EVALUATION OF RENEWABLE ENERGY POTENTIAL USING A GIS DECISION-SUPPORTSYSTEM

A GIS Decision Support System has been developed for the evaluated of Renewable Energy Sources potential and the financial analysis of RE in vestments. A GIS database with data on wind, topography, urban areas, and special activities has been developed and used for the evaluation of theoretical potential through the spatially continuous mapping if R enewable Energy Resources. The available and technological potential a re evaluated by the application of availability and technological rest rictions. The evaluation of economical potential is perform by a preci se estimation of the expected energy output and installation cost. The financial analysis based on the Internal Rate of Return, identifies t he financial viability of alternative investments. The evaluation of w ind energy potential for the island of Crete, Greece and the financial analysis of a wind park installation are present as a case study. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.