Decision Making Framework for Selection Renewable Energy Sources

Abstract

We present a comprehensive framework for selecting the optimal renewable energy source, considering technological, environmental, economic, and geographical factors. The transition towards renewable energy sources is imperative in pursuing a sustainable energy future globally. The evaluation encompasses a comparative analysis of various renewable energy options: solar, wind, hydroelectric, biomass, and geothermal. Factors such as resource availability, technological maturity, scalability, cost-effectiveness, environmental impact, and geographical suitability are assessed. Findings reveal that each renewable energy source offers distinct advantages and challenges. Solar energy showcases high scalability and abundant resource availability but is sensitive to weather conditions. Wind energy exhibits significant potential, albeit with intermittency concerns. Hydroelectric power demonstrates reliability but requires specific geographical conditions. Biomass energy offers versatility but has limitations concerning resource availability and emissions. Geothermal energy provides stable baseload power but is constrained by geographical limitations. A multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) approach is employed to weigh these factors, guiding the selection of the optimal renewable energy source based on specific project requirements, location, and objectives. The framework aims to provide a structured methodology for stakeholders to navigate the complexities of choosing the most suitable renewable energy source for a given context. We used the EDAS method as a MCDM method to select best renewable energy sources. We used ten criteria and 20 alternatives in this study.