Spatial Suitability for Solar Energy Investment in Al-Muthanna Governorate in Light of Climate Change Using Geographic Information Systems

Abstract

This research aims to identify the most suitable locations for solar power plants in Al-Muthanna Governorate, located in southern Iraq, north of the equator. Its climate, particularly in its southern regions, is characterized by a hot and arid desert climate. After identifying climatic and economic variables from satellite imagery, and using ArcMap 10.8 software to analyze geographic maps and interpret meteorological station data for the study area, three meteorological stations (Samawah, Salman, and Nasiriyah) were selected. Spatial suitability models for solar power plants in the study area showed no completely unsuitable locations. The region possesses promising potential for solar energy due to its arid desert climate during the summer months, characterized by high temperatures. The lowest suitability percentage was recorded in the southern part of the study area (24.2%), while the highest spatial suitability percentage was recorded in the far north and central parts of the governorate (17%). The average suitability percentage was 58.7%.