DPSIR framework to evaluate and analyze Iran's energy security

Abstract

Energy security has become an increasing concern for many countries, policymakers, and decision-makers. Beyond the environmental challenges of fossil energy sources, energy security remains a prominent concern for economic development. Therefore, evaluating energy security can be a valuable tool for policy formulation. This article models the energy security of Iran using the DPSIR framework (driving forces, pressures, states, impacts, and responses). The period under study is from 2012 to 2021. The dimensions of this framework include five aspects: driving forces, pressures, status, impacts, and responses. The TOPSIS model with entropy weighting is used to calculate the weights of indices and ultimately determine the final energy security. The research findings indicate that throughout the examined period, there have been fluctuations in the trend. However, Iran's energy security has been bullish and has reached 0.61 in 2021 from 0.38 in 2012. The indicators of driving forces and impacts have enhanced energy security threats. International sanctions, population growth, urbanization, reliance on fossil fuel consumption, and the emission of environmental pollutants were the most influential factors contributing to decreased energy security. Iran requires the implementation of suitable strategies for long-term control of these factors.