Multi-Criteria Optimization of Main Gas Pipeline Routing in the Preliminary Economic Feasibility Study of the Gas Transmission System in Eastern Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Energy infrastructure projects follow a clearly defined life cycle that includes decision-making phases based on the analysis of technical, economic, and environmental criteria. Within the process of planning and constructing transmission gas pipelines, route selection represents a key step that significantly affects construction costs, implementation duration, and system reliability. This paper applies a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) approach to determine the optimal gas pipeline route variant, simultaneously considering economic, environmental, technical, and social criteria. The decision model is based on the definition of criteria and sub criteria, their weighting, and the evaluation of alternative routes. Model verification was conducted on the example of a transmission gas pipeline route in the eastern part of the Republic of Srpska, using available spatial planning and technical data. The results confirm that the application of the MCDM approach enables a more rational, transparent, and reliable route selection in the stage of the preliminary economic feasibility study.