A Novel Method to Identify the Best Conventional Power Generation Technology in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

This paper presents the developed methodology to determine the most optimal solution to generate electricity in Saudi Arabia by conventional power generators. The analysis will consider all parameters and factors in the country that influence the decision-making process such as efficiency, cost, water utilization, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and land use. The methodology utilizes the Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS), which is one of the Multicriteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) methods. This approach can support and assist power generation planning firms to adopt the most accurate generation system anywhere in the world. In this paper, the methodology is applied to Saudi Arabia, as the country has ambitious targets of relying more on environmentally friendly generation; such as renewables, natural gas turbines and nuclear power plants.