A New Territorial Planning Model for Renewable Energy Plants for Self-Consumption Based on AHP and GIS. A Case of Study

Abstract

Maximizing the contribution of renewable energies in meeting electrical energy demand requires planning that includes aspects such as the adaptation of renewable installations to the territory in question. This requirement is even more important in regions with territorial limitations as, for example, in the case of islands. Energy self-consumption based on renewables, on an individual basis or in energy communities, is a key strategy to increase the participation of this type of energy resource and to promote distributed generation. The aim of the present study was to develop a hybrid territorial planning model for the siting of areas suitable for the joint exploitation of wind and solar energy and targeted principally at self-consumption. The methodology employed was based on the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and geographical information systems (GIS). The general area considered was the island of Gran Canaria (Spain) which has an isolated electrical system. The results obtained with the model can then be incorporated into territorial planning documents and/or national, regional and/or municipal files with the aim of optimizing the integration of renewable energy for selfconsumption and advancing distributed electrical energy systems.