A machine learning and fuzzy logic model for optimizing digital transformation in renewable energy: insights into industrial information integration

Abstract

The most essential criteria to improve digital transformation in renewable energy projects should be identified. This situation helps the companies to use limited financial budgets and human resources in the most efficient way. Therefore, a new study is needed to analyze the performance indicators of the digital transformation process in renewable energy projects. Accordingly, this study aims to identify the most significant performance indicators of digital transformation for these projects. A three-stage machine learning and fuzzy logic-based decision-making model has been constructed in this process. The first stage includes the weight calculation of the experts by dimension reduction methodology. Secondly, essential factors of digital transformation in renewable energy projects are examined via Fermatean fuzzy criteria importance through intercriteria correlation (CRITIC). The final part consists of the ranking of emerging seven countries with Fermatean fuzzy weighted aggregated sum product assessment (WASPAS). On the other side, combined compromise solution (CoCoSo) method is also taken into consideration in this process to make a comparative evaluation. The main contribution of this study is the generation of novel machine learning and fuzzy logic integrated decision-making model to make evaluation related to the digital transformation of renewable energy projects. In this model, machine learning technique is used to determine the importance weights of the experts. Similarly, integrating Fermatean fuzzy numbers with CRITIC and WASPAS techniques also contributes to the literature by minimizing the uncertainty and identifying the relationship between the items. The findings demonstrate that employing qualified personnel plays the most critical role in increasing digital transformation in renewable energy projects. Additionally, government support is very critical in the successful implementation of digital transformation processes in renewable energy projects.