Multi-Criteria Analysis to Select Renewable Energy Solution for District Heating System

The research paper is focused on how to choose the most suitable renewable energy solution using multi-criteria analysis for a district heating system. Making choices is based on indicators – economic, environmental and social. In this case, the study used five indicators: resources costs, totals investments, reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, specific weight of renewable energy resources and impact on utilized land. Three situations have been compared – current situation: gas boiler, planned: solar collectors 21 595 m² + accumulation tank 8000 m³ and alternatives: solar PV panels 5504 m² – heat pump COP 3 are used in the estimation. The multi-criteria decision-making analysis shows that solar collectors 21 595 m² + accumulation tank 8000 m³ are considered as the best alternative. The methodology is based on choosing a solution for a district heating company in Latvia.