Geospatial modeling for selection of optimum sites for hybrid solar-wind energy in Assiut Governorate, Egypt

Abstract

Renewable energy resources are strategic solutions to develop remote urban areas, provide accessibility, meet the growing energy needs, prevent and mitigate adverse environmental impacts of anthropogenic activities. The purpose of the current research paper is to map and designate optimal sites for locating new hybrid solar and wind farms that fulfill suitability criteria for photovoltaic power plants and wind power in Assiut Governorate. SRTM digital elevation model was processed using the ESRI ArcGIS Area solar radiation tool to estimate and map insolation across the landscape on the topographic surface. Same data (SRTM DEM) was used together with the average wind speed map at elevation 50 m to calculate the wind power density. A geospatial model was designed based on three criteria sets covering three themes: first energy resource (climate and topography), second least cost (infrastructure and third, environmental constraints. The Analytic Hierarchy Process, Weighted Linear Combination and Binary overlay methods were applied, resulting in three sub-models. Such were further combined to produce the solar radiation and the wind power suitability indices separately. The solar radiation index values were reclassified; zones with a minimum threshold of 4 kw/m2/day were selected. From such zones, twenty optimum solar sites were selected based on a minimum area threshold. To identify potential wind zones, a minimum of wind power density equivalent to 220 W/m2 was considered. Results reveal that six potential solar sites exist within the potential wind energy zones; such sites were finally selected as candidates for allocation of hybrid solar-wind power stations.

Keywords

• GIS modeling
• Wind energy
• Solar energy
• Assiut Governorate
• Environmental suitability