'better utilization' with or without article

I have the following sentences:

1. "Optimization methods can lead to (a) better utilization of renewable energy sources"
2. "Optimization methods lead to (a) better utilization of renewable energy sources"

My question is, whether it is a mistake to use the article 'a' in this context. I used to have the articcle there but Grammarly tells me to get rid of it. As something like this can be found frequently in my thesis, I'd appreciate it if anyone could comment on my question.

Solution 1:

Utilization can be used both as a countable and as an uncountable noun.

If you're using it in the uncountable sense (as it seems to be the case) it is not grammatical to use an indefinite article.

Either leave the article out or use the definite article "The" depending on the context

Solution 2:

It is not a mistake but a choice. If you don't use it you do not insist on the possible fact that there exists a variety of ways of utilizing energy, in other words, a variety of utilizations; if you use the article, then you understate that there might not be just one single way of coming up with a better utilization , but several.