Optimization of energy mix and possibilities of its application in energy transition using multicriteria approach

Abstract

The process of optimizing energy production is becoming increasingly important with the development and use of RES and energy efficiency measures. Given that these are optimization processes that require taking into account several indicators according to which the set of optimal technologies for energy production will be ranked, and take their percentage share in the total percentage of energy supply. Indicators describing the process of energy production and utilization include technological, environmental, economic, energy, and limiting domains of their application. From that aspect, when the energy supply process is optimized from several possible alternatives according to the optimization factors defined in this way and the percentage of participation from each is calculated, a very realistic picture of the optimal energy mix of a state or local community is obtained. In this paper, a comparison of the energy mix for Copenhagen, Denmark and Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina is made. The process of comparing energy mixes was made possible by a previously developed mathematical model for optimizing and searching for an optimal energy mix based on the compromise ranking method, also known as the VIKOR, as well as entropy and analytic hierarchy process methods for defining weight values of criteria describing energy mix. Since we know that the introduction of new RES and the replacement of fossil fuels with them is a process of transition of existing energy sectors, the approach presented in this paper would greatly facilitate the transition process itself.