Balancing Stakeholders’ Perspectives for Sustainability: GIS-MCDM for Onshore Wind Energy Planning

Abstract

This study supports Jamaica’s renewable energy implementation strategies by providing updated wind atlases and identifying suitable locations for future wind farms. Using a GIS-based Analytic Hierarchy Process with multi-criteria decision-making (AHP-MCDM), this research integrates stakeholders’ opinions, environmental considerations, and technical factors to assess land suitability for wind energy development. The analysis reveals that Jamaica has the potential to increase its wind power output by 8.99% compared to the current production of 99 MW. This expansion could significantly contribute to offsetting fossil fuel-based energy consumption and reducing carbon dioxide emissions. It identifies sites across several parishes, including Westmoreland, Clarendon, St. Mary, and St. James, as highly suitable for utility-scale wind farm development. By providing detailed spatial information and estimated energy outputs, this research offers valuable insights for energy planners, investors, and policymakers to create sustainable energy policies and advance Jamaica’s 50% renewable energy goal by 2030.