**2. Related Work**

A successful transition of energy sources from fossil fuel to renewables requires careful evaluation in terms of the planning system and renewable energy selection [1]. Evaluating the renewable energy system can be a complicated process. Such an evaluation process requires appropriate tools that support the data analysis of the availability of the renewable energy sources, selection criteria and methods used in the selection process [2].

#### *2.1. Renewable Energy Selection and Decision Making*

Many researchers have carried out the evaluation and selection of the most suitable renewable energy in many countries and different scenarios. There are many decisionmaking methods that can be applied for renewable energy selection. In this section, we will have a look at some of the previous research on renewable energy selection in different countries, using different research approaches.

One of the many popular methods that can be used for assessing the most suitable renewable energy to develop is a mathematical modelling method. Gonçalves da Silva (2010) [3] used a conceptual framework and a set of mathematical models to evaluate the energy balance of energy conversion technologies for renewable energy development in Brazil. The result showed that wind energy was the most favourable renewable energy source to develop in Brazil, while solar power was the least suitable for development. Another method that can be applied for evaluating and selecting renewable energy is Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) method. Emir (2014) [4] performed the selection of renewable energy for small islands using the MCDM method, applicable for Malta, Cyprus, Cuba, Jamaica, Dominican Republic, and Singapore. They considered cost analysis, technical issues, social issues, locations, and environmental issues as the criteria for evaluation. Solar energy was deemed the most suitable renewable energy to invest and develop in small islands.

Analytical Hierarchy Process remains the most popular method to use for selecting the most suitable renewable energy in many different countries. The research conducted with this type of method typically employed a variety of criteria, such as technical performance and efficiency, ecological integrity, economic expedience, sustainable development, socially responsible operation, and technological innovativeness. Based on these criteria, different countries have different results in regard to the most suitable renewable energy [5–8].
