Determining the most useful renewable energy alternative for Turkey by combining MAUT and TAOV methods

Abstract

This study focuses on various Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) methods developed in the academic literature to facilitate the decision-making process. These methods are primarily aimed at establishing a ranking of alternatives based on specific criteria, with the ultimate goal of determining the most optimal alternative. In this work, we propose a novel integrated MCDM approach that combines the Total Area Based on Orthogonal Vectors (TAOV) method with the Multi-Attribute Utility Theory (MAUT) method. Within this framework, criteria weights are determined using the MAUT method, while the TAOV method is employed to ascertain the ranking of alternatives. The primary objective of this approach is to identify the most suitable renewable energy resource for the context of Turkey. Based on a comprehensive review of relevant literature regarding the evaluation of renewable energy sources in Turkey, a set of critical criteria influencing the decision-making process is delineated. These criteria encompass a range of factors including efficiency, construction duration, cost, government incentives, economic lifespan, external dependence, employment opportunities, social acceptance, spatial requirements, and environmental considerations such as greenhouse gas emissions. The outcomes of this study reveal that, according to the proposed approach, the most beneficial renewable energy resources for Turkey are ranked as follows: hydroelectric, wind, solar, biomass, and geothermal energy sources, respectively.