A robust three-dimensional Fermatean fuzzy approach for comprehensive strategy selection for photovoltaic energy development

The increasing global demand for sustainable energy has heightened the need for efficient strategies in photovoltaic (PV) energy deployment, particularly in developing regions. However, policy and market challenges necessitate robust decision-making frameworks for selecting the most effective strategies. This study presents a robust three-dimensional Fermatean fuzzy approach, integrating Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) analysis, Stepwise Weight Assessment Ratio Analysis (SWARA), CRiteria Importance Through Intercriteria Correlation (CRITIC), and Evaluation Based on Distance from Average Solution (EDAS) under a Fermatean fuzzy (FF) environment. Methodologically, four alternative strategies are prioritized using sixteen SWOT-based criteria, identified through expert consultation and literature review. FF-SWARA and FF-CRITIC are employed for subjective and objective criteria weighting, respectively, and FF-EDAS is used for strategy ranking. Regarding the findings, “removal of fuel subsidy and its ramification” is identified as the most influential factor (weight: 0.0924), followed by “limited awareness and information dissemination” (0.0826), “weak institutional capacity” (0.0792), “energy security” (0.0701), and “limited access to funding” (0.0671). Among the strategies, “promoting public awareness of solar energy potential and market prospects” achieves the highest performance score (0.500), ranking as the most effective option. Sensitivity analysis confirms the robustness of the rankings under various weighting scenarios. These findings offer valuable insights and practical guidance for policymakers and stakeholders, supporting the development of targeted and sustainable PV energy strategies in the region.