Technical and geographic potential analysis for large-scale wind energy production using a GIS-AHP multi-criteria in Cameroon

This article presents the suitability analysis of onshore wind farm sites using an AHP (Hierarchical Analysis Process) multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) approach based on geographic information system modeling (GIS). It is based on different technical aspects (wind speed, elevation, slope), economic (proximity to the electricity network, proximity to roads) and social (proximity to residential areas, population density). The introduction of the factor “population density” and the constraint “required area” rarely used in previous studies makes it possible to refine the results. The data is classified into several categories in a gradual manner, namely unsuitable (0); less suitable (1); suitable (2); highly suitable (3) and most suitable (4). The results show us that the largest percentage relating to spatial coverage is observed in the “suitable” range with 50.89 % and the corresponding theoretical wind power potential (TWPP) is 1377.926 GW; it is followed by “highly suitable” 5.67 % and a TWPP of 153.652 GW; then “less suitable” with 1.04 % and a TWPP of 28.163 GW. No areas were identified in “most suitable” and finally the “unsuitable” range with 42.4 %. Also, the most favorable areas are located in the part of the far north of the country corresponding to the strong wind zone. The sensitivity analysis was carried out based on scenario tests (technical, economic and equal-weight) in order to give greater visibility of choice to the different stakeholders who would like to invest in onshore wind energy in Cameroon. Furthermore, a study of hybrid solar-wind systems could improve the efficiency of electricity parks in Cameroon. •The largest spatial coverage observed in the “appropriate” range is 50.89 %, and the associated TWPP is 1377.926 GW.•The most favorable areas, corresponding to the zone of strong winds, are located in the extreme north of the country.•No areas were identified in “most suitable” and the “unsuitable” range with 42.4 %.•A sensitivity analysis based on scenario tests (technical, economic and equal-weight) was carried out.