A Multi Criteria Decision Approach for Ranking Renewable Energy Technologies in Palestinian Territories
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Date
2021-05-30
Authors
Al-Nabulsi, Dalal
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
جامعة النجاح الوطنية
Abstract
Currently, more than 90% of the electricity utilized in Palestinian Territories relies on imports from outside sources. This dependence, for long periods of time, is not a secure and favorable option. But, there are several renewable energy (RE) technologies that can be served as a solution for future energy supply and electricity shortage; however diversifying energy sources is a complex mission since many parameters are overlapped in this process. This study employed a multi- criteria decision approach based on analytical hierarchy process (AHP) for selection and ranking of eight RE technologies in Palestinian Territories, namely: solar photovoltaic (PV), solar water heaters (SWH), concentrated solar power (CSP), wind, geothermal, biomass, biogas, and waste- to- energy (WTE). AHP model has been used for the first time in energy planning within the Palestinian context. Based on stakeholders’ opinion, in addition to bibliographic review of studies related to energy planning, by employing multi- criteria decision tools, the final set of criteria and sub criteria were set. More specifically, the AHP assessment model consists of five criteria (namely, technical, economic, socio- political, environmental, and risk) and twenty two sub criteria and eight RE solutions. Results of the study reveal that SWH is the most promising RE, followed by solar PV, geothermal, wind, WTE, biogas, biomass, and lastly, CSP. The model also analyzes the performance of each alternative per each sub criteria and end node criteria. Sensitivity analyses have been performed to show how the behavior and overall rankings of alternatives change with respect to the change in the relative weights of criteria. Prioritization and ranking of renewable resources portfolio, findings of the proposed model can be used for long-term energy roadmap and energy policy aiming for sustainability.