Developing and applying a GIS-Fuzzy AHP assisted approach to locating a hybrid renewable energy system with high potential: Case of Dakhla region–Morocco-

Recently, the renewable energy sector, particularly wind and solar photovoltaic, has seen a great evolution in the world thanks to various technological advances and to incentive programs. But the main disadvantage of these systems is their dependence on weather and climate conditions. However, this problem can be solved by integrating two or more energy sources called hybrid systems. Thus, the weakness of one system could be compensated by the strengths of other sources and thus an efficient system can be achieved that ensures the continuity of electricity supply. The main objective of this paper is to present a model based on geographical information systems (GIS) coupled with a multi-criteria decision-making analysis (MCDA) using the fuzzy analytical hierarchy process (Fuzzy AHP) method that will make it possible to locate a hybrid solarwind energy system with high potential in the Dakhla region of the southern Kingdom of Morocco, taking into account three essential factors: Climatic, economic and social. The results obtained indicate that 17.62% (198 km2), 25.19% (283 km2), 30.62% (344 km2) and 26.57% (298 km2) of the region of Dakhla are positioned as areas strongly, moderately, marginally adapted and excluded, respectively.