Paper Title
A GIS-based MCDM Approach for Selecting Large-Scale Solar and Wind Sites in Tunisia

Abstract
Deploying large-scale wind power plants (WPPs) and solar photovoltaic plants (SPVPs) is a significant long-term investment. Given the various factors involved in the siting process, identifying ideal locations before constructing such facilities is crucial. In this study, we present a preliminary evaluation of the optimal locations in Tunisia for hosting large-scale WPPs and SPVPs. To do so, an integration of geographic information systems (GIS) and a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) approach is used to conduct the spatial analysis of the study area. The results indicate that large areas are very favorable for deploying large-scale SPVPs as well as WPPs, covering 1572 km2 (1.1% of the total area) and 1355 km2 (0.88%), respectively. Southern and central regions (Tataouine, Gabes, Gafsa, and Kassérine) are delineated as optimal locations for erecting SPVPs while the northernmost, central western, and southwestern parts (Kassérine, Kebili, and Bizerte) are ideal for WPPs. Furthermore, these locations can provide theoretical energy of 328031 GWh and 16612 GWh per year for solar and wind, respectively. As a result, the outcomes of his study can encourage policymakers to be more proactive in developing solar and wind farms, which would help Tunisia to achieve its 2030 target. Keywords - GIS, Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM), Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP), Solar and Wind Energy, Tunisia