Optimal selection of CSP site for desalination system using GIS and AHP method in Hormozgan province, Iran

Given the necessity of ensuring adequate drinking water supply, desalination technologies have garnered considerable attention. To provide the required energy for these technologies, the use of renewable energy sources has been proposed. Considering that the construction of industrial units requires a comprehensive assessment of various potential conditions and constraints, such as climatic conditions, urban and non-urban areas, resource potential, etc., this study aims to identify optimal locations for establishing seawater desalination units using concentrated solar energy in Hormozgan province. To achieve this goal, modeling tools including GIS software and the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method have been utilized. A framework for the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) has been introduced, and the considered criteria include: distance from villages, rivers, airports, power transmission lines, roads and transportation routes, protected areas, fault zones, global horizontal irradiance, land use and slope. The results indicate that there is a high potential for global horizontal irradiance across the province. However, challenges such as numerous fault lines, abundant rivers and water bodies, and the dispersion of rural settlements have significantly reduced the suitability of many areas within the province for the construction of the respective unit. The results indicate that technically suitable sites are evenly distributed across the province, whereas operationally suitable sites are more concentrated near the coastal areas and are deemed more favorable. In total, approximately 28,662 km 2 of the province are technically suitable, while about 2943 km 2 are operationally suitable for the construction of the respective unit. The findings of this study play a pivotal role in enhancing and optimizing executive decision-making processes within this province. Extending similar analyses to other provinces could contribute to the development of a comprehensive map identifying regions with optimal potential for the establishment of CSP systems. • Utilized GIS and AHP methods to identify ideal locations for desalination in Hormozgan. • Evaluated factors like distance to infrastructure and environmental conditions for site suitability. • Findings reveal significant global horizontal irradiance across the province, enhancing desalination efficiency. • Identified that operationally suitable sites are concentrated near coastal areas, maximizing resource access. • Results support enhanced decision-making for future CSP installations and water supply strategies in the region.