No abstract

Selecting suitable sites for new distributed generation installations is a critical step for long‐term efficient power generation planning. Locating distributed generations involves studying many factors such as economic, social, environmental, geographic, availability of electrical infrastructure etc. In this paper, a novel system based on the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) and fuzzy AHP (FAHP) are developed to select proper sites for small modular reactor (SMR) power generation units. Renewable energy generation, electrical and non‐electrical loads, existing and retiring generation, transmission lines, and switching stations in location‐dependent scenarios are considered to determine preferable sites. Realistic simulation scenarios are developed to validate the top two locations from the AHP and FAHP SMR siting results using a power system model to show renewable generation and non‐electrical applications support. It is assumed that the surplus power from SMR units is utilised for non‐electrical applications in the selected locations. Moreover, the quality of support for non‐electrical applications are compared with the integration of SMR units to both wind and solar energy.