Exploring the best hybrid energy system for the off-grid rural energy scheme in Bangladesh using a comprehensive decision framework

The dilemma of whether to expand the existing oil-based grid or to promote clean energy in off-grid areas has been challenging for developing countries. In response, the Hybrid Energy System (HES) has been reported to be a balanced solution. However, the traditional decision tool for HES cannot effectively address the associated socio-economic complexity and needs to be further enhanced. Therefore, this study proposed an innovative decision framework that incorporates HOMER (Hybrid Optimization Model for Electric Renewable) and MCDM (Multi-Criteria Decision Making), namely BWM-MCODAS (Best-Worst-Method and Modified Combinative Distance-based Assessment), to select the best HES design based on a case study in Bangladesh. Sixteen various criteria covering technical, economic, environmental, and social aspects were evaluated by three panels of energy experts…