A Fuzzy VIKOR Approach for Renewable Energy Resources Selection in China

Abstract

In this paper, we utilized a multi-criteria methodology to evaluate and select various renewable energy resources from multiple factors for the purpose of sustainable development in China. The main challenge of China’s sustainable prosperity is the high consumption proportion of fossil fuels. In 2015, the government issued High Renewable Energy Penetration Scenario and Roadmap Study in the following scenarios: solar, wind, hydropower, biomass, geothermal and nuclear. The purpose of the Roadmap is to achieve the goal of 85.8% of total electricity demand being generated from renewable energy resources by 2050. Selecting the most appropriate one from various renewable energy resources is considered an important and complex process. Multiple qualitative and quantitative factors must be taken into consideration simultaneously from social, economic, technological, and environmental aspects. The ultimate goal of this study is to offer a practical model to deal with energy selection problems in China. Based on the fuzzy VIKOR methodology, this study offers an acceptable procedure for assessing and selecting the best renewable energy alternative. It turns out that the best renewable energy options are wind and biomass energy, followed by solar, geothermal and hydro power.