Application of the analytical hierarchy process to select suitable sites to establish a bio-power plant, Rattaphum District, Songkhla Province

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the suitable areas for constructing a bio-power plant at Rattaphum District, Songkhla Province using a geographic information system program. The areas are spatially analyzed, and their factors were weighted based on Analytic Hierarchy Process analysis. The factors have been determined in the analysis and weighs the importance of scores from environmental and renewable energy experts. The results of determining factors and weight scores in each aspect are weighted as follows. The repetitive flooding area has a weighted score of 32.20%, the distance factor from the community has a weighted score 22.88%, the distance from the reserved forest has a weighted score 15.98%, the distance from the main road and the transmission line has a weighted score 10.93%, the distance from the source of raw materials has a weighted score 6.41%, length from water source has a weighted score 6.06%, and the land price factor has a weighted score of 5.54%. The analysis results of suitable areas as a percentage of the sub-district area, i.e., Khao Phra sub-district is the first appropriate area with 61.58%. The second most relevant area is Kamphaeng Phet sub-district with 43.76%, and the third most suitable area is Tha Chamuang sub-district with 22.53%. However, the areas of Khuha Tai sub-district and Khuan Ru sub-district are not appropriate areas.