fig. 13 MCE weighted results
For the final constrained MCE model results (weighted), we see that it has the most potential sites found in China, with most of the sites concentrated the central shoreline of China (fig. 13). And for the final constrained MCE model where factors are assigned equal weights of 0.33 each, we see a noticeable change in the number of suitable areas. Most of the central areas are gone, while it has become concentrated in the northern shoreline of China (fig. 14).
fig. 16 MCE Sensitivity Analysis
fig. 15 Overlap of Equal Weighted and Weighted
As for the sensitivity analysis, we see that the difference in weights has caused considerable change in the distribution of potential sites, as well that there are very few cells that overlap (fig. 15). However, we do see that most of the suitable sites are found in the central coastline of China (fig. 16).
This analysis succeeded in analyzing areas of potential wind farms near the Eastern Shoreline of China. However, the analysis is also a very simple MCE based on general requirements for wind turbines, and do not take into account of finer details that would be more geographically specific. We see that by changing the weights of the factors, a significant change will appear. Nevertheless, the general trend of potential wind turbines is still along the central shoreline, specific areas of northern shoreline and southern shoreline. In conclusion, after mapping the potential areas and producing a sensitivity analysis, we see that the sites should not be considered as potential areas for wind farms, but rather it should be subject to a future analysis that includes other finer constraints that were not included such as bird migration and fishing routes. This would further allow more informed decisions to be made for the future, given that China is still in the beginning phase of building wind farms.