Evaluation of the renewable energy sources with an integrated neutrosophic <scp>DEMATEL</scp>‐<scp>ANP</scp>‐<scp>VIKOR</scp> approach

Abstract Renewable energy sources are essential for meeting global energy needs while reducing environmental impacts. This study introduces an integrated neutrosophic DEMATEL‐ANP‐VIKOR approach to evaluate and prioritize renewable energy sources based on various criteria, providing a comprehensive and systematic decision‐making framework. The approach leverages DEMATEL to identify and analyze causal relationships between criteria, offering valuable insights into the interdependencies and influence of each factor. ANP is then employed to calculate the relative importance of these criteria, accounting for the complex interrelations that often exist in multi‐criteria problems. Finally, VIKOR is utilized to rank the alternatives by balancing conflicting criteria and highlighting the most optimal renewable energy source alternatives. By incorporating neutrosophic numbers, the approach effectively addresses the uncertainty, vagueness, and imprecision commonly encountered in expert judgments, ensuring more reliable and robust evaluations. This integrated methodology not only enhances the accuracy and consistency of the decision‐making process but also provides decision‐makers with a flexible tool adaptable to varying contexts and priorities in renewable energy investments.