An interval-valued type 2 intuitionistic fuzzy theory-based approach to assess the biofuel production and adoption drivers in emerging economies: Implications for sustainability

Abstract

Biofuels, obtained from locally developed biomass, provide a sustainable energy alternative to reduce reserve depletion, environmental pollution, and rising energy demand in emerging economies like Bangladesh. These fuels can deal with the concerns about energy security through the diversification of the energy mix and mitigation of dependence on expensive imported fossil fuels. Given the ongoing energy shortages, inadequate policy frameworks, and escalating energy demands prompted by population growth and industrial expansion, biofuels have emerged as a sustainable solution. Therefore, this study tries to investigate the biofuel production and adoption drivers employing an integrated multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) approach. Specifically, it combines the interval-valued type 2 intuitionistic fuzzy (IVT2IF) theory and the decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) method to determine, rank, and assess the correlation among the drivers that affect the sustainable production and adoption of biofuel in emerging economies like Bangladesh. The drivers were initially extracted through a systematic literature review of the existing literature. Followed by expert validation, 17 drivers were chosen for analysis utilizing the IVT2IF-DEMATEL technique. The findings suggest that "facilitating advanced R&D and efficient training regimen", "promoting technological advancements", "enhanced energy security and resilience," and "development of the diversified renewable energy mix" are the most significant drivers, with prominence values 15.616, 15.467, 15.164, and 15.067, respectively. Furthermore, "streamlining bio-waste management processes" holds the highest significance as a causal driver (with a causal weight of 1.290), which is trailed by "commercialization of biofuel retrofits" and "efficient agricultural resource management" (which have causal weights of 0.696 and 0.505, respectively). The study's actionable insights can potentially aid policymakers and decision-makers in formulating investment policies and long-term strategic planning focusing on areas including R&D, infrastructure development, technology, waste management, and renewable energy to achieve energy security, sustainability, and carbon neutrality in Bangladesh.