A life cycle framework for comparative analysis of power generation technologies based on prioritized sustainable development goals

The ongoing energy transition in the power sector is vital for supporting global initiatives to mitigate climate change and foster sustainable development. This study addresses the challenge of aligning corporate power generation choices with prioritized sustainability goals by developing a comprehensive decision-support framework. This study tackles the challenge of aligning corporate power generation decisions with prioritized sustainability goals by establishing a comprehensive decision-support framework. The central hypothesis is that a framework incorporating environmental, social, and technical criteria can effectively guide the selection of power technologies based on life cycle assessment principles. The study applies a multicriteria decision analysis method to evaluate ten power generation options for twelve companies across three sectors: oil and gas, technology, and food and beverage. The findings reveal that run-of-river hydropower is the most balanced option, excelling in social, technical, and environmental dimensions. Meanwhile, solar photovoltaic and reservoir technologies perform particularly well concerning specific sustainable development goals. The results imply that companies can optimize their sustainability impact by aligning their power procurement strategies with this framework, promoting decarbonization and enhancing social equity. The conclusions underscore the proposed approach's utility for companies and policymakers in making informed, sustainable energy decisions.