Development and Utilization of Renewable Energy Based on Carbon Emission Reduction—Evaluation of Multiple MCDM Methods

Abstract

With the proposed target of carbon peak and carbon neutralization, the development and utilization of renewable energy with the goal of carbon emission reduction is becoming increasingly important in China. We used the analytic hierarchy process (ANP) and a variety of MCDM methods to quantitatively evaluate renewable energy indicators. This study measured the sequence and differences of the development and utilization of renewable energy in different regions from the point of view of carbon emission reduction, which provides a new analytical perspective for the utilization and distribution of renewable energy in China and a solution based on renewable energy for achieving the goal of carbon emission reduction as soon as possible. The reliability of the evaluation system was further enhanced by confirmation through a variety of methods. The results show that the environment and carbon dimensions are the primary criteria to evaluate the priority of renewable energy under carbon emission reduction. In the overall choice of renewable energy, photovoltaic energy is the best solution. After dividing regions according to carbon emission intensity and resource endowment, areas with serious carbon emissions are suitable for the development of hydropower; areas with sub-serious carbon emissions should give priority to the development of photovoltaic or wind power; high-carbon intensity area I should vigorously develop wind power; high-carbon intensity area II should focus on developing photovoltaic power; second high-carbon intensity areas I and II are suitable for the development of wind power and photovoltaic power; and second high-carbon intensity areas III and IV are the most suitable for hydropower.