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This study presents a spatial multi-criteria decision making (SMCDM) approach based on geographic information system (GIS) for determining the sites that have potential for wind farm installation in Balıkesir, Turkey. Topographical, structural, climatic, and environmental criteria consisting of wind speed, land cover type, slope of terrain, and distance from substations, road networks, settlements, fault lines, electricity grid, and seaports are considered in the approach. Weights, derived from evaluation involving the use of the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) questionnaire, and scored criteria maps, are used in creation of a wind farm suitability map. The results of the study demonstrate that 2.34 % of the total area under consideration is in the most suitable class, while 9.34 % is in the next most suitable class. The study introduces the seaport criterion for the first time in onshore wind turbine site selection. The findings show that considering the seaport criterion provides a more realistic approach of feasible wind turbine site selection. This is clearly seen in the 13 % decrease in the most suitable area. When the wind farm suitability map is evaluated on a district scale, Bandırma takes first place compared to other districts. A sensitivity analysis performed with equal criteria weights indicates that the results are generally reliable. [Display omitted] • Seaport criterion was used for the first time in onshore wind turbine site selection. • 2.34 % of Balıkesir is in the most suitable class for wind farm installation. • The total area in the most suitable class for wind farm installation is 334.32 km2. • The most suitable district for wind farm installation is Bandırma. • Study may benefit investors by acting as a pre-investment assessment tool. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considerable pressure is placed on wind power in Sweden due to the country's goal of generating 100% of its electricity from fossil free resources. The aim was to develop the REWIND methodological framework to support wind power planning, built on spatial multi-criteria analysis (SMCA). In addition, the purpose was to develop a conflict score as a novel component of this framework, for handling goal conflicts. This framework includes the scoping, design and evaluation stages. It was applied in a case study of Västernorrland County with extensive involvement of stakeholders throughout the process. The conflict score allows a separate analysis of trade-offs between factors, highlighting potential conflicts across the landscape to increase transparency. Thus, users are allowed to decide on a threshold on how much conflict among factors should be allowed for areas to qualify as planning alternatives. Critical issues that will need further attention concern quality and availability of data, creation of representative spatial indicators for the factors, weighting methods, and uncertainty analysis. The REWIND framework is open-ended and allows for further development to provide planning support that gives more control of factors and conflicts to be acceptable in real-world planning. Capacity building involving stakeholders in the design of planning alternatives are crucial. In Sweden, it can promote a more proactive planning process in the municipalities, supported by the regional actors, leading to a more predictable permitting process for developers. This will be useful for inclusive wind power planning in any country, since it is applicable on different scales. • Sweden aims for 80 TWh onshore wind energy by 2040. • REWIND framework aims to provide planning support at regional and municipal levels. • Approach revisits existing methods to propose a start to end site selection process. • Novel conflict mapping method is developed to detect local trade-offs. • Capacity building involving stakeholders promote a more proactive planning process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social acceptance is a key issue for the continued expansion of onshore wind energy. Wind energy development targets increasingly rely on the assumption that residents' concerns related to new wind farms dissipate over time. The persistence of resistance to new wind farms has motivated efforts to investigate this effect. The 'U-curve' hypothesis proposes that acceptance is likely to decrease when residents are confronted with the planning of a wind farm in their neighbourhood, but that acceptance may later recover during construction and operation. In this study, relevant research is reviewed, discussed, and applied using a largescale experimental survey focused on residents living within 10 km of an existing wind farm in Ireland (n = 1109). It uses two indicators of how people experience wind farms to investigate willingness to accept further developments. The indicators include the proximity of existing wind farms and their development phase (i.e., planning, construction or operation). The findings show that experience is an important determinant of acceptance, as are an awareness of low-carbon energy initiatives and sense of community spirit. The study examines residents' expectations for participatory fairness and local benefits. Expected adverse impacts on local tourism or potential for discord within the community influence the acceptance for further development. Acceptance is also determined by trust in sources of information, including a designated community liaison officer. The concerns of residents living within the nearest 2 km radius of a wind farm and at the earliest and most uncertain phases of project planning can be crucial issues for acceptance. • Experiences of existing wind farms affect residents' acceptance for new projects. • Acceptance is reinforced by perceived local socioeconomic/environmental benefits. • Support for new projects is strongest for operating wind farms between 2 and 10 km away. • Crucial points for concern are at the planning phase and for homes within 2 km. • Trust in information from liaison officers has lasting ramifications for support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]