Precise decisions in Indian energy sector by imprecise evaluation

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to prioritize Indian energy sector projects, namely, coal, gas, hydro and solar using fuzzy PROMETHHE (F-PROMETHEE) and Visual PROMETHEE applications and multicriteria decision-making (MCDM) analyses. Design/methodology/approach – The MCDM outranking approach of PROMETHEE under fuzzy environment is used. Four projects of energy sector are selected as alternatives and are compared based on various criteria. These criteria selected on the perspectives of life cycle costing (LCC) analysis and related management approaches for prioritizing projects for effective decision-making (DM). The F-PROMETHEE is described and results are also compared with outranking application in Visual PROMETHEE software based on same set of criteria. For better understanding, the graphical representations of the multicriteria problem are also shown using graphical analysis for interactive aid. Findings – On applying F-PROMETHEE on four energy projects, coal and solar projects outrank high and results shows that coal-based project is preferable and should be considered. Research limitations/implications – Here F-PROMETHEE and Visual PROMETHEE are used as MCDM techniques. However, few other MCDM techniques such as ELECTRE and EATWOS can be also explored to outrank Indian energy sector projects. Practical implications – Indian energy sector involves high degree of complexity for effective DM on the front of prioritized investment-related capacity addition through energy projects. Outranking methods like F-PROMETHEE is able to address the criteria to criteria impact on DM support precisely. Social implications – The finding can provide information to the government or public sector regarding various possible investment options on energy projects in India. Originality/value – This paper can be supplement and act as the support for DM in conflicting situations specifically for prioritizing investments on various energy projects, which further can synergize conflicting ideas of various stakeholders of the Indian energy sector.