Analyzing the development of the third-generation biodiesel production from microalgae by a novel hybrid decision-making method: The case of Iran

Recently, the increase in energy demand motivated the researchers to study renewable energy sources. A significant portion of energy is consumed in transportation. Biofuels such as biodiesel are significant renewable sources of energy that can be utilized in this sector. In Asian countries such as Iran, with widespread use of diesel engines, biodiesel engines are likely to be combined in the system without modifications, since they share similar functionalities with diesel engines. Biodiesels can be extracted from different feedstocks such as microalgae that can grow in Iran. To perform a thorough analysis of the development of biodiesel in Iran, this paper applied strength-weakness-opportunity-threat (SWOT) structure to obtain suitable strategies. These strategies are ranked using a group decision-making method in fuzzy linguistic environment. Step-wise weight assessment ratio analysis (SWARA) is employed to weight the criteria, while fuzzy cognitive map (FCM) is utilized to consider casual relationships. Finally, weighted aggregated sum product assessment (WASPAS) is utilized to rank the strategies. As indicated in the results, a necessity in third-generation biodiesel production from microalgae is support by government with subsidy and financial policies. Additionally, developing technologies and encouraging private sectors to invest in this area are important strategies as well.