Sustainable generalized refueling station location problem under uncertainty

Abstract This paper proposes a novel optimization model for designing sustainable refueling networks in urban areas. Indicators such as total cost, environmental pollution, and social welfare of the districts are quantified as objective functions. Compared to prior studies, multiple types of refueling stations (i.e., charging, hydrogen, alternative-fuel, and fossil-fuel) are locatable simultaneously. The model integrates endogenous and exogenous features of these stations to prevent the sub-optimality of the decisions. Besides, a robust optimization approach is tailored to alleviate the impact of uncertainty on obtained solutions. Finally, a case study is carried out in Alborz, a province of Iran, to show the applicability of the model in practice. Several noticeable managerial insights are derived based on the change in key parameters.