Optimal site selection for geothermal heated greenhouses in cold climates: a fuzzy logic and geographic information system approach

Abstract This paper presents a comprehensive model for selecting optimal sites for geothermal heated greenhouses in the agricultural industry. The research involves two main componentsf: assessing the geothermal energy resource using geological, geochemical and geophysical indicators; and developing a siting model based on fuzzy logic that considers technical, environmental and socio-economic factors. The study focuses on East Azerbaijan province in Iran—a cold region. The results indicate that ~3.24% of the total area of the province is suitable for constructing geothermal greenhouses, resulting in potential savings of ~148 000 and 745 978 m3 of natural gas in areas with high and very high suitability, respectively. A comprehensive model for selecting optimal sites for geothermally heated greenhouses involves two main components: assessing the geothermal energy resource using geological, geochemical and geophysical indicators; and developing a fuzzy-logic siting model based on technical, environmental and socio-economic factors. Graphical Abstract Graphical Abstract