Assessment of the technical and economic potential of offshore wind energy via a GIS application: A case study for the Sicily Region according to Italian laws and incentive frameworks

Abstract

This paper presents a technical and economic analysis of the possible exploitation of offshore wind resources using spatial analysis methods based on GIS tools. The study assessed the magnitude and distribution of the main constraints on installation of wind farms by taking into account the relevant technical factors and local laws on nature protection issues in a specific area, i.e., Sicily. Specific cost functions were defined for several components of the total cost of construction and maintenance of a wind farm. Several scenarios were implemented according to wind turbine size, hub height, total wind farm power, and distance from the coast, and the levelised production cost was assessed for a total of 12 scenarios. The main economic performance outputs were calculated and represented on maps, thus demonstrating this approach as a useful tool for decision makers, stakeholders and planners.