Leveraging Offshore Wind Farms and GIS-Based Site Selection to Meet the Power Needs of Caspian Sea Region Nations: An Economic Load Dispatch Analysis for Iran

The integration of renewable energy sources is increasingly essential in the strategic energy frameworks of nations worldwide, with particular emphasis in regions like Iran where sustainable development is a priority. This study investigates the feasibility and impact of deploying offshore wind farms to supply a substantial share of electrical power to countries within the Caspian Sea basin. By utilizing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for site selection and optimizing placement through genetic algorithms, this research identifies potential offshore locations capable of maximizing wind energy capture. Additionally, the paper presents an economic assessment of the proposed project within Iran, focusing on the implications for thermal generation capacity and employing an economic load dispatch analysis to determine cost efficiency and projected savings. This work underscores the role of GIS and renewable technologies in addressing regional energy needs, reducing dependence on fossil fuels, and enhancing cross-border energy cooperation.