Land suitability assessment for wind farm development in Romania: Policy and GIS–AHP integration

In the context of climate change, Romania is actively advancing its transition to renewable energy, contributing to the European Green Deal goals of zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and 45 % renewable energy share by 2030. Romania's onshore wind potential is estimated at 14,000 MW, with an existing installed capacity of around 3000 MW, concentrated mainly in the Dobrogea region. The National Energy Strategy 2022–2030 forecasts an additional 2302 MW capacity increase. This study develops a spatial suitability model for wind farm siting using the Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP) combined with GIS-based analysis. Eight criteria were evaluated and weighted based on expert judgment. Factors considered include wind speed, slope, altitude, land use, distance to transmission lines, settlements, roads and protected areas. Using GIS Weighted Overlay analysis, land was classified into five suitability classes. Results show that 51.1 % of Romania's territory is suitable for wind energy projects, especially in the eastern and southeastern counties of Tulcea, Constanța, Brăila, Galați, Călăraşi, and Vaslui. Validation against existing wind farm locations showed a 69.9 % spatial match within areas classified a ‘Very High’ suitability, and over 80 % within the combined ‘High’ and ‘Very High’ classes. Discrepancies are mainly due to protected area zoning and spatial data resolution. The findings deliver quantitative evidence to optimize wind farm siting and support data-driven decisions for policymakers and investors in line with EU decarbonization objectives. • The study identifies optimal locations for wind farm installations in Romania. • The methodology integrates Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and GIS spatial analysis, using eight factors. • Spatial analysis revealed that 51.1 % of Romania's surface is highly suitable for wind energy investments. • The findings highlight significant opportunities for wind energy expansion in northeastern Romania. • The results offer a strategic tool for decision-makers and investors, facilitating quicker feasibility assessments.