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A Comparison of Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis Methods for Sustainability Assessment of District Heating Systems

Author

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  • Janis Edmunds Daugavietis

    (Institute of Microbiology and Biotechnology, University of Latvia, Jelgavas iela 1, LV-1004 Riga, Latvia)

  • Raimonda Soloha

    (Institute of Microbiology and Biotechnology, University of Latvia, Jelgavas iela 1, LV-1004 Riga, Latvia)

  • Elina Dace

    (Institute of Microbiology and Biotechnology, University of Latvia, Jelgavas iela 1, LV-1004 Riga, Latvia
    Department of Political Science, Riga Stradins University, Dzirciema iela 16, LV-1007 Riga, Latvia)

  • Jelena Ziemele

    (Institute of Microbiology and Biotechnology, University of Latvia, Jelgavas iela 1, LV-1004 Riga, Latvia)

Abstract

The sustainability of energy systems is increasingly assessed for development of more resilient, greener district heating (DH) systems. That requires compiling technological, environmental, and economic indicators in a social, political, and institutional context. This work investigates DH system sustainability analysis by five frequently applied multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) methods—WSM, TOPSIS, PROMETHEE, ELECTRE and DEA. To compare the sustainability assessment results, a selection of 8 criteria describing 12 DH companies (DHC) was examined. Sensitivity analysis was performed to determine the most credible MCDA method. Criteria weights were changed: (1) individually for evaluation of the range of stability for alternatives (score of DHC performance); (2) individually by a fixed value to compare how each criterion weight change affected the average score of a result; and (3) to compare the AHP weighting method to an equal weight scenario. The results of sensitivity analysis along with literature investigation shows that all methods are suitable for sustainability analyses of DH systems while also having differences in the calculation process and in the interpretation of results. The generalized algorithm for sustainability analysis in the energy sector outlined in this study along with the documented features of the main MCDA methods can be used as a guide for future assessment of energy systems by researchers and industry professionals.

Suggested Citation

  • Janis Edmunds Daugavietis & Raimonda Soloha & Elina Dace & Jelena Ziemele, 2022. "A Comparison of Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis Methods for Sustainability Assessment of District Heating Systems," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(7), pages 1-23, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:15:y:2022:i:7:p:2411-:d:779281
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    2. Hendrik & Yin Yuan & Akhmad Fauzi & Widiatmaka & Dyah Tjahyandari Suryaningtyas & Florentinus Firdiyono & Yang Yao, 2022. "Determination of the Red Mud Industrial Cluster Sites in Indonesia Based on Sustainability Aspect and Waste Management Analysis through PROMETHEE," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(15), pages 1-13, July.
    3. Volkova, Anna & Krupenski, Igor & Kovtunova, Natalja & Hlebnikov, Aleksandr & Mašatin, Vladislav & Ledvanov, Aleksandr, 2023. "Converting Tallinn's historic centre's (Old Town) heating system to a district heating system," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 275(C).
    4. Ziemele, Jelena & Volkova, Anna & Latõšov, Eduard & Murauskaitė, Lina & Džiuvė, Vytautas, 2023. "Comparative assessment of heat recovery from treated wastewater in the district heating systems of the three capitals of the Baltic countries," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 280(C).
    5. Lagoeiro, Henrique & Maidment, Graeme & Ziemele, Jelena, 2024. "Potential of treated wastewater as an energy source for district heating: Incorporating social elements into a multi-factorial comparative assessment for cities," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 304(C).

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