An MCDM- Based Approach for Renewable Energy Planning in Iran

In selecting appropriate energy technologies for various regions of Iran, policymakers should consider the geographical diversity of the territory, which provides remarkable renewable energy sources. Any investment in renewable energy technologies without proper assessment wastes financial resources and may also increase the possibility of losing social capital and public confidence in renewable energy promotion policies. Multiple criteria methods are appropriate for assembling and handling a wide range of variables evaluated in different ways, thereby offering valid decision support. This research aims to develop a model to rank and classify potential renewable energy technologies based on multiple criteria methods. Five potential alternatives were considered in terms of four general clusters - technical, environmental, financial, and social - and all decision-makers were also classified into these groups. After a comprehensive literature review, PROMETHEE was selected as an appropriate Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) method. The model was built using a Group Decision Support System (GDSS) procedure incorporating theoretical and empirical data from governmental and academic resources. Common and specific parameters were accounted for based on each group's proficiency. In the early stage, ۳۰ criteria were investigated. Finally, individual and group evaluations were carried out, and differences between potential alternatives were determined. As a result, they were prioritised in order of preference, with micro hydropower, wind, and solar emerging as the best alternatives, respectively.

Keywords:

Decision Making , Evaluation Criteria , MCDM , planning , PROMETHEE , Policy making , Renewable Energy