GIS-based multi-criteria analysis for offshore wind turbine deployment in Hong Kong

ABSTRACT The search for suitable marine areas is a prerequisite at an early stage of any offshore renewable energy system project. This paper introduces a methodological framework for identifying the maritime areas the most appropriate to implement an offshore wind turbine farm in the Hong Kong bay. The framework is based on the combined use of Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) and Geographical Information Systems (GIS). At the first stage of the analysis, unsuitable areas for the deployment of an offshore wind turbine have been first identified. At the second stage of the analysis, eligible marine areas have been ranked using a MCDA and different scenarios. Finally, a cost analysis has been performed to refine the whole approach as well as a comparison to previous studies in the Hong Kong bay