The aim of this study was to develop a framework to guide wave energy converters (WECs) sites using the coastal waters of Tasmania as a case study. This chapter proposes a combined two-stage Multi-criteria Decision Making (MCDM) methodology to determine suitable locations for WECs siting with overlapping and minimal conflicting uses. A methodology combining MCDM and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) was developed combining the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) and the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). Priority rankings for each of the human uses and ocean features were prioritized using AHP and were then applied to TOPSIS analyses. A chain of optimal locations were determined, stretching from the southwest to southeast coast of Tasmania, where presently low densities of human activities overlap with high wave height. The result shows that suitable areas for harnessing WECs may not always be located in the highest wave energy areas.

Item Type:	Research Book Chapter
Research Division:	Environmental Sciences
Research Group:	Environmental Science and Management
Research Field:	Environmental Impact Assessment
Objective Division:	Environment
Objective Group:	Environmental and Natural Resource Evaluation
Objective Field:	Environmental and Natural Resource Evaluation not elsewhere classified
UTAS Author:	Le, P (Miss Tran Duy Phuc Le)
UTAS Author:	Fischer, A (Dr Andy Fischer)
UTAS Author:	Penesis, I (Associate Professor Irene Penesis)
UTAS Author:	Rahimi, R (Mr Rahman Rahimi)
ID Code:	96716
Year Published:	2015
Deposited By:	IMAS Research and Education Centre
Deposited On:	2014-11-18
Last Modified:	2018-04-04
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