Decision Making Advances

ABSTRACT


Introduction
Renewable energy is becoming increasingly important for a variety of reasons. Primarily, the environmental benefits of renewable energy are significant. Renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, and biomass produce little to no greenhouse gas emissions, which are a major contributor to climate change. By reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and transitioning to renewable energy sources, we can help mitigate the impacts of climate change and protect our planet's natural resources [1−2]. Additionally, renewable energy can help improve energy security by reducing our reliance on foreign energy sources and decreasing the risk of supply disruptions due to political or economic factors. Renewable energy can also provide economic benefits by creating jobs in manufacturing, installation, and maintenance, as well as reducing energy costs for consumers and businesses. Moreover, renewable energy can help improve the resilience of the energy grid by decentralizing energy production and improving the ability to recover from disasters. Finally, the development of renewable energy technologies has spurred innovation and technological advancements in energy storage, energy efficiency, and smart grid technologies. Overall, the importance of renewable energy cannot be overstated, and it will continue to play a critical role in addressing the challenges of climate change [3], energy security [4−5], and economic development in the years to come [6].
In recent years, there has been a growing trend among several countries to shift towards renewable energy sources. Many countries, including the United States, China, Germany, and India, have set ambitious targets for transitioning to renewable energy, and have made significant investments in renewable energy infrastructure and technologies. In addition to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating climate change, many countries see the transition to renewable energy as a way to improve energy security and reduce dependence on foreign energy sources. This trend has also created economic opportunities, with renewable energy industries creating jobs and driving innovation in energy storage, smart grid technologies, and other areas. While the transition to renewable energy is not without its challenges, it is clear that many countries see the benefits of renewable energy and are taking steps to accelerate its adoption [7−8].
The purpose of this paper is to examine the challenges that hinder the growth of renewable energy in Libya and provide recommendations to overcome these obstacles. Libya has enormous potential for renewable energy development due to its favorable climate conditions, extensive land area, and abundance of natural resources. However, the country's renewable energy sector has been stagnant due to various challenges, including inadequate policies, limited funding, lack of infrastructure, and political instability. To address these issues, a hybrid multiple-criteria decisionmaking (MCDM) approach combining the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and combined compromise solution (CoCoSo) methods will be employed. This approach will be used to calculate weights and rank the strategies proposed to overcome the obstacles facing renewable energy development in Libya. The results of this study are expected to provide valuable insights into the most effective strategies to promote renewable energy development in Libya, which will contribute to the country's economic growth and environmental sustainability.
The remainder of this paper is structured as follows. Section 2 gives the AHP-CoCoSo methodology. Section 3 offers results and discussion. Section 4 provides the conclusions.

Methodology
MCDM is a useful technique for choosing among alternatives when there are multiple criteria to consider. This approach involves identifying the relevant criteria, assigning weights to each criterion to reflect its importance, and then evaluating each alternative against the criteria [9−11]. There are a variety of MCDM methods available, ranging from simple techniques such as weighted sum models to more complex methods such as AHP and technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS). MCDM can be applied in many different fields, including business, engineering, and public policy, and can help decision-makers to make more informed and objective choices in complex decision-making situations [12−13].
A combined MCDM approach will be used to rank the obstacles facing the implementation of renewable energy in Libya. Specifically, a hybrid approach that combines the AHP and CoCoSo methods will be employed. The AHP method will be used to determine the relative weights of the criteria, while the CoCoSo method [14] will be used to evaluate the alternatives against the criteria. This approach will allow for a comprehensive and objective assessment of the obstacles facing renewable energy implementation in Libya and will provide decision-makers with valuable insights into how best to address these challenges.
AHP is a widely utilized MCDM method. It has been implemented more frequently than any other MCDM technique [15−17]. Saaty introduced a methodology aimed at facilitating the analysis of intricate problems in a straightforward and compliant manner. The process involves evaluating potential pairs through a systematic comparison of each factor, resulting in the determination of a consistency ratio. This is achieved by breaking down a complex problem into a hierarchy or series of levels. AHP employs a hierarchical structure to decompose intricate problems into simpler and more manageable sub-problems, thereby facilitating their analysis and evaluation. The procedure can be delineated into four primary steps [18]: i. Creating a tree structure consisting of a single objective, criteria, and alternatives.
ii. Evaluating alternatives for every criterion.
iii. Weighting factor calculation using pairwise comparisons with subjective calculation. iv. Synthesis of the outcomes of Step 2 and Step 3 to calculate the overall evaluation of alternatives to the achievement degree of each goal. AHP is a methodology for making decisions that involve multiple criteria. It involves the use of a carefully constructed questionnaire to gather feedback. The methodology assesses the comparative significance of various factors through pairwise comparisons, to establish priorities and achieve optimal decision-making outcomes. The construction of the AHP matrix involves the utilization of comparisons, and the determination of priorities is achieved through the application of Eq. (1): The priority vector, denoted as W, is utilized in conjunction with the comparison matrix A and the principal eigenvalue λmax. The AHP framework provides the decision maker with feedback regarding the consistency of the judgments entered, which is determined by measuring the consistency ratio (CR) through the utilization of Eqs.
where CI is the consistency index, n is the dimension of the comparison matrix, λmax is the principal eigenvalue, and RI is the ratio index. Table 1 displays the random consistency index (RI) values about the dimension of the matrix (n). A matrix is deemed to be consistent if its RI value is less than 0.1, whereas a matrix is deemed to be inconsistent if its RI value exceeds 0.1. When faced with a matrix that lacks consistency, it is advisable to adjust the comparisons to minimize the inconsistency. Alternative preferences are determined by aggregating sub-priorities, if applicable, to establish a ranking and facilitate decision-making.
Step 5: The computation of the relative weights of the alternatives is performed by utilizing the subsequent aggregation strategies. In this particular stage, three distinct evaluation score techniques are employed to produce comparative weights of alternative options. These weights are obtained through the utilization of the subsequent formulas: Step 6: The final ranking of the alternatives is determined as follows:

