Multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) methods have become increasingly popular in decision-making for sustainable energy because of the multi-dimensionality of the sustainability goal and the complexity of socio-economic and biophysical systems. This article reviewed the corresponding methods in different stages of multi-criteria decision-making for sustainable energy, i.e., criteria selection, criteria weighting, evaluation, and final aggregation. The criteria of energy supply systems are summarized from technical, economic, environmental and social aspects. The weighting methods of criteria are classified into three categories: subjective weighting, objective weighting and combination weighting methods. Several methods based on weighted sum, priority setting, outranking, fuzzy set methodology and their combinations are employed for energy decision-making. It is observed that the investment cost locates the first place in all evaluation criteria and CO2 emission follows closely because of more focuses on environment protection, equal criteria weights are still the most popular weighting method, analytical hierarchy process is the most popular comprehensive MCDA method, and the aggregation methods are helpful to get the rational result in sustainable energy decision-making.

Review on multi-criteria decision analysis aid in sustainable energy decision-making

Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) techniques are gaining popularity in sustainable energy management. The techniques provide solutions to the problems involving conflicting and multiple objectives. Several methods based on weighted averages, priority setting, outranking, fuzzy principles and their combinations are employed for energy planning decisions. A review of more than 90 published papers is presented here to analyze the applicability of various methods discussed. A classification on application areas and the year of application is presented to highlight the trends. It is observed that Analytical Hierarchy Process is the most popular technique followed by outranking techniques PROMETHEE and ELECTRE. Validation of results with multiple methods, development of interactive decision support systems and application of fuzzy methods to tackle uncertainties in the data is observed in the published literature.

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Application of multi-criteria decision making to sustainable energy planning—A review

Most decision making requires the consideration of several conflicting objectives. The term multiple criteria decision analysis (MCDA) describes various methods developed for aiding decision makers in reaching better decisions. Energy planning problems are complex problems with multiple decision makers and multiple criteria. Therefore, these problems are quite suited to the use of MCDA. A multitude of MCDA methods exists. These methods can be divided in three main groups; value measurement models, goal, aspiration and reference level models, and outranking models. Methods from all of these groups have been applied to energy planning problems, particularly in the evaluation of alternative electricity supply strategies. Each of the methods has its advantages and drawbacks. However, we cannot conclude that one method generally is better suited than the others for energy planning problems. A good alternative might be to apply more than one method, either in combination to make use of the strengths of both methods, or in parallel to get a broader decision basis for the decision maker. Until now, studies of MCDA in energy planning have most often considered energy networks with only one energy carrier. More advanced energy systems with multiple energy carriers have been neglected, even though this field ought to be suitable for use of MCDA due to its high complexity, many decision makers and many conflicting criteria.

Use of multicriteria decision analysis methods for energy planning problems

http://www.irantahgig.ir/wp-content/uploads/40084.pdf

L. Papagiannakis

Papers

A multicriteria decision aid approach for energy planning problems: The case of renewable energy option