An energy source policy assessment using analytical hierarchy process

Energy resource planning for a district in the built environment is a challenging issue for the authorities. They have to take many criteria into account in order to derive sustainable, robust, and long-term energy policies. Among these criteria authorities have to look at the alternatives from different point of views, such as the environmentalists, industry, local community, and local authorities of that district. In this study, an Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) method was developed in order to facilitate energy resource planning activities. This method was applied to the district of Aydin in Turkey. Hypothetical results showed that solar energy investments has the highest priority and can be realized by local residents and government, while industry and government can make investments for geothermal power plants and de-centralized lignite power plants using clean technology.

► An introduction to AHP technique was made.
► Application to AHP was given to define source and community importance.
► Importance of energy sources were found.
► A policy for the sample district was made according to the importance matrix.
► Solar and geothermal sources has highest importance with natural gas support.