Title: Territorial intelligence modelling for energy development (TIMED) - a case study for the Baie-des-Sables (Canada) wind farm

Authors: Maria de L. Vazquez; Jean-Philippe Waaub; Adrian Ilinca

Addresses: Wind Energy Research Laboratory, Université du Québec à Rimouski (UQAR), 300, allée des Ursulines, Rimouski, QC, G5L 3A1, Canada ' Groupe d'études interdisciplinaires en géographie et environnement régional, Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM), Case postale 8888, succursale Centre-ville, Montréal, QC, H3C 3P8, Canada ' Wind Energy Research Laboratory, Université du Québec à Rimouski (UQAR), 300, allée des Ursulines, Rimouski, QC, G5L 3A1, Canada

Abstract: This paper presents the application of a new approach, territorial intelligence modelling for energy development (TIMED), developed in response to growing concerns about the social acceptance of wind farms. Project development is based on procedure transparency and involvement of all stakeholders. To do this, the TIMED approach involves two multi-criteria methods: multi-criteria decision aid (MCDA) and participatory and collaborative geographic information systems (GIS). The model was tested in the Baie-des-Sables wind farm plan located in Quebec, Canada. This was done as an academic research and did not impact the current operation of the farm, which started back in November 2006. If this approach requires more efforts from the wind farm developer at the preparation stage it has the advantages of reducing the risks and overall duration of the infrastructure launching.

Keywords: wind power development; participatory GIS; collaborative GIS; geographic information systems; multi-stakeholder MCDA; Canada; multicriteria decision analysis; MCDA; wind energy; wind farms; territorial intelligence modelling; energy development; TIMED; social acceptance; risk reduction.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMCDM.2013.053724

International Journal of Multicriteria Decision Making, 2013 Vol.3 No.2/3, pp.236 - 255

Received: 18 Feb 2012
Accepted: 03 May 2012

Published online: 29 Jan 2014 *

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