Quantifying trade-offs for the spatial allocation of onshore wind generation capacity-A case study for Germany

The deployment of onshore wind power is an important means to mitigate climate change. However, wind turbines also have negative impacts at the local scale, like disamenities to residents living nearby, changes in landscape quality, or conflicts with nature conservation. Our paper quantifies spatial trade-offs arising between these criteria. For this purpose, we propose a novel approach using Pareto frontiers and a Gini-like potential trade-off indicator. Our analysis builds on a spatial optimization model using geographical information system data for Germany. We show that spatial trade-offs between the criteria under consideration are substantial. The size of the trade-off varies substantially with the criteria under consideration, depending on the spatial het-erogeneity of each criterion as well as on the spatial correlation between the criteria. Spatial trade-offs are particularly pronounced between nature conservation (measured by impacts on wind power-sensitive birds) and other criteria.

Automated summary

This study quantifies the spatial trade-offs between different criteria in the deployment of onshore wind power using Pareto frontiers and a Gini-like potential trade-off indicator. The negative impacts of wind turbines on residents, landscape quality, and nature conservation are considered. The analysis shows substantial spatial trade-offs, particularly between nature conservation and other criteria.