Development of a System to Prioritize Sustainable Energy Solutions Utilizing Double-Stage Optimization Techniques: A Case Study of Rajshahi, Bangladesh

This study examines the optimal renewable energy technology for evaluating the electrification system in Rajshahi, Bangladesh. A proposed approach integrates the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) with the TOPSIS method to determine the optimal RET. The HOMER Pro simulation tool has been used to determine the best combination. The analysis considers solar-wind, biomass, wind, solar, solar-wind-battery, and hydro energy systems. Based on expert opinions and consensus, fifteen sub-criteria were selected across four key categories: economic, technical, socio-economic, and environmental. After the best optimization with HOMER Pro software, AHP determines the weights of these criteria, sensitivity analysis checks the robustness of the study and finally, TOPSIS ranks the RETs. The outputs disclose that the solar-wind-battery system emerges as the most favorable option, achieving the highest appraisal score among the evaluated alternatives. The sensitivity analysis confirms the ranking's consistency. This combined MCDM approach proves valuable for selecting RETs in Rajshahi. Therefore, these methods can be a useful tool for decision-making regarding renewable energy development in Rajshahi as well as any other locations in the country.