Decision optimization techniques for evaluating renewable energy resources for power generation in Ghana: MCDM approach

Abstract

Renewable energy sources are seen as future energy sources. Ensuring Ghana’s future economic growth requires a balanced energy mix. The study evaluates five renewable energy sources (solar PV, solar thermal, hydro, wind and biomass) against thirteen criteria using multicriteria decision making (MCDM) techniques. Whilst six criteria data were obtained from literature, seven were obtained from experts’ views. Each criterion’s priority weight affects the total ranking of options. CRITIC weighting technique was used to determine the weight of each criterion. MOORA, TOPSIS and COPRAS ranking algorithm were used to rank the five sources. From our analysis, the most promising RE for Ghana is Hydro. The order of prioritization is obtained as hydro > biomass >solar PV > Wind> Solar thermal. The results from the ranking techniques were validated by the Spearman’s correlation co-efficient and p-value to ensure there is positive significant correlation between the ranking techniques. The findings of this study will help in strategic implementation of renewable energy sources for improved sustainability in Ghana.

Keywords

• Renewable energy
• Prioritization techniques
• MCDM
• Sustainable development
• Optimization
• Ghana