Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis Methods in the Energies Domain Problems

Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis methods (MCDA) have proven to be effective and powerful tools in solving decision-making problems in various research fields and disciplines. On the other hand, they are also an effective tool used by practitioners to solve many complex decision-making problems in the broadest sense of economic life. Regardless of their popularity, MCDA methods are not free of shortcomings, and numerous works of researchers indicate the need to improve existing MCDA methods. Current developments in fuzzy number generalization also cause the development of new MCDA methods. Implementation of successive generalizations of fuzzy numbers in MCDA methods result in increasing the effectiveness of modelling of imprecision and uncertainty of measurement data and preferences in decision-making models.

An important area of use of MCDA methods is the energy sector. The successful applications of MCDA methods include exemplary energy policy evaluation, Renewable Energy Sources (RES) sites selection (wind farm location, photovoltaic farms location, etc.), or evaluation of the different form of energy systems. The wide application of MCDA methods in the energy sector is related to the dynamic development of the energy sector. Currently, global and local initiatives are focused on moving away from classic (fossil-based) energy sources as new sources of clean energy replace them. The dynamic development of technology causes new RES-based solutions to be created every once in a while, achieving efficiency similar to that of classic energy sources. It is worth noting, however, that at the same time it causes several methodical and practical challenges. In practical terms, not only the new RES technologies themselves, but also the short or long term effects of their implementation require detailed analyses and assessments. From the methodical point of view, despite MCDA methods popularity, it should be remembered that no MCDA method is without flaws. Therefore, a significant challenge is a correct approach to the decision-making problem to find a reliable decision or make a proper sustainable assessment. In this aspect, our SI has mainly dedicated to all practical problems focused on multi-criteria decision making in the energy sector using both classical and recently developed approaches of MCDA methods. Contributions addressing new MCDA method developments in the energy sector are especially welcome.

The main goal of the SI is to attract researchers from all over the world, who will present their theoretical and applied contributions in the areas including, but not limited to:

• State of the art of MCDA methods in energy systems;
• Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis in energy policy modelling;
• MCDA-based assessment of energy sources, technologies, and policies;
• MCDA-based sustainable and renewable energy sources and technologies assessment;
• MCDA-based climate policy evaluation;
• Multi-criteria models of new energy technologies and energy efficiency improvements;
• Social, environmental and economic aspects of energy modelling.

Dr. Jarosław Wątróbski
Dr. Wojciech Sałabun
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Energies is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• MCDA in energy policy modelling
• MCDA based climate policy evaluation
• MCDA based assessment of energy sources technologies, policies