Transitioning from Fossil Fuels to Renewable Energy: A Multi-physics Perspective on Barriers and Opportunities in Multi-criteria Analysis

Abstract

This research employs a novel multi-physics and multi-criteria analysis framework to study the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy, wherein energy systems are complex and encompass disparate settings. The research applies sophisticated statistical models, including a Seasonal Auto-Regressive Integrated Moving Average (SARIMA) and Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) to forecast renewable energy production and evaluate different energy sources according to sustainability criteria, including environmental impact, cost, and efficiency, using a comprehensive dataset covering the span from 1997 to 2017. The results show a huge global shift away from fossil fuels towards renewable energy as evidenced by rising solar PV generation and biofuel production. Renewable energy sources slightly surpass fossil fuels, at which point global energy supplies are undergoing a critical transition. The studies correlating different energy forms and regions indicate global synchronisation of energy consumption trends and interdependencies of renewable technologies, pointing toward consistent advancement in line with common technological improvements and policy settings.

This research is novel in unifying multi-physics modelling with MCDA to gain a holistic perspective on technical, economic and social drivers toward the transition to sustainable energy. The findings underscore the significance of strategic interventions aimed at the adoption and efficiency of renewable energies, as well as infrastructure investments. The implications drawn from this study provide a valuable contribution to policymakers, industry stakeholders, and the academic community to inform effective strategies to accelerate a move towards a sustainable energy future.