Renewable Alternatives Research Articles

Enhanced furfural extraction using neoteric hydrophobic solvents for sustainable biomass recovery and bioenergy applications

The recovery of furfural from hemicellulosic biowastes is important for developing sustainable and renewable energy alternatives to fossil fuels. However, current methods are inefficient and environmentally questionable. To address this issue, this study introduces neoteric hydrophobic solvents, specifically deep eutectic solvents (DESs) and ionic liquids (ILs). Of the 32 solvents tested, thymol:decanoic acid 1:1 (Thy:DecA) DES and trihexyltetradecyl phosphonium bis(trifluoro methylsulfonyl) imide [P14,6,6,6][NTf2] IL were the most effective, with extraction efficiencies of 94.1% and 97.1%, respectively. These solvents outperformed the reference solvent toluene, with an efficiency of 81.2%, while also showing favorable characteristics in multiple investigated criterions. For the first time, excellent performance stability was demonstrated under various operational conditions and reusability over multiple extraction and regeneration cycles. Furthermore, to provide insights into the molecular mechanisms of extraction, computational quantum chemistry modeling was employed, which showed a strong agreement with the experimental results. The development of these new neoteric solvents for furfural recovery from biowaste offers a highly effective, sustainable, and eco-friendly alternative to traditional solvents, representing a significant breakthrough in the field of renewable bioenergy production and sustainable materials recovery.

Performance evaluation of sustainable energy alternatives to obtain efficient hybrid energy investments

This study evaluates the synergy of coalition for hybrid renewable energy (RWB) system alternatives. In this context, the alternative sources of hybrid RWB system are examined to illustrate the impact-relation directions among them with multi SWARA based on q-ROFs and golden cut. Next, the performances of renewable alternatives are measured in terms of the synergy of coalition with game theory and Shapley value. It is concluded that solar energy is the most suitable RWB alternative for synergy to increase efficiency in investments. However, biomass does not have a significant influence on providing synergy in energy investments. Therefore, solar energy should be prioritized for hybrid energy investments. Especially with the effect of technological developments, the efficiency of solar energy investments increases significantly. Thus, solar energy investments have become quite suitable for increasing the synergy in hybrid energy projects. Furthermore, necessary research should be conducted to make biomass energy more efficient.

Comparative analysis of the combustion and emission characteristics of biojet and conventional Jet A‐1 fuel: a review

AbstractConventional jet fuels derived from fossil sources contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution, leading to climate change. Recent studies have shown that biobased jet fuels from different feedstocks offer a more sustainable alternative to conventional fuels as they are derived from renewable biomass, reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The major feedstocks reviewed are jatropha curcas, camelina, karanja oil, waste cooking oil, and municipal solid waste. They offer diverse benefits for sustainable aviation fuel development. As a comparative analysis, this review examined jet fuel characteristics based on their physicochemical properties, namely energy content, viscosity, calorific value, cetane number, and freezing and flash points. The objective was to understand the influence of the properties on performance evaluation, environmental impact, and combustion characteristics. The properties of biojet fuels are compared with their fossil counterparts to validate their suitability as renewable alternatives and their benefits in terms of emissions reduction and engine performance. Biojet fuels perform better in terms of lower sulfur content, lower soot content, and a lower freezing point, their aromatic content, and their high cetane number. This study enhances the understanding of biojet fuels and their quality, and supports the development of sustainable fuel options. Overall, adherence to the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) D7566‐18 standard is crucial for the acceptance and integration of biojet fuels into the aviation sector. Future research should explore feedstocks such as wood biomass, wastepaper, and agricultural residues for biojet fuels. It should also investigate the combustion and emission characteristics of biosourced aviation fuel at higher blending ratios (>50% by volume) with fossil Jet A‐1.

Advancing sustainable molded packaging: Integrating silica aerogel into recycled paper pulp for the fabrication of thermally and mechanically stable superhydrophobic composites

