in Turkey and suggests that the establishment of hydroponic geothermal greenhouses in these provinces can be a viable and sustainable solution for increasing food production. The proposed sequential solution method may serve as a valuable tool for guiding investment decisions related to geothermal greenhouse applications in other countries.