Multi-criteria evaluation of marine renewable energy sources using TOPSIS for coastal pollution mitigation and sustainable development

The growing urgency to transition toward clean energy systems has heightened interest in marine renewable energy (MRE) as a sustainable solution for coastal regions facing environmental degradation from fossil fuel use. This study applies the TOPSIS (Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution) method to evaluate and rank MRE options, offshore wind, tidal, and wave energy, based on four key criteria: Efficiency, Cost, Emissions, and Resource Availability. Expert judgment was used to derive weighted preferences, and a structured decision matrix facilitated performance scoring and ranking. The analysis identified Efficiency as the most influential factor, with offshore wind energy emerging as the top alternative due to its strong performance and scalability. The results offer a practical, adaptable framework for supporting energy planning in coastal zones, enabling decision-makers to balance environmental protection and operational feasibility.