In recent years, the growing demand for sustainable packaging has significantly fueled the quest to explore novel approaches that enhance the applicability of renewable alternatives. This study leverages the unique properties of silica aerogel (SA) to address the limitations of traditional molded pulp products. By integrating SA into recycled paper pulp (RP), we aimed to improve water resistance, thermal stability, and mechanical properties. Composites were prepared with varying SA concentrations (1–10 %). Contact angle measurements showed enhanced hydrophobicity, with RP/SA3 % achieving a contact angle of 152.09°, compared to 122.39° for neat RP. The tensile index (TI) of RP/SA composites with 3 % SA increased by 21.09 % compared to neat RP, indicating better mechanical strength. Thermal conductivity significantly decreased, with RP/SA10 % reducing from 0.155 W m−1·K−1 in neat RP to 0.088 W m−1·K−1, a 43.2 % improvement in thermal insulation. Additionally, composites with 1 % and 3 % SA maintained high biodegradability, showing over 50 % degradation after six weeks in soil. These results suggest that incorporating SA into RP composites enhances their functionality without compromising biodegradability, offering a promising solution for sustainable packaging. As regulatory bodies emphasize resource management and waste reduction, the potential of these innovative and environmentally friendly packaging solutions becomes increasingly significant.

Site selection of floating photovoltaic systems on hydropower reservoirs using fuzzy sine trigonometric decision-making model: Turkey as a case study

Floating photovoltaic systems are a promising option for renewable energy by mitigating the drawbacks of land-based photovoltaic systems. However, renewable energy systems are designed in a site-specific way, therefore, the performance of renewable energy alternatives substantially depends on the selected site characteristics. In this study, a comprehensive assessment was performed to identify the optimal hydroelectric power plant reservoir for floating photovoltaic system deployment in Turkey using the Geographical Information System and Multi-Criteria Decision Making method. A two-staged methodology was used to evaluate the results of questionnaires including several expert opinions. In the first stage, a nonlinear fuzzy Aczel-Alsina functions based Ordinal Priority Approach method was employed to weigh the fourteen sub-criteria based on technical, environmental, economic and social considerations. In the second stage, fuzzy sine Trigonometric based Additive Ratio Assessment method was used to rank the fifteen hydroelectric power plant reservoirs all across Turkey. Despite the global horizontal irradiation being the most important criterion, Sarıyar hydroelectric power plant reservoir, with one of the lowest global horizontal irradiation values among alternatives, was determined as the most suitable dam reservoir for floating photovoltaic installation in Turkey. Therefore, the findings of this study highlight the importance of comprehensive analysis that considers the several assessment criteria from fundamental aspects to achieve reliable site selection for floating photovoltaic systems.

Suitability Analysis of Solar Photovoltaic Farm Locations Using GIS: A Case Study of Nakuru County, Kenya

Renewable energy sources play a crucial role in reducing global reliance on fossil fuels. Advancements in technology has en- abled harnessing of renewable energy from solar, wind, and ocean tides to be viable. Solar energy, in particular, has gained significant global recognition as a renewable energy alternative. This study integrates Multi-Criteria Evaluation (MCE) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to assess Solar Photovoltaic Farms (SPVFs) suitability in Nakuru County, Kenya. The study considered seven criteria including; slope, solar radiation, aspect, land use land cover, proximity to roads, power transmission lines, and settlements. These were evaluated using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) to generate weights for each decision criterion. The weights were used to overlay independent criteria maps that were formed as a result of the re- classification of each criterion from which a composite rated map was developed. Similarly, a composite restriction map was created by leveraging on constraint criteria including; protected ecosystems, water bodies, settlement areas, slope over 20%, proximity to roads, proximity to the transmission line, and land use land cover. Results obtained from overlaying the composite rated and restricted maps reveal Nakuru County’s general suitability for SPVFs, except for Kuresoi North and Kuresoi South divisions which exhibit low solar radiation. Extremely-suitable areas ac- counted for 3.00% (224.14 km²), very-suitable areas 34.05% (2541.45 km2), moderately-suitable areas 7.76% (579.55 km2), marginally-suitable areas 1.47% (109.77 km2) while least-suitable areas covered 0.02% (1.39 km2). The study provides valuable data and information for government agencies and investors to identify potential Photovoltaic (PV) system sites. Furthermore, the government is encouraged to establish a favorable framework for solar PV exploration and provide incentives to the private sector to facilitate the establishment of SPVFs.

