Decision making support tool for renewable energy prioritization to achieve sustainable development goals (SDGs): Conceptual framework

Abstract

Renewable energy adoption is pivotal for achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), yet selecting suitable renewable energy systems involves complex decision-making processes. This study reviews the existing body of knowledge on decision-making methodologies for renewable energy systems in relation to SDGs and proposes a conceptual framework grounded in the findings of a systematic literature review (SLR) and bibliometric analysis of 43 peer-reviewed articles.

The analysis reveals the dominance of MCDM techniques particularly the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and the prevalence of technical, economic, and environmental criteria, while regulatory, policy, and geographical dimensions remain underrepresented. Furthermore, the literature's reliance on static, one-time evaluation models highlights a critical gap-namely, the lack of decision-making support tools that accommodate evolving priorities and stakeholder input.

To address these limitations, a conceptual framework for renewable energy prioritization decision-making support tool is proposed to enable a more context-sensitive, inclusive, and iterative decision-making approach. The proposed framework consists of five interlinked stages: (1) identifying key decision factors, (2) weighting and balancing priorities using Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) methods, (3) comparing renewable energy alternatives, (4) generating tailored recommendations, and (5) incorporating stakeholder feedback for continuous refinement. A feedback loop ensures an iterative refinement process, adaptability to evolving conditions and continuous improvement of the decision-making tool. Altogether, the framework promotes a transparent, inclusive, and responsive approach to renewable energy prioritization and supports long-term sustainability transitions.