Spatial Multi-Criteria Assessment for Optimal Biomass Power Plant Siting inEcuador Using GIS

This study examines the energy and spatial potential of agricultural residues in Ecuador for biomass-based distributed electricity generation. Based on national crop production data, residues from sugarcane, rice, oil palm, and hard corn were quantified, yielding an estimated effective electrical potential of 2407.68 GWh/year. A spatial multi-criteria analysis was conducted using Geographic Information System (GIS) software, integrating road and substation proximity, terrain slope, flood risk, and distance to populated areas. Exclusion layers considered volcanic hazard zones, primary road corridors, and hydrographic basins. The resulting suitability map classified the territory into five levels. Guayas, Los Ríos, and Esmeraldas were identified as provinces combining both resource availability and logistical accessibility. Additionally, a levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) of USD 0.097/kWh was estimated for a 25 MW biomass plant. The methodology is applicable to geographic prospecting and energy potential assessment of other non-conventional renewable energy sources.