17O NMR spectroscopy protocol for the determination of water content in liquids produced by pyrolysis and hydrothermal liquefaction

BackgroundThere is an urgent need to replace fossil-based fuels and chemicals with bio-based, renewable alternatives. Water content is a critical parameter in these liquid products since water affects their quality and properties. However, currently existing methods for bio-oil water content determination have limitations and thus, there is a need to find methods that are versatile, work for a wide water content and sample consistency range repeatably and reliably and are safe for the user and the environment. ResultsIn this research, a17O NMR spectroscopy protocol for water content determination of pyrolysis and hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) liquids was developed and compared with the standard method Karl Fischer (KF) titration. The approach showed linearity over a wide concentration range, and the changes to the measurement parameters caused only minor effects to the results (≤0.8 percentage points) indicating robustness. The method is also accurate since the absolute differences between experimental and theoretical water contents varied from 0.08 % to 2.09 %. Additionally, the precision of the method, based on the relative standard deviations (RSD) of the three replicate measurements of pyrolysis and HTL samples, was good (RSD <1.82 %). The method was applied to samples containing 1–98 wt% water. Overall, the 17O NMR spectroscopy and KF titration results were well aligned with each other suggesting that the 17O NMR spectroscopy is a potential alternative for the conventional KF titration. SignificanceThis is the first study on the use of 17O NMR spectroscopy protocol for water content quantification. The results indicate that the protocol is an accurate, linear, and precise technique for water content determination of a wide range of samples. Furthermore, the method does not require hazardous chemicals or calibration standards, and the sample preparation is straightforward. The non-destructiveness of the method also enables further studies on the sample, e.g. by 1H NMR spectroscopy.

Sorption-enhanced ethanol steam reforming coupled with in-situ CO2 capture and conversion

The impacts of climate change and the issue of greenhouse gas emissions have sparked research into renewable energy alternatives to fossil fuels. Hydrogen has gained attention as a clean, renewable and environmentally friendly energy source. Enhanced-ethanol steam reforming has been proposed as a promising method for blue hydrogen production, addressing greenhouse gas emission issues. The use of catalysts enhances the adsorption of ethanol and water molecules on the surface, promoting the reaction rate. This study systematically explored the effects of different Fe loading and CaO addition ratios on the ethanol steam reforming and CO2 conversion processes to optimize catalyst performance. The experimental results showed that Fe/SiC catalysts effectively promoted the conversion of ethanol and generated high-purity hydrogen, exhibiting excellent catalytic activity. Specifically, a catalyst with 10 % Fe loading and mixed with 0.3g CaO significantly increased the hydrogen yield to 64.4 mmol/g, which was 2.88 times higher than that without the catalyst.

Analyzing energy transition for industry 4.0-driven hybrid energy system selection with advanced neural network-used multi-criteria decision-making technique

This study aims to select the appropriate renewable energy alternatives for the efficiency of hybrid energy systems to increase energy transition performance. For this purpose, a novel neural network (NN)-based fuzzy decision-making model is constructed that has three different stages. In the first stage, NN-based fuzzy decision matrix is created. Secondly, 6 different variables based on industry 4.0 are weighted with the sine trigonometric Pythagorean fuzzy entropy technique. Additionally, another calculation has been implemented with criteria importance through intercriteria correlation (CRITIC) to identify the consistency of the results. Furthermore, in the third stage, considering 5 different renewable energy alternatives, 10 different combinations are identified for hybrid energy systems. The most effective alternatives are defined by the sine trigonometric Pythagorean fuzzy ranking technique by geometric mean of similarity ratio to optimal solution (RATGOS) method. Moreover, to test the validity of these results, another analysis is conducted using the additive ratio assessment (ARAS) technique. The main contribution of the study is that the optimal renewable energy combination required for an efficient hybrid energy system is determined by performing a priority analysis between the variables. This situation has a significant guiding feature for investors. Similarly, the development of the RATGOS technique both increases the methodological originality of the study and enables more accurate alternative ranking. It is identified that the results of all methods are similar. Therefore, this situation gives information about the coherency and validity of the findings. It is concluded that the most important criterion is real-time capability. It is also denoted that the best combination for hybrid energy systems is Solar-Wind.

Role of microbial laccases in valorization of lignocellulosic biomass to bioethanol.

The persistent expansion in world energy and synthetic compounds requires the improvement of renewable alternatives in contrast to non-sustainable energy wellsprings. Lignocellulose is an encouraging feedstock to be utilized in biorefineries for its conversion into value-added products, including biomaterials, biofuels and several bio-based synthetic compounds. Aside from all categories, biofuel, particularly bioethanol is the most substantial fuel derived from lignocellulosic biomass and can be obtained through microbial fermentation. Generally, extreme settings are required for lignocellulosic pretreatment which results in the formation of inhibitors during biomassdegradation. Occasionally, lignin polymers also act as inhibitors and are left untreated during the pretreatment, engendering inefficient hydrolysis. The valorization of lignocellulosic biomass by laccases can be viewed as a fundamental trend for improving bioethanol production. However, one of the main obstacles for developing commercially viable biofuel industries is the cost of enzymes, which can be resolved by utilizing laccases derived from microbial sources. Microbial laccases have been considered an exceptionally integral asset for delignification and detoxification of pretreated LCB, which amplify the resultant fermentation and saccharification processes. This review provides a summary of microbial laccases and their role in valorizing LCB to bioethanol, compelling enthralling applications in bio-refining industries all across the globe.

