Energy distribution system planning -methodologies and tools for multi-criteria decision analysis

The paper presents a methodology for planning of complex, local energy distribution systems, and the reasoning for new thinking. The increasing focus on distributed generation and renewable energy sources makes it necessary to evaluate and analyse alternative energy carriers in mutual combination. New regulations from authorities and increased public attention and concern regarding both visual impact and emissions have led to more difficulties and restrictions related to implementation of energy infrastructure projects. The construction of local power plants and associated distribution infrastructure can be optimised with respect to size and location subject to economic and environmental constraints, and possibly other criteria like security of supply and safety. Hence, new planning methodologies and tools involving multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) methods and taking uncertainty into consideration are needed. When different energy carriers are involved it is important to focus more on the problem formulation phase. It includes inter alia mapping of decision makers and stakeholders and their main objectives and criteria, determining the system boundary that gives a consistent and fair comparison of alternative energy carriers, and selecting the attributes associated with the greatest uncertainty for more thorough assessment. So far, no specialised tool for integrated planning of local energy distribution has been identified. In particular there is a lack of tools for analysing how capital intensive and mutually dependent infrastructure systems can be designed to utilise the available local energy resources. A prototype decision aid tool for integrated energy system optimisation has therefore been developed. A brief description and results from a case study is presented at the end of this paper. Analysing multiple energy carriers for multiple numbers of decision makers with multiple criteria requires new methodology. Existing MCDM methods may be implemented in to traditional energy planning processes.