Site Selection and Investment Prioritization for Small Hydropower Plants Using Spatial Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Models

Mohammad Mazlomi Mochani, Ali Moridi (), Mojtaba Dadkhah Tehrani, Reza Khalili and Ali Torabi Haghighi
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Mohammad Mazlomi Mochani: Shahid Beheshti University
Ali Moridi: Shahid Beheshti University
Mojtaba Dadkhah Tehrani: Shahid Beheshti University
Reza Khalili: Shahid Beheshti University
Ali Torabi Haghighi: University of Oulu

Water Resources Management: An International Journal, Published for the European Water Resources Association (EWRA), 2025, vol. 39, issue 13, No 13, 6985-7004

Abstract: Abstract In recent years, growing energy demands and the need for sustainable, renewable energy sources have underscored the importance of small hydropower plants (SHPs) as a feasible solution. This study presents a model-based approach for identifying and prioritizing suitable sites for SHP construction within a large watershed area, emphasizing investment opportunities for the private sector. Using Spatial Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (SMCDM) techniques, we integrate environmental, technical, economic, and social criteria to evaluate potential locations comprehensively. The resulting priority-based ranking facilitates targeted investment planning by highlighting sites with optimal energy generation potential and investment competitiveness. Our findings demonstrate the effectiveness of SMCDM in optimizing site selection, providing a strategic foundation for advancing clean energy initiatives with lower environmental impact. In total, 9 selected sites have been identified, with a combined installed capacity of 30.91 MW. This installed capacity results in the production of 134 GWh of energy per year. Ultimately, this amount of energy produced by a renewable energy source will reduce 115,606 tons of carbon dioxide emissions, which helps mitigate the effects of climate change.

Keywords: Identifying suitable sites of SHPs; Analytic hierarchy process (AHP); Analytic network process (ANP); Greenhouse gas emissions (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1007/s11269-025-04279-3

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