Multi-Criteria analysis of wind power station distribution along the Red Sea Coast of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia using GIS (1985-2017)

Abstract

The strategic placement of wind power stations is scientifically critical for exploiting their full capacity. This research aims to compare the spatial characteristics of wind speed across four city sites at the Red Sea coast in Saudi Arabia. These cities are Al-Wajh, Yanbu, Jeddah and Jazan, all of which have operational wind power stations that serve as our case study. Data from 1985 to 2017 were analysed, focusing on diurnal and seasonal mean values of average wind speed, maxi-mum wind speed and prevailing wind direction. These data were sourced from meteorological sta-tions located in the aforementioned cities. We employed geographical information systems tech-niques to evaluate and suggest optimal locations for potential wind power stations. These tools were integrated with statistical methods to analyse the climatic data, which further served the objectives of the study. The database for this study was built upon 14 layers, each layer determining which areas were suitable or unsuitable for wind power station placement. Amongst the examined cities, Jeddah had the largest suitable area, measuring approximately 13826.8 km2. Conversely, Jizan had the smallest suitable area, spanning just approximately 738.7 km2