Title: Prioritisation for electric utility expansion scenarios in Maharashtra, India, using analytical hierarchical approach

Authors: S.D. Pohekar; Rajesh Kale

Addresses: Symbiosis Centre for Research and Innovation, Symbiosis International (Deemed University), Pune, Maharashtra, India ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Technology, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

Abstract: Maharashtra is the second-largest and prominent state in India with an industrial and service sector economy consuming 12% of India's electricity. This paper forecasts electricity demand for 2030 using Long Range Energy Alternatives Planning (LEAP) and generates seven electricity scenarios. The study utilises the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) algorithm for priority setting, employing a three-level hierarchical structure. Scenarios are ranked based on four main criteria and 25 sub-criteria, incorporating inputs from three stakeholder groups: electricity planners, utility officers and end users. The preferred scenario is Business as Usual (BAU), followed by the Energy Conservation (EC) scenario. Sensitivity analysis studies explore future implications for the identified scenarios. While the Least Cost Scenario (LCS) and Zero Emission Scenario (ZES) are highly desirable, the addition of significant infrastructure remains a concern for these scenarios.

Keywords: analytical hierarchy process; electricity scenarios; prioritisation; electric utility expansion.

DOI: 10.1504/IJGEI.2025.143366

International Journal of Global Energy Issues, 2025 Vol.47 No.1/2, pp.195 - 213

Received: 27 Oct 2022
Accepted: 16 Jan 2024
Published online: 16 Dec 2024 *