GIS-based multiregional potential evaluation and strategies selection framework for various renewable energy sources: a case study of eastern coastal regions of China.

Evaluation of available potential and suitable alternative options for various renewable energy sources ( RES) requires the explicit consideration of inter-regional disparities and site-specific conditions (e.g., environmental, socio-economic, and resources features) for a larger scale region or country. This paper presents a novel multiregional analytical framework considering inter-regional suitability difference and inter- RES competitiveness at a given location in order to support efficient and sustainable RES spatial planning strategies. A GIS-based multicriteria evaluation technique was used to identify the geospatial potential/appropriate sites for various RES through combination of satellite-derived information, reanalysis data, ground measurements, and statistical data. The composite index ( CI) considering location suitability and sustainability of renewable energy technology was then used to compare different RES options, and as a selection criteria to define suitable strategies for each specific region. A real case study concerning the China's eastern coastal 10 provinces of RES planning issue demonstrates the applicability of the proposed approach. The present results illustrate how to coordinate the competing relationships between inter-regions and inter- RES for a given location in the eastern coastal regions of China. This could provide useful insight into plan the long-term RES developing paths and facilitate the determination of optimal energy mix for the other same type area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]