The spatial planning of wind energy plant location for power-to-gas integration: The geographic information systems - multi-criteria decision analysis approach in Poland

The environmental changes resulting from the global warming have prompted the European Union to adapt an energy transition strategy known as the Green Deal.The aim of this initiative is to achieve the climate neutrality in Europe by 2050.To accelerate action, an interim target has been set to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels.The implementation of the European Green Deal requires a comprehensive approach to clean energy supply policy, covering key sectors of the economy such as industry, production and consumption, infrastructure, transport, agriculture and food, construction, as well as tax systems and social benefits.Due to the intermittent nature of renewable energy sources, they need to be managed appropriately.A key factor influencing their efficiency is the ability to store energy, which poses a major technological challenge.One promising solution is power-to-gas technology, which allows surplus electricity to be converted into hydrogen.This hydrogen can be used directly or converted into methane, which ensures the stability of energy supplies in a system based on renewable sources.The energy transition process will require significant financial and technological investments.Strategic decisions will need to be made regarding location, transport, and social aspects.Due to the scale of the undertaking, precise project planning will be crucial improperly designed initiatives can result in both high costs and low technical efficiency.This article analyses the feasibility of power-togas projects using the analytic hierarchy process decision-making method and geographic information systems in the planning of wind farm-based systems.