Analysis of Suitable Area for Establishing Decentralized Power Plant from Renewable Energy

Abstract

This research was aim to analysis suitable area for establishing decentralize power generation from renewable energy. Cast study at Chiangrai province and potential renewable energy sources in the area were solar energy, wind energy and biomass. The research method were use both of Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) for analysis rating score, pairwise comparison, consistency ratio and Geographic Information System (GIS) for establishing mapping and calculate suitable area. The result showed first one four factors influencing selection of solar power plant location were solar irradiation, proximity (road and transmission line), environment condition and land use. Second one four factors influencing selection of wind power plant location were wind speed, proximity (road and transmission line), environment condition and land use. Last one there were 5 factors influencing the selection of biomass power plant locations: raw material source (biomass planting area and biomass quantity), proximity (road and transmission lines), supporting water resources, environment condition and land use. Optimum suitable area for decentralized power generation of solar PV, wind and biomass were 4,040.17, 12,210.63 and 15,587.88 Rai, respectively. The research methods and results could be applied to analyze appropriate identifying and potential in ohter location for establishing of decentralized renewable energy power plants. The obtained information could be used for consideration in finding suitable and potential area to establish a decentralized power plant from renewable energy for investment decision makers in both of the government and private sectors.