Application of a multi-criteria analysis approach for decision-making in the energy sector: the case of concentrating solar power in South Africa

Abstract

The current decision-making processes that are involved in Environmental Impact Assessments in the energy sector of South Africa suffer from, amongst others, the lack of coherence and the integration of the opinions of decision-makers in the assessments. The processes also do not adequately evaluate the trade-offs between social, economic, political and environmental issues that are identified for proposed projects, and alternatives if applicable. This paper demonstrates the application of a multi-criteria analysis approach to address these challenges. The application is based on a proposed concentrating solar power plant, for which the Environmental Impact Assessment process has been completed.