Prioritizing the existing power generation technologies in Bangladesh’s clean energy scheme using a hybrid multi-criteria decision making model

Abstract

The dilemma of choosing between extending conventional power generation technologies (PGTs) or transiting to clean PGTs has been challenging in developing countries around the globe. For this reason, the present study proposed an innovative hybrid multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) model using an aggregated weighting and ranking method to prioritize PGTs based on the case study of Bangladesh. Eight criteria covering technical, economic, environmental and social aspects were selected based on the agreement of experts. The comparative study identified the utility of the proposed MCDM model. The results of ranking the six existing PGTs revealed that gas PGT is the best; wind PGT is the worst; and among all clean PGTs, solar PGT is the best option for Bangladesh. The consistency and robustness of the results are verified by a validity test. Moreover, sensitivity analysis of the criteria further indicates that reducing the impacts of land use and generation cost in solar systems is the most effective approach and therefore is discussed to promote clean PGTs in Bangladesh. Hence, this proposed model has been identified as effective in enhancing the value of information and can be accepted as a useful tool to ease the dilemma of decision making in the development of clean energy in developing countries.