Investigation of Technical and Environmental Factors in the Selection of Wind Power Plants in the Bergama Region Using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP)

Wind power plants represent crucial investments both globally and in Turkey, driven by escalating energy demands due to rapid population growth and technological advancements. Consequently, Turkey has substantially expanded its wind energy production in recent years. Selecting optimal locations for wind power plants requires an extensive evaluation of multiple technical and environmental factors, among which regional wind potential holds primary importance. The Aegean Region-particularly İzmir province and its Bergama district-possesses remarkable potential for wind power plants (WPP). Given the high investment costs and complex operational processes involved in wind energy projects, thorough pre-investment assessments using reliable analytical methods are essential for project viability and sustainability. This study, conducted entirely within the borders of Turkey, applies the Analytic Hierarchy Process to evaluate technical and environmental criteria for WPP site selection in the Bergama region. The results indicate that proactive safety measures (K31), wind speed (K11), and risk analysis and management strategies (K33) are the most critical criteria influencing the decision-making process. Among the five capacity alternatives assessed, the 25 MW WPP project (A5) was identified as the most suitable and effective option for implementation in the region.