Evaluation of Technological Alternatives for the Energy Transition of Coal-Fired Power Plants, with a Multi-Criteria Approach

Jessica Valeria Lugo, Norah Nadia Sánchez Torres, Renan Douglas Lopes da Silva Cavalcante, Taynara Geysa Silva do Lago, João Alves de Lima, Jorge Javier Gimenez Ledesma and Oswaldo Hideo Ando Junior ()
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Jessica Valeria Lugo: Interdisciplinary Postgraduate Program in Energy & Sustainability (PPGIES), Federal University of Latin American Integration—UNILA, Foz do Iguaçu 85867-000, PR, Brazil
Norah Nadia Sánchez Torres: Interdisciplinary Postgraduate Program in Energy & Sustainability (PPGIES), Federal University of Latin American Integration—UNILA, Foz do Iguaçu 85867-000, PR, Brazil
Renan Douglas Lopes da Silva Cavalcante: Postgraduate Program in Mechanical Engineering (PPGEM), Center of Technology (CT), Federal University of Paraiba (UFPB), João Pessoa 58051-900, PB, Brazil
Taynara Geysa Silva do Lago: Center for Alternative and Renewable Research (CEAR), Federal University of Paraiba (UFPB), João Pessoa 58051-900, PB, Brazil
João Alves de Lima: Postgraduate Program in Mechanical Engineering (PPGEM), Center of Technology (CT), Federal University of Paraiba (UFPB), João Pessoa 58051-900, PB, Brazil
Jorge Javier Gimenez Ledesma: Interdisciplinary Postgraduate Program in Energy & Sustainability (PPGIES), Federal University of Latin American Integration—UNILA, Foz do Iguaçu 85867-000, PR, Brazil
Oswaldo Hideo Ando Junior: Interdisciplinary Postgraduate Program in Energy & Sustainability (PPGIES), Federal University of Latin American Integration—UNILA, Foz do Iguaçu 85867-000, PR, Brazil

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 17, 1-39

Abstract: This paper investigates technological pathways for the conversion of coal-fired power plants toward sustainable energy sources, using an integrated multi-criteria decision-making approach that combines Proknow-C, AHP, and PROMETHEE. Eight alternatives were identified: full conversion to natural gas, full conversion to biomass, coal and natural gas hybridization, coal and biomass hybridization, electricity and hydrogen cogeneration, coal and solar energy hybridization, post-combustion carbon capture systems, and decommissioning with subsequent reuse. The analysis combined bibliographic data (26 scientific articles and 13 patents) with surveys from 14 energy experts, using Total Decision version 1.2.1041.0 and Visual PROMETHEE version 1.1.0.0 software tools. Based on six criteria (environmental, structural, technical, technological, economic, and social), the most viable option was full conversion to natural gas (ϕ = +0.0368), followed by coal and natural gas hybridization (ϕ = +0.0257), and coal and solar hybridization (ϕ = +0.0124). These alternatives emerged as the most balanced in terms of emissions reduction, infrastructure reuse, and cost efficiency. In contrast, decommissioning (ϕ = −0.0578) and carbon capture systems (ϕ = −0.0196) were less favorable. This study proposes a structured framework for strategic energy planning that supports a just energy transition and contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 7 and 13, highlighting the need for public policies that enhance the competitiveness and scalability of sustainable alternatives.

Keywords: AHP; decarbonization; energy transition; multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM); Proknow-C methodology; PROMETHEE; coal-fired power plants; sustainable energy planning (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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