Multi-criteria decision-making for wind power project feasibility: Trends, techniques, and future directions

Abstract

The selection of wind power plant (WPP) locations is critical for renewable energy development, directly impacting plant capacity and long-term socio-economic outcomes. This study analyzes scientific research on WPP location determination across countries, trends in multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methods over the past decade, MCDM's effectiveness in developing countries, and key criteria in site selection. A systematic review of 30 journal articles from 16 countries was conducted. Results show that China leads in scientific production, followed by Iran, with publication peaks in 2020, 2021, and 2024. The adoption of MCDM methods, such as AHP, PROMETHEE, and FAHP, has significantly increased, reflecting the need for more complex and accurate evaluations. MCDM enhances efficiency and effectiveness in WPP site selection in developing countries, including Turkey, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Vietnam, by providing a systematic framework to evaluate criteria holistically. Four main categories of criteria were identified: technical (e.g., wind speed, proximity to grids), environmental (e.g., impacts on protected areas and birds), social (e.g., community acceptance), and economic (e.g., initial investment, maintenance costs). These approaches enable more efficient, sustainable, and context-specific decisions. Future research should integrate artificial intelligence to address dynamic criteria. These findings offer strategic guidance for policymakers and stakeholders to advance sustainable renewable energy development.