Use of multicriteria decision analysis methods for energy planning problems

Most decision making requires the consideration of several conflicting objectives. The term multiple criteria decision analysis (MCDA) describes various methods developed for aiding decision makers in reaching better decisions. Energy planning problems are complex problems with multiple decision makers and multiple criteria. Therefore, these problems are quite suited to the use of MCDA. A multitude of MCDA methods exists. These methods can be divided in three main groups, value measurement models, goal, aspiration and reference level models, and outranking models. Methods from all of these groups have been applied to energy planning problems, particularly in the evaluation of alternative electricity supply strategies. Each of the methods has its advantages and drawbacks. However, we cannot conclude that one method generally is better suited than the others for energy planning problems. A good alternative might be to apply more than one method, either in combination to make use of the strengths of both methods, or in parallel to get a broader decision basis for the decision maker. Until now, studies of MCDA in energy planning have most often considered energy networks with only one energy carrier. More advanced energy systems with multiple energy carriers have been neglected, even though this field ought to be suitable for use of MCDA due to its high complexity, many decision makers and many conflicting criteria. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.