ANP Modeling to Select Biomass Energy Plant in Rural Areas of Thailand

Abstract

An Analytic Network Process (ANP) modeling for a decision support system was proposed to identify suitable options for biomass energy plants using rice husk in rural areas of Thailand. In this attempt, direct combustion and gasifi cation systems for a biomass energy plant were evaluated. An ANP-based model was used to consider criteria, sub-criteria, and alternatives. Environmental and social problems were considered to construct the model. The ANP modeling used multiple criteria analysis and specifi c alternatives to clarify discussion points in decision making. The study area was selected based on the maximum availability of rice husk in the Suphanburi and Nakhonsawan provinces of Thailand. Prior to the fi eld survey, a focus group discussion and later a structured questionnaire were used to interview the respondents in the provinces. The ANP model was infl uenced by the policy for developing rural area support in Thailand. For criteria priorities, benefi ts-criterion and risks-criterion had the highest priorities. The ANP model results showed that the gasifi cation system was likely a better alternative than the direct combustion system in a cooperative scenario considering environmental and social concerns. In contrast, direct combustion was likely a suitable energy plant in an industrial scenario considering the benefi ts and economic issues.