Practical Wind Turbine Selection: A Multicriterion Decision Analysis for Sustainable Energy Infrastructure

Abstract

In the pursuit of a sustainable energy future, this study employs multicriteria decision analysis (MCDA) to present a concise and comprehensive strategy for onshore wind project cost analysis, addressing the critical consideration of structural stability under survival wind loads. Navigating the challenges of the contemporary industrial economy, including escalating energy costs, supply uncertainties, and environmental concerns, the research explores turbine selection based on power factor considerations, economic evaluations, and a meticulous wind resource assessment using the robust Weibull distribution. Recognizing the economic advantages of proximity between power generation sources and load centers, the study introduces the groundbreaking E-115 model, a cost-effective wind turbine. Evaluation metrics, including the levelized cost of energy (LCOE), simple payback period (SPP), net present value (NPV) per kW, benefit-to-cost ratio (BCR), internal rate of return (IRR), and cost of turbine per kW, underscore the robust viability and economic advantages of the E-115 model. Beyond economic considerations, the research emphasizes structural stability for resilience under survival wind loads and highlights the potential of wind turbines to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 97.26% compared to coal power plants. Positioned as a central force in steering nations toward responsible and eco-conscious development, wind energy emerges as a transformative and imperative component of the sustainable energy landscape. The study’s implications extend beyond numerical revelations, providing a foundation for future research and policy decisions, shaping the discourse around renewable energy, and offering insights that transcend mere statistics to chart a course toward a greener, more resilient future.