Assessment of Renewable Energy Technologies on Multiple Scales (ARTEMIS)

A Participatory Multi-Criteria Approach

The aim of the research project was to apply, critically assess and develop further participatory multi-criteria evaluation (MCE) of Austrian and local energy scenarios. The evaluation was based on sustainability criteria of different dimensions (social, economic, environmental, technical).

The project was finished in May 2006. An executive summary can be downloaded from the project website: www.project-artemis.net

Particularly, the project included:

the development of energy scenarios for Austria and two local communities in Styria. The scenarios focus an Renewable Energy Technologies (RETs) and are based on existing national energy scenarios respectively four directions of possible energy-development in the given communities.

the collection and description of evaluation criteria and indicators for sustainable energy systems;

the compilation of an evaluation matrix for RETs and their social, environmental, and economic impacts. This was done through exploration and integration of existing databases and studies. The focus was both on Austria as a whole and on a local area, consisting of two commuties.

the use and evaluation of MCE tools and developing procedures for the participatory exploration of different energy scenarios at the national and local community level.

The main methods applied were life-cycle analysis, scenario building, social surveys, expert interviews, deliberative processes, multi-criteria methods, and two case studies (national and local level).

The main innovative aspects of the project were:

(1) systematic exploration of the social impacts of renewable energy technologies;

(2) participatory development and evaluation of energy scenarios.

The main results (potential benefits) of the project for the scientific community and for potential users are:

(1) Impact matrix and MCE tool that can be used:

(a) by national/local policy and other decision makers for exploring different energy scenarios;

(b) by national/local policy makers for finding out about preferences of the general public for different energy scenarios as a basis for the design of renewable energy promotion schemes;

(c) for the structuring of and as an aid for participatory (or non-participatory) decision processes involving different scenarios.

(2) The extension of the approach to be developed to other (energy) technologies is straightforward.

(3) Scientific articles contributing to current debates on public consultation and participation, assessing future energy options and the suitability of different multi-criteria methods for participatory evaluation.