Site suitability for windfarm in Jaffna peninsula and its isles

Abstract

Wind farm is the most important alternative sustainable energy resources among the other alternative energy resources. However, it’s very challenge to find a suitable site for installation of the wind turbines. The site selection is a key factor for any aspect of regional planning nor development because of increasing the public resistance against the improper development activities. Jaffna Peninsula and its Surrounding islands has highest potential for installation the wind turbines. Although it’s seems simple but there are many challenges associated harnessing this type of energy. Site selection for Wind farm development has always been a primary concern of the developers. When the site selection process, all other related factors such as Land use, Road network, population density, protected area, wind speed and distance of the sea should be considered. In this study Geographical Information System (GIS) used with Multi Criteria Analysis (MCA) for selecting an optimum location of wind farm and above criteria was included in MCA. Results showed that Jaffna peninsula and its surrounding islands has high potential for installation the wind turbines.