Abstract
Iceland's significant onshore wind energy potential remains untapped, with no operational wind farms despite recognized opportunities for over a decade. Two wind energy projects, approved under Iceland's Master Plan for Nature Protection and Energy Utilization – a legally enshrined Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) tool – are poised to initiate this transition, supporting the nation's goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040. Originally designed for geothermal and hydropower projects, the Master Plan's methodology is now adapting to evaluate onshore wind energy projects, amid growing global use of Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping to optimise site selection. This study's review examines the novel application of advanced GIS-based MCDA, including 3D visualisations and high-resolution data, to enhance Iceland's Master Plan for strategically identifying low-impact onshore wind energy sites while balancing environmental, social, and infrastructural factors. These include visual impacts, bird habitats, noise, shadow flicker, and proximity to protected areas and population centres. By integrating advanced GIS tools such as viewshed analysis and 3D visualizations, the study highlights how these methods can potentially mitigate adverse effects and improve social acceptance. The paper considers the potential for further integration of GIS-based analysis into Iceland's emerging wind energy regulatory framework, which could help to provide insights to national decision-makers who are seeking to balance appropriate renewable energy development with environmental and societal priorities.