Multi-criteria, multi-objective and uncertainty analysis for agro-energy spatial modelling

The worldwide increase in the use of biomass as a Renewable Energy Source raises the issue of introducing crops dedicated to energy production into rural landscapes. The purpose of this paper is to set-up a geographical information systems-based multi-criteria approach to assess a range of possibilities for energy-crops conversion. The presented method was implemented at the regional level in the Yorkshire and the Humber Region in Northern UK. The first phase of the study aims to set up a land capability model for the specific purpose of assessing the potential of perennial energy crops, on the basis of pedo-climatic and topographic factors. The model output illustrates a range of potentials for energy-crop conversion that can be explored in the given landscape. In the second phase a sensitivity analysis of the land capability model was performed through a simulation approach in order to interpret the influence of assumptions and uncertainty in input data and model parameters. The last phase of the study allows allocating the conversion area for energy crops introduction according to specific penetration scenario, environmental constraints and land capability values. The final result gives a preliminary analysis at a regional scale of the energy crop potential in terms of theoretically available conversion areas.

TENERELLI Patrizia;  CARVER Steve; 

2012-06-29

ELSEVIER SCI LTD

JRC58026

0143-6228,   

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0143622811001664,    https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC58026,   

10.1016/j.apgeog.2011.08.013,