NET ZERO TRANSITION TOWARDS DECARBONIZATION IN CONTEXT OF ENERGY SECTOR
subject: Carbon pricing; Circular economy; Decarbonization; DEMATEL method; Enablers; Energy sector; Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM); Net zero transition; Sustainable energy; Trapezoidal fuzzy numbers
description: The study provides an identification and analysis of potential enablers that facilitate transition towards net zero in the energy sector through Multi Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) framework. The identified enablers and causal relationships between them in terms of decarbonization initiatives are studied using the DEMATEL method and combining trapezoidal fuzzy numbers (TFNs). The research design involves an overarching review of thirteen potential enablers to net zero transition within the energy sector, in order of their impact and causality. Top-ranked enablers that would have the greatest impact in achieving the energy transition were carbon pricing mechanisms, waste-to-energy conversion, decentralized energy systems and circular procurement policies. The research indicates that the enablers show causal pathways that are interconnected and can take place as both causes and effects in the decarbonization framework. Application of DEMATEL method using TFNs increases the strength of causal relationship derivation. The study adds to the literature on enabling net zero transition in energy and highlights the importance of a conceptual approach involving a combination of policy, technology and principles of the circular economy. Such lessons can guide policy makers, industry players and academics in planning and speeding up the process to sustainable energy systems and world climate targets. 2026 Sciendo. All rights reserved.
creator: Srivastava, Shefali; Shetty, Lakshmi; Dwivedi, Ashish; Agrawal, Dindayal; Patil, Anchal; Pamucar, Dragan
source: ECONOMICS - Innovative and Economics Research Journal;Volume;14;Issue;1;pp.483-514
publisher: Sciendo
date: 01-01-2026
rights: All Open Access; Gold Open Access; Green Open Access
relation: ISSN: 23035005;
format: online
language: English
type: Article
coverage: Srivastava S., Operations and Decision Sciences, Christ University, Bengaluru, India; Shetty L., Department of Management, Symbiosis Centre for Management Studies, Bengaluru, Symbiosis International (Deemed University, Pune, India; Dwivedi A., Jindal Global Business School, O.P. Jindal Global University, Sonipat, India; Agrawal D., Institute of Management Technology, Ghaziabad, India; Patil A., IMI Delhi, New Delhi, India; Pamucar D., Sustainability Competence Centre, Szhenyi Istv University, Gy?r, Hungary