Sustainable transition to renewable energy: An integrated MCDM-template analysis approach

Abstract This study examines and evaluates renewable energy (RE) supply chain sources to guide practitioners in selecting and investing in viable RE supply chains that drive the transition to RE, sustainability, and value creation for stakeholders. The relative influence of the various sustainability factors on key RE sources was empirically evaluated using multi-criteria decision-making analysis. Supplementary data were also analysed using the same techniques to assess the tacit factors affecting the transition to RE. Interviews with experts were evaluated using template analysis to explore latent factors further to support the transition to RE. The results revealed solar energy as the most economical, environmentally, and socially preferred cleaner energy with fewer barriers to overcome, followed by wind energy, Biomass, geothermal, and hydropower energy, respectively. The AHP and TOPSIS models provide novel rankings for RE sources to guide stakeholders. Energy supply chain participants may embrace the results to make strategic decisions. The study contributed to the literature by proposing original empirical models that facilitate understanding the viability of various RE supply chain sources and how the transition to RE will contribute positively to sustainability performance and assist supply chain practitioners in making strategic decisions.