A Novel Decision-Support Framework for Supporting Renewable Energy Technology Siting in the Early Design Stage of Microgrids: Considering Geographical Conditions and Focusing on Resilience and SDGs

This research is focused on microgrid design supporting tools and presents an innovative framework for renewable energy (RE) sources’ site selection, integrating multicriteria decision-making (MCDM) methods with resilience considerations and alignment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It addresses present climatic challenges, identifies key causes of possible power failures, and develops strategies to mitigate their effects, while providing tools for energy managers and decision-makers to select suitable RE sources/technologies, based on geographical and sustainability criteria. The framework categorizes criteria into quantitative and qualitative types, adopting a cost ( C )- and benefit ( B )-based approach. The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) calculates criteria weights to ensure accuracy and compatibility in decision-making, integrating SDG objectives into the evaluation process. This study focuses on five major RE options, photovoltaic (PV), wind, wave, tidal, and geothermal, analyzing more than 50 criteria for each energy type. This evaluation incorporates the expertise of over 50 experts and case studies, making it one of the most extensive research efforts in RE site selection. By systematically addressing resilience challenges and linking them with SDG priorities, this study provides a robust framework for evaluating and optimizing RE options. Its methodologies offer significant contributions to advancing sustainable energy development and enhancing energy systems’ resilience to climate and infrastructural challenges.