Use of Multi-Criteria TOPSIS Analysis to Define a Decarbonization Path in Colombia

In the past few years, Colombia has begun to implement new laws according to new global trends, however, carbon dioxide emissions have not decreased despite country commitments according to the Paris agreement and other international treaties. In this paper, a pathway to achieve full decarbonization of the energy system of the country has been analysed using a multi-criteria analysis tool and considering several options from previous studies, evaluating three different abatement scenarios obtained by different models. Then, a Strength, Weakness, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) analysis is conducted in order to propose a set of environmental policies that aid in seeking greater reduction of greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) in sectors as agriculture, forestry, land use and transport. This set of measures is then summarized, and their abatement costs and GHG reduction potential are displayed. The outcomes show the country has great potential to exploit its renewable natural resources and indicates how a new electricity mix may not only decrease GHG emissions but also reduce the levelized cost of electricity for the end users.