Evaluation of renewable energy technologies in Colombia: comparative evaluation using TOPSIS and TOPSIS fuzzy metaheuristic models

Abstract The study investigates the weighting and hierarchization of renewable energy sources in specific geographical regions of Colombia using the TOPSIS and Diffuse TOPSIS metaheuristic models. 5 regions were analyzed, two of them with different scenarios: Caribbean 1 and 2, Pacific 1 and 2, Andean, Amazonian and Orinoquia. The results reveal significant differences in the evaluation of technologies between the two models. In the Caribbean 1, Diffuse TOPSIS gave a higher score to Solar Photovoltaics, while TOPSIS favored Hydropower. In the Caribbean 2, Solar Photovoltaic obtained similar scores in both models, but Wind was rated better by TOPSIS. In the Pacific Region 1, Biomass and large-scale Hydropower led according to both models. In the Pacific 2, Solar Photovoltaic was better evaluated by TOPSIS, while Wind was preferred by Diffuse TOPSIS. In the Andean Region, large-scale hydroelectric and Solar photovoltaic plants obtained high scores in both models. In the Amazon, Biomass led in both models, although with differences in scores. In Orinoquia, Solar Photovoltaic was rated higher by both models. The relevance of this research lies in its ability to address not only Colombia's immediate energy demands, but also in its ability to establish a solid and replicable methodological framework. The application of metaheuristic methods such as TOPSIS and TOPSIS with fuzzy logic is presented as a promising strategy to overcome the limitations of conventional approaches, considering the complexity and uncertainty inherent in the evaluation of renewable energy sources. By achieving a more precise weighting and hierarchization, this study will significantly contribute to strategic decision-making in the implementation of sustainable energy solutions in Colombia, serving as a valuable model for other countries with similar challenges.