Optimization of the sustainable production pathways under multiple industries and objectives: A study of China's three energy- and emission-intensive industries

Sustainable production pathways are essential for the greening of the industrial sector. To develop the comprehensive optimal pathway, it is important to consider the interactions between multiple industries and objectives. While previous studies have combined several objectives in this field, the simultaneous optimization of multiple industries is still lacking. This study simulates the system of industrial sustainable production measures, including 184 measures in seven types, and proposes the optimization model in China's iron and steel, cement, and coal-fired power industry as cases. To solve this problem with large-scale variables and high-dimensional objectives, this study develops the solution approach including the objective decomposition mechanism and non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm–II–elimination and choice expressing reality (NSGA–II–ELECTRE-III) algorithm, with final decision schemes selected by the Vague-set based approach. Results show that though the energy and emission objectives within an industry are synergic, but the relationships between different industries are almost irrelevant. By 2035, The three industries are estimated to reach energy conservations and emission reductions of 5.2–66.8% compared to 2017. The optimal solutions can exceed the air pollutant emission reduction targets but take risks of reaching energy conservation and CO2 emission reduction ones. The main contribution measures in the three industries are the integration of production equipment structure upgrade and cleaner production technology promotion, production output limitation, and production equipment structure upgrade, respectively, with 57 measures being prior for promotion. In sum, this study provides new solution methods and several policy suggestions for industrial sustainable production management.