Application of Multicriteria Analysis in the Selection of the LNG Terminal Location

Positioning of large energy facilities is, as a rule, accompanied by a strong rejection of local and regional communities, without which it is not possible to determine the location and construction conditions for the facility in spatial plans. However, a synergy of three components may enable a successful project realization. Firstly, the application of verified and objective scientific methods for the selection of the most appropriate LNG terminal location. Secondly, the consideration of the best world practices in project documentation preparation for such terminal construction. And lastly, the continuous involvement of the local community into the entire process. The paper presents an approach aimed at solving the problem of choice by applying the methodology of choosing the “best compromise location” based on system characteristics, available data, set criteria, and limitations. The key “dimension” of such a problem is “space”, i.e. the spatial aspects of location selection. The paper provides an overview of the activities, procedures, and methods used to define the optimal location of the receiving LNG terminal in the Republic of Croatia as part of the analysis and research carried out by EKONERG and in the function of creating the Spatial Plan of Primorje-Gorski Kotar County. Accordingly, the main objective of this paper was to highlight the specifics of LNG terminal site selection as well as the possibility of objectively defining the optimal location using the multi-criteria decision-making method that simultaneously takes into account all influential factors and criteria in defining it. The paper uses the methodology of multi-attribute decision process and multicriteria analysis of the selection of the optimal location of the LNG terminal on the territory of Primorje-Gorski Kotar County. It systematically and scientifically analyses, consistently formulates, and proposes elimination and comparative criteria necessary to determine the optimal location of th