Sustainability assessment of electricity generation technologies using weighted multi-criteria decision analysis

Solving the issue of environmental degradation due to the expansion of the World's energy demand requires a balanced approach. The aim of this paper is to comprehensively rank a large number of electricity generation technologies based on their compatibility with the sustainable development of the industry. The study is based on a set of 10 sustainability indicators which provide a life cycle analysis of the plants. The technologies are ranked using a weighted sum multi-attribute utility method. The indicator weights were established through a survey of 62 academics from the fields of energy and environmental science. Our results show that large hydroelectric projects are the most sustainable technology type, followed by small hydro, onshore wind and solar photovoltaic. We argue that political leaders should have a more structured and strategic approach in implementing sustainable energy policies and this type of research can provide arguments to support such decisions. •We rank 13 electricity generation technologies based on sustainability.•We use 10 indicators in a weighted sum multi-attribute utility approach.•Weights are calculated based on a survey of 62 academics from the field.•Large hydroelectric projects are ranked as the most sustainable.•Decision makers can use the results to promote a more sustainable energy industry.