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Assessment of Hydropower Potential in the Upper Indus Basin: A Geographic Information System-Based Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis for Sustainable Water Resources in Pakistan

Author

Listed:
  • Asim Qayyum Butt

    (Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Science and Frozen Soil Engineering, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
    China-Pakistan Joint Research Center on Earth Sciences, CAS-HEC, Islamabad 45320, Pakistan
    Centre of Excellence in Water Resources Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology (UET), Lahore 54890, Pakistan)

  • Donghui Shangguan

    (Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Science and Frozen Soil Engineering, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
    China-Pakistan Joint Research Center on Earth Sciences, CAS-HEC, Islamabad 45320, Pakistan)

  • Muhammad Waseem

    (Centre of Excellence in Water Resources Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology (UET), Lahore 54890, Pakistan
    College of Hydrology and Water Resources, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China)

  • Adnan Abbas

    (School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Anhui Polytechnic University, Wuhu 241000, China)

  • Abhishek Banerjee

    (Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Science and Frozen Soil Engineering, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China
    School of Surveying and Land Information Engineering, Henan Polytechnic University, Jiaozuo 454003, China)

  • Nilesh Yadav

    (Key Laboratory of Geographic Information Science (Ministry of Education), School of Geographic Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China)

Abstract

The development of hydropower projects is crucial to addressing Pakistan’s ongoing energy and financial crises. Despite the country’s abundant hydropower resources, particularly in the northern regions, these have not been adequately explored, while energy consumption and supply issues have persisted for the past two decades. Focusing on Sustainable Development Goal (SDG-7): “Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy”, this study aimed to assess the hydropower potential at suitable sites in the Upper Indus Basin (Pakistan) by integrating Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDM). This study not only focused on estimating hydropower but also considered the environmental constraints at all sites by using the multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) tool, which used the location and constraint criteria, along with benefit and cost criteria. The methodology combines technical evaluations (head and discharge) with environmental constraints to prioritize sustainable hydropower development. Key findings identify sites 17, 15, 16, 5, and 6 as the most promising locations, balancing energy generation with minimal environmental impact. This study provides a replicable framework for policymakers to harness hydropower resources responsibly, contributing to Pakistan’s energy security and aligning with global Sustainable Development Goals. This approach not only bridges the gap between technical feasibility and environmental sustainability but also offers a model for other regions facing similar energy challenges.

Suggested Citation

  • Asim Qayyum Butt & Donghui Shangguan & Muhammad Waseem & Adnan Abbas & Abhishek Banerjee & Nilesh Yadav, 2025. "Assessment of Hydropower Potential in the Upper Indus Basin: A Geographic Information System-Based Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis for Sustainable Water Resources in Pakistan," Resources, MDPI, vol. 14(3), pages 1-23, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jresou:v:14:y:2025:i:3:p:49-:d:1614299
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    References listed on IDEAS

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