The aim of this study was to develop a framework to guide wave energy converters (WECs) sites using the coastal waters of Tasmania as a case study. This chapter proposes a combined two-stage Multi-criteria Decision Making (MCDM) methodology to determine suitable locations for WECs siting with overlapping and minimal conflicting uses. A methodology combining MCDM and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) was developed combining the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) and the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). Priority rankings for each of the human uses and ocean features were prioritized using AHP and were then applied to TOPSIS analyses. A chain of optimal locations were determined, stretching from the southwest to southeast coast of Tasmania, where presently low densities of human activities overlap with high wave height. The result shows that suitable areas for harnessing WECs may not always be located in the highest wave energy areas.
History
Publication title
Soft Computing Applications for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency
Editors
MS Garcia-Cascales, JM Sanchez-Lozano, AD Masegosa, C Cruz-Corona
Pagination
141-164
ISBN
978-1-4666-6631-3
Department/School
Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies
Publisher
Information Science Reference
Place of publication
USA
Extent
14
Repository Status
Restricted
Socio-economic Objectives
Other environmental management not elsewhere classified