Wind power plant site selection: A systematic review

Considering that planet earth's resources are limited, especially when considering its multiple demands of use, it becomes important to identify the most suitable locations for the installation of wind turbines. In this article, the wind resource is analyzed from the perspective of restrictive, economic, environmental, and social aspects that must be considered when selecting the areas for installing wind farms. The study was conducted following the premises of the Systematic Literature Review and the results answer the following questions: What are the factors that restrict the choice of a location? What factors should be considered when choosing a location? What are the methods that assist the site selection process? Therefore, a critical and in-depth evaluation of previous studies involving the necessary information to assist the researcher regarding the restrictive, relevant, and determining factors when choosing a great location for installing a wind power plant, as well as the methods addressed for solving this type of problem can be properly determined. Studies have shown that the wind speed is the most determinant factor of decision, followed by the wind density and proximity to the roads, while the protected areas, watercourses, and species migration routes were the most listed restriction factors in the literature. The methods used by the researchers are Multiple-Criteria Decision-Making techniques, Geographic Information System software, and statistical techniques. The main contribution of this paper is a broad set of information that should be considered when deciding on the best location for developing a wind project. Thus, the decision process becomes safer, assisting the researcher and investor of the project in determining the restrictive factors, relevant criteria, as well as possible methods to be used in this process. •Detailed review of the optimal location for installing wind farms.•The factors that restrict the choice of location are presented.•Ten Determining Factors were identified in this decision making.•The methods applied in localization are classified in MCDM, GIS software and statistical techniques.