AutoBioTech─A Versatile Biofoundry for Automated Strain Engineering.

The inevitable transition from petrochemical production processes to renewable alternatives has sparked the emergence of biofoundries in recent years. Manual engineering of microbes will not be sufficient to meet the ever-increasing demand for novel producer strains. Here we describe the AutoBioTech platform, a fully automated laboratory system with 14 devices to perform operations for strain construction without human interaction. Using modular workflows, this platform enables automated transformations of Escherichia coli with plasmids assembled via modular cloning. A CRISPR/Cas9 toolbox compatible with existing modular cloning frameworks allows automated and flexible genome editing of E.coli. In addition, novel workflows have been established for the fully automated transformation of the Gram-positive model organism Corynebacterium glutamicum by conjugation and electroporation, with the latter proving to be the more robust technique. Overall, the AutoBioTech platform excels at versatility due to the modularity of workflows and seamless transitions between modules. This will accelerate strain engineering of Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria.

Predictive Modeling of Solar PV Panel Operating Temperature over Water Bodies: Comparative Performance Analysis with Ground-Mounted Installations

Solar panel efficiency is significantly influenced by its operating temperature. Recent advancements in emerging renewable energy alternatives have enabled photovoltaic (PV) module installation over water bodies, leveraging their increased efficiency and associated benefits. This paper examines the operational performance of solar panels placed over water bodies, comparing them to ground-mounted solar PV installations. Regression models for panel temperature are developed based on experimental setups at BITS Pilani, India. Developed regression models, including linear, quadratic, and exponential, are utilized to predict the operating temperature of solar PV installations above water bodies. These models incorporated parameters such as ambient temperature, solar insolation, wind velocity, water temperature, and humidity. Among these, the one-degree regression models with three parameters outperformed the models with four or five parameters with a prediction error of 5.5 °C. Notably, the study found that the annual energy output estimates from the best model had an error margin of less than 0.2% compared to recorded data. Research indicates that solar PV panels over water bodies produce approximately 2.59% more annual energy output than ground-mounted systems. The newly developed regression models provide a predictive tool for estimating the operating temperature of solar PV installations above water bodies, using only three meteorological parameters: ambient temperature, solar insolation, and wind velocity, for accurate temperature prediction.

Effect of hybridisation on the mechanical and weathering characteristics on jute-arecanut leaf-epoxy composites

ABSTRACT Natural fibres play a crucial role in composites by offering renewable, sustainable, low cost and lightweight alternatives to synthetic fibres, promoting eco-friendly composites. Combination of natural fibres such as jute and areca nut in fabricating hybrid composites with superior properties forms the basis of this study. It was observed that mechanical properties increased with increasing natural fibre content. However, jute composites exhibited better properties (strength and rigidity) than arecanut leaf fibre composites due to their inherent superior properties. Hybridisation of fibres yielded higher properties showing that the combination of jute and areca nut fibres (30 wt % fibre content) is more effective in reinforcing the composites. Weathering characteristics revealed that the water absorption and swelling occurred in composites upon their exposure to external environment, water and chemicals. Moreover, their impact properties also decreased subsequent to weathering. Finite element analysis was carried out on these composites under tensile and flexural loading conditions yielded similar trends with experimental results. Remarkable mechanical properties exhibited due to hybridisation of these composites give them potential to be used in different domains such as automobile interiors, furniture, packaging, etc., with lower cost due to the use of natural fibres.

