Providing and using energy efficiently is hampered by concerns about the environment and the unpredictability of fossil fuel prices and quantities. To address these issues, energy planning is a crucial tool. The aim of the study was to prioritize renewable energy options for use in Mae Sariang’s microgrid using an analytical hierarchy process (AHP) to produce electricity. A prioritization exercise involved the use of questionnaire surveys to involve five expert groups with varying backgrounds in Thailand’s renewable energy sector. We looked at five primary criteria. The following four combinations were suggested: (1) Grid + Battery Energy Storage System (BESS); (2) Grid + BESS + Solar Photovoltaic (PV); (3) Grid + Diesel Generator (DG) + PV; and (4) Grid + DG + Hydro + PV. To meet demand for electricity, each option has the capacity to produce at least 6 MW of power. The findings indicated that production (24.7%) is the most significant criterion, closely followed by economics (24.2%), technology (18.5%), social and environmental (18.1%), and structure (14.5%). Option II is strongly advised in terms of economic and structural criteria, while option I has a considerable advantage in terms of production criteria and the impact on society and the environment. The preferences of options I, IV, and III were ranked, with option II being the most preferred choice out of the four.

Purpose: Today’s challenges underscore the importance of energy across all segments of life. This scientific paper investigates the multifaceted relationship between energy efficiency, energy import reliance, population heating access, renewable energy integration, electricity production capacities, internet utilization, structural EU funds, and education/training within the framework of economic development. Methodology: Using data from selected European countries and employing self-organizing neural networks (SOM) and linear regression, this research explores how these interconnected factors influence the journey toward a sustainable and prosperous economic future. Results: The analysis revealed a strong connection between energy efficiency and numerous socioeconomic factors of modern times, with most of these connections being non-linear in nature. Conclusion: As countries work toward sustainable development goals, prioritizing energy efficiency can contribute to improved quality of life, economic growth, and environmental sustainability.

This paper examines the relationship between renewable energy (RE) generation, economic factors, infrastructure, and governance quality in ASEAN countries. Based on the Fixed Effects regression model on panel data spanning the years 2002–2021, results demonstrate that domestic capital investment, foreign direct investment, governance effectiveness, and crude oil price exhibit an inverse yet significant relationship with RE generation. An increase in those factors will lead to a decline in RE generation. Meanwhile, economic growth and infrastructure have a positive relationship, which implies that these factors act as stimulants for RE generation in the region. Hence, it is advisable to prioritise policies that foster economic growth, including offering tax breaks specifically for RE projects. Additionally, it’s crucial to streamline governance processes to facilitate infrastructure conducive to RE generation, along with investing in RE infrastructure. This could be achieved by establishing one-stop centres for consolidating permitting processes, which would streamline the often-bureaucratic process. However, given the extensive time period covered, future research should examine the short-term relationship between the variables to address any potential temporal trends between the factors and RE generation.

The challenge of rural electrification has become more challenging today than ever before. Grid-connected and off-grid microgrid systems are playing a very important role in this problem. Examining each component’s ideal size, facility system reactions, and other microgrid analyses, this paper proposes the design and implementation of an off-grid hybrid microgrid in Chittagong and Faridpur with various load dispatch strategies. The hybrid microgrids with a load of 23.31 kW and the following five dispatch algorithms have been optimized: (i) load following, (ii) HOMER predictive, (iii) combined dispatch, (iv) generator order, and (v) cycle charging dispatch approach. The proposed microgrids have been optimized to reduce the net present cost, CO₂ emissions, and levelized cost of energy. All five dispatch strategies for the two microgrids have been analyzed in HOMER Pro. Power system reactions and feasibility analyses of microgrids have been performed using ETAP simulation software. For both the considered locations, the results propound that load-following is the outperforming approach, which has the lowest energy cost of $0.1728/kWh, operational cost of $2944.13, present cost of $127,528.10, and CO₂ emission of 2746 kg/year for the Chittagong microgrid and the lowest energy cost of $0.2030/kWh, operating cost of $3530.34, present cost of 149,287.30, and CO₂ emission of 3256 kg/year for the Faridpur microgrid with a steady reaction of the power system.