Site suitability assessment for hybrid solar-geothermal energy systems in cold regions using advanced spatial decision-making techniques

Abstract This study aims to assess the potential of hybrid solar-geothermal power plants in West Azerbaijan, East Azerbaijan, and Ardabil provinces in northern Iran. These provinces, situated in cold regions, present a unique opportunity to harness the combined benefits of solar and geothermal energy resources. The research uses a comprehensive methodology that combines Analytic Hierarchy Process and Geographic Information Systems to identify the best locations for hybrid renewable energy production. The study includes 17 data layers covering economic, technical, environmental, and geological criteria to create a robust and efficient decision-making framework. The innovation of this study lies in the simultaneous assessment of the potential of solar-geothermal energy in cold regions, considering technical and operational aspects that have received less attention in previous studies. The findings show that East Azerbaijan has the highest operational potential for hybrid energy generation, while Ardabil shows the lowest solar-geothermal energy output. In total, these three provinces have a suitable area for setting up a combined solar-geothermal power plant with a technical potential of 1155.25 km 2 (1.15% of the total area), and finally, the potential assessment showed an energy generation of 3,302,987,455 MWh per year for the three provinces combined. The study also emphasizes that the combination of these two renewable energy sources can effectively meet local energy needs, especially in areas with limited traditional electricity infrastructure. This research provides valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders in the renewable energy sector and provides a comprehensive framework for optimizing combined solar-geothermal projects, which contribute to sustainable energy development in cold regions.