India is at a crossroads as it grapples with rising energy demands against the backdrop of climate change and dwindling fossil fuel reserves. Recognizing the urgent need for transformation, researchers have employed advanced methodologies to evaluate and prioritize renewable energy sources (RES) within the country. A notable study has utilized integrated data envelopment analysis (DEA) combined with fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (fuzzy AHP) to tackle the pressing challenge of selecting optimal RES for sustainable electricity generation.
The growing population and urbanization are driving India’s energy consumption to unprecedented levels. The country’s current energy mix, which as of December 2023, includes 56% thermal energy, 31% renewable sources, and only 11% hydroelectric power, emphasizes the need for diversification. With commitments to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070, India must navigate the complex terrain of renewable energy investment and policy.
Through this study, the researchers analyzed key RES, including solar, geothermal, hydro, biomass, wave, onshore, and offshore wind energy. The integrated DEA approach is pivotal as it allows multiple inputs and outputs to be assessed without relying on predetermined weights, making it particularly effective for evaluating the efficiency of various sources. Fuzzy AHP complements this by managing uncertainties inherent to expert judgments, providing more accurate prioritization.
The framework utilized comprises four primary parameters: technical, economic, environmental, and socio-political, each supported by nineteen specific criteria. This holistic approach not only addresses the efficiency of each renewable source but also incorporates both desirable and undesirable outputs through the modified ratio model, which transforms negative criteria related to environmental impacts.
Following the application of this integrated methodology, the study unveiled noteworthy findings: offshore wind emerged as the most efficient renewable energy source, followed closely by hydro and onshore wind. Specifically, offshore wind demonstrated the highest overall efficiency score of 0.932, indicating its substantial potential for India’s energy future.
Household energy security is intertwined with effective policymaking. The study advocates for increased focus on offshore wind, arguing for the establishment of regulatory and financial frameworks to encourage investments in this area. This recommendation is echoed by the recent findings which suggest offshore wind possesses low initial capital investment requirements and can leverage efficient operational practices as the technology matures.
Beyond offshore wind, hydro energy was found to rank second-highest, benefiting from established frameworks and existing projects throughout the country. Meanwhile, onshore wind technology, having been deployed successfully across various states, ranks third, underscoring its reliability as part of India's renewable energy strategy.
One of the main contributions of this study lies within its rigorous methodology. By incorporating both DEA and fuzzy AHP, the research addresses long-standing gaps by efficiently aligning decision-making processes with sustainability criteria. The researchers note, “The integrated DEA and fuzzy AHP methodology addresses important gaps by transforming undesirable criteria and incorporating comprehensive assessment factors.”
While this study highlights significant progress, it’s not without limitations. The findings pertain primarily to the Indian energy scenario; methodology adaptations would be necessary for broader applicability across different regions or countries. Future research directions may explore advancing the fuzzy AHP framework through newer techniques to capture the increasing complexity of energy planning.
Conclusively, the reliable ranking of RES presented through the DEA-fuzzy AHP framework offers actionable insights for policymakers and stakeholders. It reinforces the urgency to prioritize offshore wind alongside existing projects, promoting energy independence and combating climate change. With the right investments and support, the potential of renewable energy can significantly contribute to India’s sustainable development goals.