An Overview on Bioeconomy in Agricultural Sector, Biomass Production, Recycling Methods, and Circular Economy Considerations

This review examines the essential components of a circular economy (CE) in relation to the agricultural sector. The bioeconomy and circular economy are crucial for sustainable global industrial growth, focusing on closed-loop systems. The sustainability debate centers on intergenerational equity and natural capital. The CE requires new environmental technologies and global coordination in order to combat climate change and biodiversity loss. In addition, efficient food production and waste reduction are essential due to population growth. However, biomass is vital for a bio-based economy, impacting food waste and climate change. Grasslands support sustainable dairy production and carbon sequestration. Thus, effective waste and wastewater management are critical, with biomass energy providing renewable alternatives. Nonetheless, biofuels remain key for sustainability, focusing on pollution control and Green Chemistry. It is well known that sustainable transportation relies on bioenergy, with ongoing research improving processes and discovering new fuels. One notable challenge is managing heavy metals in biofuel production, and this underscores the need for eco-friendly energy solutions. The main purpose for this review paper is to create a connection between circular economy aspects and the agricultural system, with focus on the following: bioeconomy research, biomass utilities, and biofuel production. Extensive research was performed on the specialized literature by putting in common the main problems. Key subjects in this paper include the use of biomass in agriculture, the problems of plastic recycling, and the function of the CE in mitigating climate change and biodiversity loss. Efficient food production and waste minimization are highlighted due to their relevance in a growing population. The study’s detailed research and discussion aim to give important insights into how these practices might promote economic development and sustainability. Furthermore, the study covers important waste management issues such as food waste, plant composting, and chemical waste neutralization. These topics are critical to understanding the circular economy’s broader implications for minimizing environmental damage and implementing sustainable waste management strategies.

A comprehensive review of current progress in biofuel production using marine algae biomass

The world's fossil fuel resources are rapidly depleting as the global population grows and energy demands rise. Current fossil fuel supplies are insufficient to meet rising demand and are nearing depletion. Careless exploitation of fossil fuels increases greenhouse gas emissions, environmental pollution, and global warming, resulting in ecological imbalances and health risks. Consequently, contamination, rising temperatures, and high oil costs have fueled the search for renewable and alternative energy sources. This study seeks to explore renewable energy alternatives that are critical to meeting future global energy demands. Marine algae such as red algae, green algae, and brown algae are gaining popularity as economically viable and environmentally friendly sources of renewable biofuel. Several studies are currently underway to assess the ability of marine algae to produce a variety of bioproducts, including biofuels. Macroalgae, in particular, emerges as an ideal resource for biofuel production due to their lipid and carbohydrate content, coupled with low or absent lignin content. The article investigates the potential of marine algal species to promote biofuel production and discusses novel methods for improving biofuel yields. It also emphasizes the economic factors and challenges associated with sustainable biofuel production.

Dynamic impact of shadow economy and corruption on environmental sustainability: What role renewable energy consumption play in case of South Asian Economies

The South Asian region has a wide range of problems that significantly influence its path towards environmental sustainability. The region's rapid population expansion, rising urbanization rates, rising industry, and increasing resource demands primarily determine these challenges. The quest for environmental sustainability in this setting is complex and multidimensional, made more difficult by the shadow economy, corruption, and the need to improve renewable energy alternatives. Therefore, the current study examines the multifaceted and interrelated dynamics of the shadow economy, corruption, economic inequality, and environmental sustainability in South Asian nations from 2004 to 2018. We have used sophisticated methodological strategies to tackle cross-section dependence, non-stationarity, and heterogeneity issues by employing a pooled mean group (PMG). However, we use panel FMOLS and DOLS techniques for robustness checks. The findings of the PMG analysis show that the shadow economy, corruption, and industrialization significantly negatively impact environmental sustainability. On the other hand, renewable energy consumption and urbanization are positive and substantial elements that lead to improved environmental sustainability. The robust procedures applied to check the consistency of the estimators also confirmed the long-run relationship among variables. Research findings suggest that reinforcing legal frameworks for environmental rules is crucial for adherence. Incentives such as legal protection and financial rewards can encourage environmental responsibility among businesses, reducing shadow economy operations and risks. Promoting renewable energy resources and urbanization helps to support a sustainable green economy.

Understanding the Role of Controlled Environments for Producing Mycelium-bound Composites: Advancing Circular Practices for Integrating Biotechnology into the Construction Industry.

The architecture, engineering, and construction industry is undergoing a significant shift, steering buildings away from resource-intensive processes toward becoming instruments for climate mitigation. In this transformative landscape, integrating circular bio-based alternatives and reducing emissions through biotechnological and enzymatic processes have significant potential. Specifically, mycelium-bound composites have emerged as renewable alternatives for new materials and added-value wood products. Despite their numerous advantages, integrating these materials into current engineering practices presents challenges deriving from the complex nature of the material´s production process and the transfer from the laboratory to the industrial scale. In this regard, the design and engineering of novel controlled environments are fundamental in maintaining optimal growth conditions during material production. This, in turn, influences the overall material performance and potential use in construction.

