Evaluation of sustainable development and utilization-oriented renewable energy systems based on CRITIC-SWARA-CODAS method using interval valued picture fuzzy sets

Multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) methods used to overcome complex real-life problems is the process of finding the most suitable alternative among alternative options under multiple tangible or intangible criteria. In particular, the use of MCDM methods is an important tool for policy makers, managers and decision makers (DMs) to easily and effectively address today's MCDM problems such as renewable energy. However, since the classical MCDM methods are based on crisp numerical values, they are insufficient when considering insufficient information about the systems, complex environment and real-life conditions. Especially since many real-life problems within the scope of sustainability contain uncertain information, using them together with fuzzy sets is extremely important for making the right decisions. This study presents a new model based on the interval-valued picture fuzzy (IVPF)-MCDM integrated approach in an environment of uncertainty for the evaluation of sustainable development and utilization oriented renewable energy systems. In the study, firstly, renewable energy alternatives focused on sustainable development and utilization for Turkey and the criteria affecting them have been determined. Secondly, for the objective and subjective weights of the criteria, the CRiteria Importance Through Intercriteria Correlation (CIRITIC) and Stepwise Weight Assessment Ratio Analysis (SWARA) methods have been extended to interval-valued picture fuzzy sets (IVPFSs), respectively, and the weights have been obtained. Then, the weights have been combined by the coefficient parameter determined by the expert. Later, the COmbinative Distance-based ASsessment (CODAS) method has been extended to IVPFSs to rank renewable energy alternatives focused on sustainable development and use under uncertainty. A comprehensive sensitivity analysis has been conducted to confirm the stability and effectiveness of the method. Moreover, a comparative analysis has been presented with other MCDM methods in the literature showing the superiority and advantages of the developed method.