Multi-Objective Optimization of Windy Sites in East Region of Algeria

The assessment of suitable locations for the wind farm development depends on a variety of feasibility-related factors in addition to wind potential. This work aims to build a multi-objective optimization approach based on Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and explores the technological and environmental issues necessary to achieve the optimal windy site. Two main objectives were targeted in this study: maximizing the energy produced and minimizing costs. These objectives are ranked according to hierarchical importance using a proposed scoring formula, together with the feasibility constraints. The criteria are weighted by an expert method. An area of 1366 km2 covering 10% of the total surface of Oum El Bouaghi seems favorable to wind farm establishments, and 18% presents moderate and suitable conditions. In-depth analyses of wind potential, restrictions, and objectives made it possible to define a roadmap for wind farm development in the East region of Algeria.