A GIS-based Approach for Analyzing Wind Energy Development in SH

In this book, sets of GIS-models for analyzing technical and social aspects of wind energy planning within the predefined priority areas in Schleswig-Holstein were developed. Then, the outputs of the GIS-models were used to classify priority areas based on their level of controversy. At the end, future exclusions of each class of priority areas under 4 scenarios was simulated to investigate the opportunity costs of eliminations. Technical approach in this paper included analyses of production cost, electricity generation, economic feasibility, turbines placements, hub-height, and opportunity costs. Regarding social approach, visibility as a contributing factor in changing landscape was taken into consideration. On this point, firstly, likelihood of visibility after sitting of wind turbines in all priority areas was simulated. Secondly, after considering effects of landcover, priority areas were classified based on their level of visual impact.