Results and Discussion
Libya has significant potential for renewable energy development, with ample solar and wind resources that could be harnessed to reduce the country's dependence on fossil fuels [19]. The Libyan government has recognized the importance of renewable energy and has set a target to generate 7% of the country's electricity from renewable sources by 2020 [20]. To achieve this goal, the government has launched many initiatives to encourage investment in renewable energy, including the establishment of a feed-in tariff scheme and the development of a regulatory framework to support renewables. In addition to reducing the country's carbon footprint and increasing energy security, the development of renewable energy in Libya could also provide economic benefits by creating new jobs and attracting foreign investment [21−22]. However, there are still significant challenges to be addressed, including the need for infrastructure development and the establishment of a stable investment climate.
There are several challenges to the development of renewable energy in Libya. Table 2 shows the obstacles that may face renewable energy development in Libya.

Table 2
The obstacles that may face renewable energy development in Libya

C1
Lack of infrastructure and outdated electricity grid C2 Lack of a stable investment climate C3 Political instability and security concerns C4 Lack of technical expertise and skilled labor in the renewable energy sector C5 Limited institutional capacity and regulatory framework for renewable energy deployment C6 Varying environmental and climatic conditions across the country that require customized renewable energy solutions C7 Dependence on fossil fuel exports as a major source of revenue for the country C8 Limited public awareness and education about the potential benefits of renewable energy, and the need to transition to a more sustainable energy mix Table 3 shows the main strategies that could be employed to overcome the challenges facing the development of renewable energy in Libya.

Table 3
Main strategies to overcome the obstacles of renewable energy development

S1
Encouraging private sector participation by creating a stable regulatory and policy framework to attract investment and financing for renewable energy projects S2 Establishing a feed-in tariff scheme or other incentives to promote investment in renewable energy S3 Strengthening the institutional capacity of relevant government agencies and regulatory bodies to support renewable energy deployment S4 Developing a skilled workforce through training and education programs to support the growth of the renewable energy sector S5 Promoting public awareness and education to increase understanding of the potential benefits of renewable energy and the need to transition to a more sustainable energy mix S6 Collaborating with international organizations and other countries to access technical expertise, financing, and best practices for renewable energy deployment S7 Developing and implementing policies and measures to improve the stability and security of the country, which could help to attract investment and financing for renewable energy projects The first stage is to determine the criteria weights. A group of experts has been invited to participate in the determination of the importance of each criterion for the evaluation of site locations. Table 4 shows the criteria assessments by experts. The initial step involves the determination of the weights of the criteria. A group of experts has been summoned to partake in the assessment of the significance of individual criteria in the appraisal of challenges to the development of renewable energy in Libya. Table 5 displays the weights of the criteria and their corresponding CR values. The primary criterion holds greater significance in comparison to the rest because the development of renewable energy projects in Libya is predominantly reliant on infrastructure. Furthermore, the reliance on fossil fuels presents a significant hindrance to the advancement of renewable energy initiatives. Table 6 displays the initial assessment of the experts' opinions concerning various approaches to surmounting the hindrances. Table 6 Initial decision-making matrix Table 7 Weighted normalized decision-making matrix S1 0.280 0.104 0.078 0.029 0.016 0.035 0.179 0.027  S2 0.056 0.017 0.047 0.000 0.000 0.035 0.268 0.000  S3 0.168 0.087 0.031 0.020 0.049 0.026 0.208 0.054  S4 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.044 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000  S5 0.112 0.017 0.047 0.024 0.025 0.000 0.149 0.094  S6 0.168 0.052 0.063 0.024 0.016 0.009 0.149 0.054  S7 0.168 0.104 0.125 0.020 0.016 0.035 0.149 0.054 Table 8 displays the comparative weights assigned to the various alternatives utilizing diverse strategies. The results obtained in Table 8 indicate that the most significant strategy to inspire renewable energy development in Libya is to encourage private sector participation to attract investment and financing for renewable energy projects. This finding is particularly relevant in a country like Libya, where the private sector is relatively weak, and private investment is essential for economic development. Therefore, it is crucial to implement policies that promote and support private sector involvement in renewable energy projects, such as tax incentives, and feed-in tariffs. The second most important strategy identified in the study was developing and implementing policies and measures to improve the stability and security of the country. This finding highlights the importance of political stability and security in attracting investment and financing for renewable energy projects. Overall, the findings provide valuable insights into the most effective strategies to promote renewable energy development in Libya, which can assist policymakers and stakeholders in making informed decisions to achieve sustainable economic growth and environmental sustainability.

Conclusions
In conclusion, renewable energy development in Libya faces numerous obstacles that hinder its progress. This paper identified eight obstacles and proposed seven strategies to overcome them. The AHP method was used to calculate the weights of the obstacles, and the CoCoSo method was used to rank the suggested strategies based on their effectiveness. The results showed that lack of infrastructure was the most critical obstacle, followed by dependence on fossil fuels. Encouraging private sector investment was found to be the most important strategy to overcome the obstacles. The findings of this study can support decision-makers in Libya to take the right decisions and allocate resources effectively to promote renewable energy development. Overall, the development of renewable energy in Libya is crucial for sustainable economic growth, energy security, and environmental sustainability. By addressing the identified obstacles and implementing the suggested strategies, Libya can achieve its renewable energy development goals and contribute to the global effort to mitigate climate change. Finally, the insights gained from this study can be useful for other countries facing similar challenges in the development of renewable energy. towards