Development of Multicriteria Decision Analysis Framework for Optimisation of Renewable Energy Planning in Anambra State

The global energy sector is undergoing a significant transformation due to the urgent need to address climate change, ensure energy security and promote sustainable development. In Nigeria, particularly in Anambra State, persistent energy crises characterised by unreliable grid access, high dependence on fossil fuels and underutilised renewable energy (RE) resources emphasise the necessity for systematic energy planning. This study develops a Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) framework to optimise renewable energy planning in Anambra State, integrating technical, economic, environmental and social criteria. The research employs the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to prioritise decision criteria and the Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) to rank renewable energy alternatives, including solar photovoltaic (PV), biomass, small-scale hydropower and wind energy. Primary data was collected through structured questionnaires administered to 20 stakeholders, including policymakers, energy experts and community leaders. The AHP results highlighted technical feasibility (0.22) and cost-effectiveness (0.18) as the most critical criteria, while environmental sustainability and energy equity received lower weights, reflecting pragmatic priorities. TOPSIS analysis ranked solar PV as the most viable alternative, aligning with Anambra’s high solar irradiance, followed by hydropower, biomass and wind energy. The study emphasises the importance of stakeholder engagement, data availability and hybrid MCDA frameworks in energy planning. Recommendations include strengthening participatory mechanisms, enhancing technical capacity and aligning policies with Nigeria’s Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7 targets. This research contributes to the discourse on sustainable energy transitions by providing a replicable, evidence-based framework for decision-making in resource-constrained settings. The findings advocate for a balanced approach to energy planning, ensuring reliability, affordability and long-term sustainability in Anambra State and similar regions.