Location analyses using the example of ”renewable energies“
Strategic planning for important, medium to long-term corporate decisions is a constant challenge for entrepreneurs.
Standard solutions
For example, there are easy-to-understand questions about the potential number of visitors to a new store to be opened or about the purchasing power of citizens in a certain catchment area. Such questions can be answered with the help of geographical and statistical data using geo-information systems. But how does this work and is the information obtained reliable and valid?
Task definition
We would like to illustrate this question with an example. A company from the energy supply industry in the field of “renewable energies” wants to determine the market potential for its new development “floating photovoltaic systems”. At the same time, possible locations for the systems are to be determined.
Contents
In principle, only stagnant bodies of water are suitable for the product. A connection from the body of water to the power grid that is as cost-effective as possible is a very important factor here, as the laying of power lines represents a high cost factor. It should also be possible to convert the electricity using existing infrastructure in the vicinity. The duration and intensity of solar radiation at the respective location is also an important aspect of future success.
Approvals
But that's not all, there are also technical approval hurdles. For example, if the water areas are located in a nature or water conservation area or if the land is already being used commercially as a gravel pit. Knowing this reduces development costs, shortens approval procedures or makes them possible in the first place. Who then owns the suitable areas and who are the potential contacts for acquiring them?
Conclusion
All these questions can be answered with the help of geoinformation systems, the information on the issues is available and can be used for analysis. They are correlated with each other and can then be easily used by anyone as a results table.
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