A GIS-MCDA method for renewable energy prosumer integration in road construction compound siting: development, demonstration, and evaluation

The global transition to renewable energy (RE) is essential for sustainable development and climate change mitigation. However, integrating RE into road construction remains largely overlooked in both research and practice. Construction compounds—operational hubs for road projects, are energy-intensive; yet their siting is typically based on logistics, cost, and regulatory considerations, with minimal attention to onsite RE potential. This study develops, demonstrates, and evaluates a Geographic Information Systems-Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (GIS-MCDA) method to identify optimal construction compound locations supporting RE prosumption, using Uganda's Busega–Mpigi Expressway as a case study. The method integrates constraint mapping with solar and wind suitability modelling using Weighted Linear Combination (WLC). Wind conditions (0.1–3.8 m/s; <4 m/s threshold) were infeasible, while solar analysis identified four priority construction compound locations (PCC1–PCC4), with PCC3 performing best, reflecting a distribution of 75% low, 21% moderate, and 4% high suitability classes. Sensitivity analysis confirmed robust spatial rankings across alternative weighting scenarios. Comparison with the existing compound revealed a recoverable energy gap of 8.3%, increasing annual output by ∼120 MWh, yielding USD 42,000–48,000 savings and ∼ 84 tCO₂/year avoided emissions. Stakeholder evaluation using the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) showed strong intention to adopt (4.50/5.0) and support for construction-phase prosumerism (4.45/5.0). Barriers including skills deficits, institutional fragmentation, and high capital costs, are transitional and addressable through training, coordination, and procurement reform. Overall, the study contributes a transferable spatial method for RE-informed compound siting, extends prosumer theory to temporary project-based infrastructure, and supports low-carbon construction in Sub-Saharan Africa and comparable contexts.