Geographic Modelling of Wind and Solar Energy Potential

Abstract

Reducing 'Greenhouse Gas' emissions, particularly of CO2, is a global commitment which has gained predominance with the emergence of sources that generate renewable energy as an alternative to traditional energy produced through fossil fuels. Renewable or 'soft' forms of energy are all those which use the elements of nature-for example, the wind and the sun-to generate energy without damaging the environment. 'Geographic Modelling' is an essential tool to better determine regions that have economically feasible energy potential, based on natural alternative sources. Therefore, the objective of this study was to identify energy potential based on wind and solar renewable sources. To achieve such goal, conceptual models of spatial analysis were designed and developed, in accordance with the norms established by the 'Object Modelling Technique' and by the operational models provided by 'ModelBuilder'. A test was applied in the south-central region of 'Continental Portugal'. The results showed average potential to generate wind energy and high potential to produce solar energy in the region.