A GIS-BASED MULTI-CRITERIA DECISION-MAKING APPROACH FOR ASSESSING SUITABILITY OF WIND AND SOLAR ENERGY DEVELOPMENT IN CHINA'S ONSHORE AREAS

Zhang Jingxuan; Wang Hanxun; Zhang Bin

doi:10.19912/j.0254-0096.tynxb.2025-0732

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Acta Energiae Solaris Sinica ›› 2026, Vol. 47 ›› Issue (9) : 772-780. DOI: 10.19912/j.0254-0096.tynxb.2025-0732

A GIS-BASED MULTI-CRITERIA DECISION-MAKING APPROACH FOR ASSESSING SUITABILITY OF WIND AND SOLAR ENERGY DEVELOPMENT IN CHINA'S ONSHORE AREAS

Zhang Jingxuan¹, Wang Hanxun^1,2, Zhang Bin^1,2

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Abstract

By integrating the Analytic Hierarchy Process and fuzzy mathematics, this study established an indicator system for influencing factors of new energy development, incorporating energy distribution, topography, and human activities, thereby forming a multi-criteria decision-making system to evaluate the suitability of wind and solar energy development in China. The results indicate that the most suitable areas for wind energy development in China are concentrated in the "Three Norths" regions （Northeast, North, and Northwest China）. Inner Mongolia, Xinjiang, Gansu, and Qinghai account for over 90% of the country's total optimal and suboptimal suitable areas. For solar energy development, the most suitable areas are primarily located in North and Northwest China, with Xinjiang, Inner Mongolia, Gansu, and Qinghai provinces comprising more than 80% of the national optimal and suboptimal suitable zones. The findings of this study provide effective support for the development and utilization of renewable energy in China, focusing on wind and solar power.

Key words

renewable energy / site selection / geographic information systems / ArcGIS / multi-criteria decision making / analytic hierarchy process

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Zhang Jingxuan, Wang Hanxun, Zhang Bin. A GIS-BASED MULTI-CRITERIA DECISION-MAKING APPROACH FOR ASSESSING SUITABILITY OF WIND AND SOLAR ENERGY DEVELOPMENT IN CHINA'S ONSHORE AREAS[J]. Acta Energiae Solaris Sinica. 2026, 47(9): 772-780 https://doi.org/10.19912/j.0254-0096.tynxb.2025-0732

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