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Evaluation and assessment of clean energy technologies: A bipolar fuzzy BWM-EDAS method for sustainable solution

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  • Rehman, Ubaid ur

Abstract

The evaluation and selection of clean energy technologies are challenging in decision-making because of the technical, economic, environmental, and social factors involved. Previous methodological frameworks are predominantly based on well-defined information or treat uncertainty separately, and do not take into account the bipolarity of the decision criteria that are inherent to human decision-making. This limitation has resulted in possibly biased assessments and less-than-ideal technology choices in sustainable energy development. This paper helps to overcome these challenges by proposing a novel bipolar fuzzy-based integrated approach, namely bipolar fuzzy best worst method evaluation based on distance from average solution (BWM-EDAS). The proposed framework allows for the consideration of both positive and negative aspects of evaluation criteria and at the same time, handles uncertainty, making it a more realistic assessment mechanism. The main contribution of this paper is to apply best worst method in a bipolar fuzzy environment and to combine it with systematic criteria weighting and an alternative evaluation method called evaluation based on distance from the average solution. A case study employing the proposed bipolar fuzzy BWM-EDAS method to clean energy technology evaluation and selection reveals its practical applicability, showing utility-scale solar power plants as the finest choice among considered five alternatives when assessed against nine criteria. Comparison with other approaches reveals the advantage of the proposed framework in solving complex decision problems when criteria are characterized by uncertainty and bipolarity. The findings of this study create important implications that guide policymakers energy planners and decision-makers who lead sustainable energy transitions. This methodology builds a standardized method for application across contexts through which human decision behaviors become more realistically evaluated. This study develops an evaluation framework with bipolar criteria which enables a better assessment of sustainable energy technologies through information uncertainty management to enhance strategic energy planning quality.

Suggested Citation

  • Rehman, Ubaid ur, 2025. "Evaluation and assessment of clean energy technologies: A bipolar fuzzy BWM-EDAS method for sustainable solution," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 254(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:254:y:2025:i:c:s0960148125012546
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2025.123592
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    References listed on IDEAS

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