Evaluating the driving factors and performance of OPEC member countries in transitioning to renewable energy towards climate change mitigation

This study evaluates the driving factors and performance of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) member countries in their transition to renewable energy, a critical step for aligning with global climate goals while reducing dependency on fossil fuels. As major oil and gas producers, OPEC member countries are substantial contributors to environmental degradation due to fossil fuel combustion. This study investigates the performance of OPEC nations in transitioning to renewable energy, emphasizing its role in supporting climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts. This research uses the fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) method to determine the primary factors and sub-factors for implementing renewable energy in OPEC countries. Then, the Weighted Aggregated Sum Product Assessment (WASPAS) method is used to rank the performance of OPEC member countries in terms of their transition efforts to renewable energy. The fuzzy AHP analysis revealed that policy and governance (DF2) is the most critical factor in driving the shift to renewable energy in these countries, with environmental and social impact (DF5) and infrastructure and technological development (DF4) also playing significant roles. Moreover, the findings of fuzzy WASPAS indicated that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia, as the leading OPEC member countries in adopting renewable energy, serve as examples for other OPEC nations. This research provides valuable insights for OPEC member countries in their efforts to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and accelerate the transition towards renewable energy. • OPEC countries must shift to renewable energy to meet climate goals and reduce fossil fuel reliance. • Fuzzy AHP identifies key renewable energy factors; fuzzy WASPAS ranks OPEC countries' performance. • Policy, environment, and technology are key drivers; UAE and Saudi Arabia lead in renewable energy transition. • The study offers guidance for OPEC members to accelerate renewable energy adoption and support climate goals.