Advantages and Challenges of Biobased Plastics: A Qualitative Analysis of Stakeholders’ Perceptions

The circular economy mostly relies on the reduction of fossil-based materials. Finding economically viable, low-cost, renewable, and biodegradable alternatives to plastic packaging is a significant challenge for this aim since it is widely used in the daily consumption of various products. Bioplastics are already considered promising substitutes for packaging materials since they are biodegradable, use renewable resources, and release fewer greenhouse gases. However, the shift from fossil-based to biobased materials also has its difficulties. This study uses qualitative data collected from three primary stakeholder groups of this transition, namely, R&amp;amp;D managers from the packaging industry, researchers, and policymakers. The research findings show that stakeholders are mostly in consensus regarding the advantages and challenges of the shift from fossilbased plastic to bioplastics. The knowledge and awareness of the process are highly compatible with the literature on the subject. Additionally, the findings suggest that although bioplastics have the potential to contribute significantly to sustainability goals and the circular economy greatly costs, lack of regulations, incentives and inadequate recycling infrastructure are major obstacles to change. The agreement of stakeholders on the matter of challenges also reveals the need for common ground for a solution.

Synthesis of BaO/NiO/rGO nanocomposite for supercapacitor application

Abstract Considering the global energy crisis, alternative energy resources requirement is rising gradually. In light of dwindling energy resources, we turn to renewable alternatives. Storing this energy for future utilization remains a pressing endeavor. The ideal storage device should possess intensified energy density, power density, and cyclic stability. In this study, we have synthesized metal oxide with carbon based material nanocomposite such as BaO/NiO, BaO/NiO/rGO through cost effective co-precipitation method and their comparative performance for supercapacitor application were studied. Various characterizations were taken for the above synthesized material. X-ray diffraction (XRD) study confirmed the material formation and their crystallinity of the nanocomposite. BaO has tetragonal structure which was confirmed through JCPDS card number 26-0178 and NiO has rhombohedral structure which was confirmed through JCPDS card number 89-7390. To study electrochemical behaviour of electrode material and its cyclic stability, cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic charge–discharge (GCD) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) studies was executed. BaO/NiO/rGO possesses 1072 F/g specific capacitance at 0.3 A/g in aqueous 1 M KOH. The electrochemical action of hybrid device was setup and it revealed 224 F/g at 0.3 A/g within the charging potential of 1.6 V. Capacitive retention of 97.6 % was achieved by asymmetric hybrid supercapacitor even after 5000 cycles at 10 A/g, this shows prepared nanocomposite exceptional cyclic stability in energy storage application.

Comprehensive Analysis and Prioritization of Sustainable Energy Resources Using Analytical Hierarchy Process

The growing global concern for climate change and the need for sustainable energy solutions have driven nations to explore renewable energy alternatives. This research focuses on a developing country heavily reliant on imported electricity and evaluates the potential of renewable energy resources. Using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), a multi-criteria decision-making method (MCDM), this study prioritizes sustainable energy resources crucial for energy security and environmental sustainability, given the country’s dependence on traditional and imported power and its potential for renewable energy development. This study employs AHP to evaluate and rank various sustainable energy options, emphasizing their technological, economic, environmental, and social impacts. The novelty of this research lies in its comprehensive and systematic approach to integrating diverse expert opinions and utilizing AHP; the development of a robust decision-making model that accommodates the diverse criteria and sub-criteria (SCs) influencing the prioritization of energy resources; and its bridging of the gaps through the integration of varied criteria and SCs, region-specific concerns, and stakeholders’ engagement by creating a comprehensive and inclusive prioritization strategy. The key findings highlight solar energy as the most viable sustainable energy resource, followed by wind and hydro energy. These results underscore the significant potential for solar energy development, considering its current technological advancements, economic affordability, social acceptance, and environmental friendliness. This study not only provides a prioritized list of sustainable energy resources but also offers a methodological framework adaptable for similar assessments in other regions facing energy transition challenges. Readers will find a detailed explanation of the AHP methodology, the criteria used for evaluating energy resources, and the implications of the findings for policy and decision making. This research is particularly relevant for policymakers, energy planners, and stakeholders interested in sustainable energy development and strategic planning in similar contexts.