An integrated decision support framework using single-valued neutrosophic-MASWIP-COPRAS for sustainability assessment of bioenergy production technologies

Abstract

As a clean and renewable energy, bioenergy is one of the most prospective alternatives to fossil fuels. Therefore, it has been received much attention and occupied a considerable status in the world's energy consumption. Moreover, the sustainable bioenergy production can effectively decrease the risk of energy poverty and contribute to the economic and ecological benefits, particularly in developing countries. However, the selection of bioenergy production technologies (BPTs) has significant challenges and uncertainties due to various factors. Thus, the aim of this study is to evaluate the BPTs and choose the most suitable and sustainable alternative among them. For this purpose, an integrated decision-making framework is proposed under single-valued neutrosophic environment. In the present approach, the method based on the removal effects of criteria (MEREC) and stepwise weight assessment ratio analysis (SWARA) weighting integrated procedure (MASWIP) is introduced to compute the relative significances of the considered sustainability indicators. Then, the MASWIP-based complex proportional assessment (COPRAS) is introduced to prioritize the BPTs from single-valued neutrosophic perspective. Further, the present framework is implemented on a case study of BPTs evaluation problem with uncertain, inconsistent and indeterminate information, which approves the effectiveness and practicality of introduced method. To assess its robustness and stability, sensitivity and comparative studies are performed. The advantages of the developed method are emphasized in terms of stability and reliability by comparisons with five existing approaches, and the effectiveness of the present approach is verified. The findings of the study prove that the application of single-valued neutrosophic MASWIP-based COPRAS method in BPT selection is robust.