Selection of Biomass Resources with Fuzzy Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Methods: Alternatives for Sustainable Energy Production

Selecting the most sustainable and efficient biomass resource for energy production requires a strategic multi-criteria decision-making approach. This study evaluates four biomass alternatives—plant-based, forest/wood-based, animal-based, and urban/industrial waste biomass—across economic, environmental, technical, and social dimensions, using twelve sub-criteria. The Fuzzy Bonferroni Aggregation Operator consolidated data, while the Fuzzy Weight by Envelope and Slope (F-WENSLO) method prioritized main and sub-criteria, and the Fuzzy Ranking Alternatives with Weights of Criterion (F-RAWEC) method ranked alternatives. Results identified animal-based biomass (Qᵢ = 1.1228) as the optimal choice due to its superior energy efficiency and economic benefits, followed by plant-based (Qᵢ = 1.0989), forest/wood-based (Qᵢ = 1.0919), and urban/industrial waste biomass (Qᵢ = 1.0848). The latter’s low ranking reflects environmental and compatibility challenges. The study underscores the need for holistic biomass selection, balancing economic, technical, environmental, and social factors to inform sustainable energy policies.