The Geospatial Canvas of Wind Energy Production: Assessing the Carrying Capacity in the Spanish Northwest

ABSTRACT Large wind energy plants can significantly impact the environment if not managed properly. This study employs Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and spatial multi‐criteria analysis (SMCA) to evaluate the carrying capacity of territories to host wind energy production. Carrying capacity, defined as a spatial category of suitability, is derived from the integrating multiple layers. The proposed approach incorporates 34 aptitude and 21 impact variables, addressing wind behavior, land use, and physical, natural, and historical‐cultural characteristics. The aptitude variables were ranked by a panel of experts. This methodology was applied to regions in northwestern Spain to assess their capacity for hosting wind energy projects. Two carrying capacity maps were generated: one with absolute intervals and another with relative intervals. Positive carrying capacity, indicating a value above zero, varied between 0.00% and 43.85% of the area depending on the region. Strikingly, only 0.09% of the total area exhibited both optimal energy potential and maximum relative carrying capacity. The maps were compared to the binding zonings proposed by national and regional authorities, which were found to be slightly restrictive. Alarmingly, more than 50 wind turbines across eight projected wind energy plants have been authorized or are in the approval process for locations with negative carrying capacity under the new classification. This spatial approach offers a valuable tool for future territorial planning, ensuring a balance between energy production and environmental conservation. It provides a replicable framework for sustainable land management in regions facing similar challenges.