Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Framework for Evaluating Green Fuels Alternatives: A Hybrid MEREC-TODIM Approach

Abstract

The increasing concern about climate change and the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions have led to a growing interest in converting traditional fuels into valuable products such as green fuel. By promoting the use of green fuels, we can reduce our carbon footprint and help mitigate the effects of climate change. The reliance on conventional fossil fuels has led to severe environmental degradation, climate change, and air pollution, which in turn affect human health and quality of life. Researchers from several nations are seeking alternative sources to encourage sustainable mobility, minimize GHG emissions, and improve quality of life. This study proposes a Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) framework to assess and rank green fuel alternatives for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. The MCDM approach incorporates four key criteria: Technical Reliability, Affordability, Availability & Durability, Environmental Compatibility, and Social Acceptance. The MEthod based on the Removal Effects of Criteria (MEREC) method is employed to determine the weights of these criteria, while an acronym in Portuguese for Interactive and Multi-criteria Decision Making (TODIM) method is used to rank the alternatives, utilizing Triangular Neutrosophic Numbers to handle the inherent uncertainty and ambiguity in the decision-making process. This integrated approach provides a comprehensive evaluation of green fuel options, enabling decision-makers to identify the most suitable alternatives for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The paper also conducts a comparative analysis with other MCDM methods, such as TOPSIS and VIKOR, and performs a sensitivity analysis to evaluate the robustness of the decision.