Title: A fuzzy MCDM-based approach for renewable energy technologies prioritisation

Authors: Maryam Ebrahimi

Addresses: Management Department, Azad University-E-Campus, No. 7, Sarv Alley, South Shiraz St., Mollasadra St., Tehran, Iran

Abstract: The main objective of this study is to build a decision model adapted to prioritise renewable energy technologies by applying fuzzy multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methods. A comprehensive set of criteria is presented based on sustainability due to its importance in the long-term, particularly in the field of energy which is a key element of sustainable development. They are classified into five categories such as technical, economic, environmental, social, and political criteria. This model is then operationalised in the scope of solar energy technologies in Iran. This paper examines and compares the results of fuzzy TOPSIS and fuzzy PROMETHEE based on a single decision maker. The results show that rather than the two technologies, others in both methods have moderate differences in ranking. However, technological decisions are preferred to be made based on FTOPSIS results because it is considered to be more realistic.

Keywords: renewable energy; technology prioritisation; Iran; multi-criteria decision making; MCDM; fuzzy logic.

DOI: 10.1504/IJETP.2018.095602

International Journal of Energy Technology and Policy, 2018 Vol.14 No.4, pp.369 - 389

Received: 01 Jan 2016
Accepted: 31 Oct 2016

Published online: 12 Oct 2018 *

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