Improving renewable energy policy planning and decision-making through a hybrid MCDM method

• Published in: Energy policy 2020-02, Vol.137, p.111174, Article 111174
• Main Authors: Alizadeh, Reza, Soltanisehat, Leili, Lund, Peter D., Zamanisabzi, Hamed
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Alternative energy sources; Analytic network process; BOCR; Clean energy; Cost benefit analysis; Criteria; Decision analysis; Decision making; Energy development; Energy policy; Energy resources; Energy sources; Exports; Fossil fuels; Fuels; Human security; Multi-criteria decision making; Policy analysis; Policy making; Renewable energy; Renewable energy sources; Renewable resources; Risk analysis; Security; Solar energy; Technology; Vulnerability
• ISSN: 0301-4215; 1873-6777
• DOI: 10.1016/j.enpol.2019.111174

Shifting from fossil to clean energy sources is a major global challenge, but in particular for those countries with substantial fossil-fuel reserves and economies depending on fossil-fuel exports. Here we introduce an improved framework for renewable energy planning and decision-making to help such countries to more effectively harness their abundant renewable energy resources. We use Iran as a case for the analysis. The framework includes identifying and removing barriers that prevent the use of renewables. It is based on combining two models: Benefit, Opportunity, Cost, Risk (BOCR) and Analytic Network Process (ANP) models. In the analyses, the mutual weight of strategic criteria is employed such as technology, economy, energy vulnerability, security, global effects, and human wellbeing. Using the integrated model, we find that solar energy would be the preferential renewable energy source for Iran. Also, the role of infrastructures, policies, and administrative structures in renewable energy to facilitate their development was analyzed. The renewable energy policy-making framework presented is applicable to other countries as well. •Integrated multi-criteria decision-making method for renewable energy planning.•A revised renewable energy policy making framework proposed.•The method offers a systematic process for decision making and easy implementation.•Uncertainty management for Iran's renewable energy industry were done with the new method.