Multi-objective spatial decision-making model for the sustainability of bioenergy facilities in rural areas: A case study in Türkiye

Abstract

This study aims to present the spatial approach and model for ensuring the sustainability of bioenergy facilities based on agricultural and animal biomass resources in rural areas. The case study encompasses a two-stage spatial decision-making approach. The first stage involves evaluating biomass resources based on production area parameters to determine the regional sustainable potential index (SPI) value. The second stage involves the site selection suitability index (SSSI) process, which considers economic, environmental, technical, and planning parameters in the area with the highest SPI value. The spatial decision-making model, based on the fuzzy logic-GIS relationship, was implemented in ArcGIS Pro software using fuzzy GAMMA and fuzzy AND operators. The study found that the fuzzy GAMMA operator diversifies spatial decision-making alternatives, whereas the fuzzy AND operator produces rational results for identifying the best alternative in the decision-making process. Within the scope of the study, the developed model based on fuzzy GAMMA-AND integration expands the range of alternatives and yields successful spatial outcomes in identifying the optimal location and alternative options. The GIS-based approach based on fuzzy AND-GAMMA integration has provided decision-makers with a significant framework for site selection of bioenergy facilities and rural sustainability, yielding successful results. The developed spatial approach and model emphasize the multi-objective nature of decision-making processes, demonstrating the applicability and success of objective decision-making.