Prioritizing Critical Factors for Bioenergy Production from Agricultural Residues: A Hierarchical Framework

This study explores the critical factors influencing bioenergy production from agricultural residues, employing a hierarchical framework utilizing fuzzy decision-making methods (FDM) and the Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) technique. The research identifies four foundational aspects: economic viability, technological feasibility, environmental impact, and social acceptance, each comprising five specific criteria for evaluation. The results indicate that economic viability, particularly the cost of production and return on investment, emerges as the most critical factor. Technological feasibility, with a focus on the efficiency of conversion technologies and their scalability, follows closely. Environmental impacts and social acceptance also play significant roles, emphasizing the need for community engagement and public awareness. These findings align with existing literature that emphasizes the interconnectedness of these factors, pointing toward a comprehensive approach for stakeholders in the bioenergy sector. This study contributes to theoretical advancements by detailing the intricate relationships among the prioritized factors and provides practical implications for effective bioenergy management. Limitations of the research include a focus on specific geographic regions, potentially constraining the generalizability of the results. Future studies should consider expanding the geographic scope and incorporating empirical evaluations of the proposed framework to foster broader application and relevance.