An integrated VAHP-based MCDM methodology to assess renewable energy projects based on sustainability: Moroccan case study

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Chinese explanation / 中文解读

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Original abstract

Purpose This study aims to develop a new methodology incorporating various perspectives of decision-makers and key renewable energy sustainability criteria based on the seventh sustainable development goal, “Affordable and clean energy.” Design/methodology/approach The study evaluates renewable energy projects across four dimensions, economic, technological, sociopolitical and environmental, using 15 criteria and six sub-criteria drawn from recent literature. The Voting Analytic Hierarchy Process (VAHP) is applied to calculate priority weights, and a sensitivity analysis is conducted to explore potential scenarios. Findings The results show a clear prioritization of the technological dimension, followed by the economic and environmental dimensions, with the sociopolitical dimension being the least prioritized. Levelized cost of energy, technological maturity, ecosystem impact and greenhouse gas emissions emerge as the most influential criteria. Wind power projects rank first, boasting cost competitiveness, followed by hydropower projects with notable technological maturity. Solar photovoltaic projects rank third, excelling in investment costs but lacking source stability, while concentrated solar power and biomass lag behind due to low maturity and high costs. Sensitivity analysis reveals that, in a socially focused context, solar photovoltaic projects rise to the top, emphasizing their potential as strategic employment creators. Practical implications The developed methodology also provides recommendations to assist Moroccan policymakers in shaping policies for the renewable energy sector. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study introduces the first application of the VAHP to energy decision-making by integrating both quantitative and qualitative data.

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