Modeling the spatial suitability of the sites of steam and gas electric power production plants in Baghdad Governorate

Abstract

        The process of spatial modeling of geographic phenomena is one of the most prominent technical means used in analyzing spatial phenomena, as it allows for the possibility of creating a virtual simulation based on realistic and real data through which the researcher can understand and understand the role of the locational factors of the phenomenon and then evaluate it, after which there is the ability to support the decision-making process. Through spatial knowledge of the depth of relationships of geographical phenomena and how they interact with each other. This research came to shed light on the possibility of geographical technologies in determining the extent of spatial suitability within the boundaries of the study area for electric power production station projects and keeping pace with the demand for electric power by producing suitability maps that planners and decision makers can benefit from in the process of planning and implementing major development projects. In order to build maps of the spatial suitability of electrical stations in the study area, it was necessary to create a questionnaire for experts in the field of electrical energy. The number of experts participating in this questionnaire reached (165) experts, with a percentage of (83%) from inside Iraq and (17%) from outside Iraq, depending on By applying the Multiple Criteria Decision Making Model (MCDM) and using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), it became clear that the percentage of lands that are highly suitable for the location of steam electric stations did not exceed (1.01%) of the total area of the study area, which is a small percentage given the locational requirements available within the study area in While the percentage of lands highly suitable for the location of gas stations reached (11.21%) of the area of the study area.