A Review of Assessment Indicators and Methods for Rural Energy Systems

This study presents a systematic bibliometric analysis and critical review of assessment indicators and multi-criteria decision-making methods for rural energy systems from 2010 to 2025. It examines the evolving definitions and regional variations in these indicators and methods. The research hotspots of rural energy systems have shifted from basic rural electrification to multi-dimensional assessment indicators and hybrid multi-criteria decision-making methods. The assessment indicators for rural energy systems demonstrate a marked imbalance, dominated by economic and technical dimensions. Specifically, economic evaluations for rural energy systems frequently utilize net present cost and levelized energy cost, shifting from static capital comparisons to comprehensive lifecycle assessments. Meanwhile, loss of power supply probability is identified as the primary inherent constraint among technical assessment indicators for rural energy systems. Geographically, assessment indicators for rural energy systems priorities exhibit significant divergence. Developing regions prioritize basic power supply and affordability, whereas developed regions focus on grid stability and market risk resilience. In addition, environmental evaluations for rural energy systems remain fixated on carbon emissions. Developed nations emphasize global climate benefits, while developing nations focus on localized dividends like indoor air quality improvement. Critically, despite an increasing focus on rural livelihoods, social indicators remain systematically marginalized in rural energy systems, leading to the neglect of local requirements and increasing technical risks. The field of rural energy system assessment is advancing toward multi-criteria decision-making indicators. Future methodologies must integrate robust, dynamic adaptive mechanisms that respond to evolving developmental priorities in order to effectively address inherent data scarcity and complex socio-economic uncertainties of rural energy systems.