Utilizing GIS and Multi Variable Analysis to determine optimal wind farm site locations in Ohio

This project aims to determine the most optimal locations for the implementation of utility scale wind farms within the state of Ohio. The use of fossil fuels for electrical energy production is one of the world’s largest contributors to the growing atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide, known for having long term impacts on climate. Developments and growth in the clean energy sector have offered alternatives to current dominant methods of energy production, with specific focus into wind powered electrical generators. Wind turbines are a carbon free source of energy, but are limited in use due to restrictions of needed wind energy. This form of energy is widely available in enough quantities across the Midwest region to be a viable source of electrical generation. As such this project aims to look at all variables that need to be taken into account to determine optimal sites for wind farms in the state of Ohio. Factors of consideration include wind energy, land cover, soil type, roughness of terrain, elevation, slope, orography, road access and environmental impacts. Data regarding all of these factors is collected and processed using a geographical information system, ESRI ArcGIS, creating a spatial representation of suitable areas for development. Within the GIS system, an analysis technique known as multi-variable analysis is conducted assigning weights to various factors and calculating an overall suitability score to be ranked and investigated as optimal sites. The finding of this report are to provide a starting point for clean energy implementation in the state of Ohio for which currently only has renewables accounting for 3% of the state’s energy production