A theory-based decision support framework for energy transition: pluralised perspective

Olaoluwa Aasa^1*Sarah Phoya¹Rehema J. Monko¹Innocent Musonda^2*

• ¹Building Economics, Ardhi University, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
• ²Construction and Management Quantity Surveying, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa

This study presents a theory-based decision support framework for energy transitions that addressed the requirement for comprehensive approach beyond routine problem-solving techniques. The decision support framework integrates value-focused thinking, sustainability and resilience theories, and multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA). The four theoretical lenses were synthesised to address three core support areas: alternatives identification, evaluation criteria development, and method selection. The resulting conceptual framework is structured into foundational, evaluation, and decision-making stages, each underpinned by stakeholder engagement and context alignment. To demonstrate usefulness, the article provides a detailed illustrative application to a hypothetical energy planning scenario in a Sub-Saharan Africa nation, an epicentre of energy access challenges. The framework offers transparency, adaptability, and rigour for methodological roadmap for national energy planning. This work provides a clear guide for policymakers and researchers to apply in diverse geographic and system scales, bridging the gap between theory and practical energy policy evaluation.