Application of a multiple-attribute decision-analysis methodology for site selection of floating offshore wind farms off the West coast of Ireland

A state-of-the-art review of Geographic Information System applications, the main criteria of selection, and available data that may be used in the process of site selection for floating offshore wind farms

“…For the western part of the Irish coast, [21] has outlined a multiple attribute decision-analysis methodology for selecting the most suitable location to deploy the floating offshore wind farm. To limit the search area, researchers conducted a literature review, identified sites that are either developed or in planning procedure, investigated the grid connection possibilities and held meetings and consultations with experts in the renewable and legislation field.…”

“…Table 4 lists the results of the [25]. [25] A slightly different approach to multi-criteria site selection of FOWF is presented in [21]. Researchers applied the AHP method to calculate weights of general and basic criteria and then employed the Evidence Reasoning (ER) method to rank the sites.…”

“…The ER is an evidence-based primary MCDM method developed in the early nineties. It applies to solving problems having quantitative and qualitative criteria [21]. Unlike in the AHP, the ignorance and uncertainty of decision-makers can be assessed.…”

“…The downside of this method is its complexity, therefore non specialists may not be able to apply it or interpret results [34]. In [21] the MADA method was applied to rank forty-three sites of Shannon Foynes Bay off the coast of Galway. The utility ranking derived in the MADA method vary in the range of 0.6193 for the site ranked at first place to 0.5421 for the site at forty-third place which results in an average step per rank of 0.002.…”

“…However, site G14 ranked third position was ranked twelve and nineteenth in terms of the general criteria of met-ocean and facilities and environment but first in general criteria of logistics. The general criteria weighting has been distributed in [21] facilities and environment 30.94% and logistic 17.56%. It is seen that combination weighting has a profound effect on the final assessment of site suitability [21].…”