Suitable site selection for the development of solar based smart hydrogen energy plant in the Gangwon-do region, South Korea using big data: A geospatial approach

Abstract

The selection of optimal sites for solar based smart hydrogen energy plants (SHEP) requires a spatial evaluation of various conditions, such as technical aspects, economic factors, environmental and social considerations, and as well as the assessment of natural catastrophe conditions within the chosen region. The present study used a multi-criterion decision (MCDA) support model to conduct an optimal site selection analysis for a smart hydrogen energy plant focusing on solar power plants in the Gangwon region of South Korea. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and big data were utilized to locate and evaluate potential sites for a solar based SHEP project. The evaluation considered 18 sub-factors, including the presence of green energy sources, the demand for hydrogen, existing infrastructure, environmental effect, and the impact of natural disasters. The suitable areas for solar based SHEP installation were identified using a holistic GIS approach by defining appropriate ranks and weights through MCDA. The results showed that 3.74% (627.67 km2 ) of the study region was very high suitable for constructing solar power plants, particularly in Cheorwon-gun, Chuncheon-si, and Wonju-si regions. The suitability zones determined through the analysis were compared with the global solar plant inventory data, and the results showed good consistency between the two. This suggests that the identified optimal areas can be utilized for the installation of the solar based SHEP. Furthermore, the framework developed in the study can be used to assess the suitable sites for solar energy in other parts of the country.