Geospatial multi-criteria analysis for identifying optimum wind and solar sites in Africa: Towards effective power sector decarbonization

Africa has the potential to provide for its growing energy needs with renewable electricity sources. We implement a multi-criterial geospatial optimization locate most favorable sites utility-scale, grid-connected onshore wind and solar PV. Legal, technical, political, environmental, socio-economic investment risk factors were incorporated in model. Analysis of whole African continent revealed South Egypt be amongst countries investment, so these subject more in-depth analysis. The analysis conditions offered by installations are attributable high yearly average insolation (278.3 W/m 2 ), grid reliability, terrain appropriateness political stability. Current heavy dependence on fossil fuels (165.7 billion kWh) means that there is great emissions reduction from power sector. Africa, other hand, offers due speeds (12 m/s at 100 m height), fuel reliance (213 kWh), good stability, adequate techno-economic factors. levelized cost constructing farms propitious 16.7% lower than building coal-fired stations, while optimum zones 29.7% investing combined-gas turbines 37% diesel generators. • Wind potentials investigated. Spatial was conducted using GIS-based multi-criteria An economic performed determine feasibility investments. Investments could cost-effectively decarbonize grids. Optimum investments revealed.