Evaluation and selection of hydro power plant location using the Analytical Hierarchy Process-TOPSIS method

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The strategic choice of where to locate a hydropower plant affects both the facility's financial performance and the long-term sustainable growth of the surrounding area. This study aims to evaluate the accurate location planning of power plant establishment for electricity production in western Mazandaran.METHODS: The Analytical Hierarchy Process is used to assess feasibility, identify the optimal location, and determine the most suitable type of green energy plant. Cost analysis is also conducted to identify the location minimizing energy consumption and associated risks. Finally, recommendations for the most suitable location are presented. Based on this, 6 cities located in the west of Mazandaran province have been selected as case studies. The research was conducted between 2020 and 2023. This research involved preparing a topographic map and using software to determine green locations for electricity production in western Mazandaran, based on a 15-year return period. A comparison is made between the electricity generation system from green energy and the electricity generation system from fossil sources. This comparison examines net production cost, sensitivity analysis, and environmental pollution for both green and fossil fuel systems. The feasibility and effectiveness of a green energy system are then evaluated based on geographical conditions and year-round electricity consumption profiles. Finally, using the Analytical Hierarchy Process hierarchical analysis results, we identify the most optimal location for equipment installation, considering economic efficiency, geographical conditions, and year-round electricity consumption.FINDINGS: The findings reveal that downstream areas with a low slope are best suited for green and sustainable energy production due to their hydrological characteristics and potential for a sustainable supply chain. While eastern regions have high hydropower potential, construction costs are also high. The total cost for a green and sustainable power plant is 2.2 billion Tomans, while sustainable and uneconomical options cost 14 billion Tomans and 24.3 billion Tomans, respectively. Finally, to propose optimal locations for green and sustainable power plants, three precise coordinates for points A, B, and C have been identified.CONCLUSION: This study identifies 40 potential locations for green and sustainable power plants, with additional locations identified for sustainable and non-economic options. Cost and time comparisons show significant advantages for green and sustainable plants. Three specific locations (A, B, and C) with precise coordinates are recommended for further development. This research concluded that eastern areas in the west of Mazandaran, particularly near rivers, are generally well-suited for constructing hydropower plants.