What are some successful GIS applications for renewable energy projects?

1 Solar potential mapping

One of the most common GIS applications for renewable energy is solar potential mapping, which estimates the amount of solar radiation that can be harvested by photovoltaic panels or solar thermal systems. Solar potential mapping can help identify the best locations, orientations, and configurations for solar installations, as well as evaluate the environmental and economic impacts of solar energy. For example, the European Commission has developed a web-based tool called PVGIS, which allows users to access solar potential maps and calculate the performance of solar systems across Europe.

2 Wind resource assessment

Another important GIS application for renewable energy is wind resource assessment, which measures the wind speed, direction, and frequency at different heights and locations. Wind resource assessment can help determine the feasibility, capacity, and layout of wind farms, as well as optimize the design and operation of wind turbines. For example, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has created a wind resource database and a wind prospecting tool, which provide high-resolution wind data and interactive maps for the United States.

3 Hydroelectric power planning

A third GIS application for renewable energy is hydroelectric power planning, which analyzes the hydrological, topographical, and environmental factors that affect the potential and impact of hydropower generation. Hydroelectric power planning can help identify the optimal sites, sizes, and types of dams, reservoirs, and turbines, as well as assess the water availability, energy output, and environmental consequences of hydropower projects. For example, the World Bank has developed a tool called HydroBID, which uses GIS to simulate and forecast the water resources and hydropower potential of river basins in Latin America.

4 Biomass resource mapping

A fourth GIS application for renewable energy is biomass resource mapping, which estimates the availability, quality, and distribution of biomass resources, such as wood, crops, residues, and waste. Biomass resource mapping can help evaluate the suitability, sustainability, and profitability of biomass production and conversion, as well as plan the logistics and infrastructure of biomass supply chains. For example, the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) has developed a tool called Global Bioenergy Supply and Demand Projections, which uses GIS to project the biomass resource potential and demand for different regions and scenarios.

5 Renewable energy integration

A fifth GIS application for renewable energy is renewable energy integration, which examines the technical, economic, and social aspects of integrating renewable energy sources into the existing energy system. Renewable energy integration can help optimize the grid operation, transmission, and distribution, as well as balance the supply and demand of electricity from variable and intermittent sources. For example, the International Energy Agency (IEA) has developed a tool called REmap, which uses GIS to explore the pathways and costs of increasing the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.

6 Renewable energy education

A sixth GIS application for renewable energy is renewable energy education, which uses GIS to enhance the learning and teaching of renewable energy concepts, principles, and practices. Renewable energy education can help raise the awareness, interest, and engagement of students, teachers, and the public, as well as develop the skills, knowledge, and competencies of future renewable energy professionals. For example, the University of Southampton has developed a tool called Energy Zones, which uses GIS to create interactive maps and games that illustrate the potential and impact of renewable energy sources in the United Kingdom.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?