A data-driven viable supply network for energy security and economic prosperity

AbstractDeveloping countries face significant challenges in achieving energy stability due to disruptions in their energy supply chains, which jeopardise their sustainability and survivability. Addressing these issues requires careful consideration of public funding in the energy sector and the design of a robust electricity infrastructure. This study aims to identify long-term infrastructure investment strategies that can strengthen the viability of the energy supply network in developing countries, even with limited public funds. The research is underpinned by an empirical study that shows the successful development of energy infrastructure through the effective implementation of viable energy strategies in developing countries. By adopting these strategies, energy supply networks in developing countries can mitigate supply disruptions and avert economic losses. Further, this study evaluates the effectiveness of the viable energy supply network by incorporating a mix of energy resources based on actual data from Pakistan. The contributions of the study are as follows. We develop a viable energy supply network model that considers crucial elements, such as extraction, transportation, generation, transmission, and supply and facilities decision-making. Additionally, we show that the performance of the energy network is not only driven by electricity supply but also influenced by the overall economic growth of the country.KEYWORDS: Viable energyrenewablefossil fuelsupply chain disruptionsenergy economics Disclosure statementNo potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).Data availability statementThe data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding authors upon reasonable request.Additional informationNotes on contributorsKwon Gi MunKwon Gi Mun is an assistant professor at Technology and Operations Management at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. His research interest lies in supply chain management and energy interface, as well as healthcare and healthcare operations. He has experience working with industry and government partners, especially in energy policy /energy system modelling/healthcare operations/disease prediction using data analytics. His work has appeared in Production and Operations Management, IEEE Access, International Journal of Production Research, and Manufacturing & Service Operations Management. He won Early-Career Best Paper Award, Energy, Natural Resources, and the Environment (ENRE), INFORMS Annual Meeting 2019 and was the winner of the Best Theoretical Research Paper Award, Asian Pacific Decision Science Institute (APDSI). Dr. Mun received his PhD degree in both Operations Research and Business (Supply Chain Management) as the Joint Degree from Rutgers University in 2016 and the MA in Economics from University of Missouri Columbia in 2009 and he, as a doctoral student, also studied Operations Research in IEOR at Columbia University. Dr. Mun was a full-time staff at Korean Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Seoul, Korea.Wenbo CaiWenbo Cai, PhD is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering at the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT). She received a PhD in Industrial Engineering and Operations Research at University of California, Berkeley. Dr. Cai's research interests focus on the integration of Operations Research and Economics methodologies, with the goal of developing innovative analytical frameworks. These frameworks aim to enhance operational efficiencies across various systems, such as energy, forestry, and digital services. Through her work, Dr. Cai uses game theory and optimisation techniques to address real-world challenges, where creating incentives among key players can better align their interests and objectives. Her research areas include the management of invasive species, carbon capture and storage systems, energy supply chain, and digital services. Dr. Cai's research is mostly funded by NSF and the U.S. Forest Service.Mark RodgersMark Rodgers, an Assistant Professor at Rutgers Business School, is a specialist in Energy Systems, Sustainability, Demand Planning, Operations Research, Risk Assessment, and Statistical Modeling. Holding a PhD in Industrial & Systems Engineering from Rutgers University, his research centres on simulation-based optimisation models for electricity generation expansion planning with an emphasis on incorporating human health externalities. His MS degrees in Industrial & Systems Engineering, Applied & Mathematical Statistics, and a BS in Ceramic Engineering, all from Rutgers University, along with an MEng in Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Practices from Stevens Institute of Technology, form the foundation of his expertise. Dr. Rodgers' diverse research contributions encompass areas such as battery risk, renewable energy investments, and beyond. Additionally, he actively engages in research projects focused on supply chain dynamics and operations research.Sungyong ChoiSungyong Choi is a professor of operations and service management at HUBS (Hanyang University Business School), South Korea. His papers have been published in international journals such as Operations Research, European Journal of Operational Research, International Journal of Production Economics, International Journal of Production Research, and Operations Research Letters. His current research interests include supply chain management modelling and applications under risk, supply chain resilience and viability, inventory management, sustainable and socially responsible operations. He also has some educational concerns in ILSC (Instructor-led, Students-centered) Learning and PBLs (Problem-Based or Project-Based Learning).