Development of a multi-criteria analysis framework to study low carbon transition pathways for the European Union

Abstract: A crucial element of the global action against climate change is transforming our current carbon-intensive energy system to a sustainable, low-carbon one. Researchers are trying to study this transformation by modelling the pathways. REEEM is one such project with a scope set to the European Union. In parallel, multi-criteria analysis is gaining prominence among decision makers and academics for sustainable energy planning. In this research a multi-criteria analysis framework has been developed to study the low-carbon pathways for the EU. REEEM acts as a background and has been used at various points in the framework development process. Some of the key elements of the framework include a review of academic trends, a logically-derived decision tree and consideration of issues related to data collection and processing. A case study has been codified in R and its results are indicative of the usage of the framework. Further, an analysis of extending the scope of the code, supporting files, and the framework, to other regions has been made. The fundamental goal of this research is to support science-based policy making.