Prioritization of Renewable Energy Alternatives for China by Using a Hybrid FMCDM Methodology with Uncertain Information

Dongxiao Niu, Hao Zhen, Min Yu, Keke Wang, Lijie Sun and Xiaomin Xu
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Dongxiao Niu: School of Economics and Management, North China Electric Power University, Beijing 102206, China
Hao Zhen: School of Economics and Management, North China Electric Power University, Beijing 102206, China
Min Yu: School of Economics and Management, North China Electric Power University, Beijing 102206, China
Keke Wang: School of Economics and Management, North China Electric Power University, Beijing 102206, China
Lijie Sun: School of Economics and Management, North China Electric Power University, Beijing 102206, China
Xiaomin Xu: School of Economics and Management, North China Electric Power University, Beijing 102206, China

Sustainability, 2020, vol. 12, issue 11, 1-26

Abstract: With the deteriorating ecological environment and increasing energy consumption, developing clean and renewable energy sources has become a key measure to solve environmental problems and energy shortages. The multicriteria decision-making (MCDM) technique is widely used in the assessment of renewable energy alternatives (REA) to determine the most sustainable and appropriate option for a country or region. Classic REA ranking is conducted in a deterministic environment through MCDM techniques. However, with the increasing complexity of environmental and energy issues, the REA ranking method is unsuitable for use in today’s China. Therefore, in this paper, a fuzzy MCDM technique based on the interval-valued hesitant fuzzy elimination and choice expressing reality (IVHF-ELECTRE II) method, taking into account the uncertainty and ambiguity of the information, is proposed for REA ranking. A case study in China is conducted to elaborate on the rationality and feasibility of the proposed framework. According to the ranking results, hydro is determined as the best REA in China, followed by wind energy, solar photovoltaic, geothermal, biomass energy, and solar thermal. This research provides a feasible method and insightful reference for national decision-makers to utilize when evaluating the REA and establishing a macroplanning policy for renewable energy under an uncertain environment.

Keywords: renewable energy; FMCDM; fuzzy ELECTRE; energy planning (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (7)

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