A multicriteria analysis of the environmental dimension associated with hydropower in Parana State, Brazil

Abstract

The aim of this study was to structure a multicriteria decision matrix for supporting decision-making process in new hydropower ventures. Methodological proceedings were used combining a Delphi method, analytic hierarchy process (AHP), and aggregation procedures. As a result, the variables relevant regarding possible investments in hydroelectric power were defined, especially when comparing hydroelectric plants and small hydroelectric plants. In this paper, the analysis concentrates on the variables of the environmental dimension of energy that may or may not impact decisions on such investments. Local energy safety was identified as one of the main critical factors that could influence decisions to increase electricity supplies through hydroelectric plants. As a contribution to the field, this tool enables an understanding of the relevant variables and respective weights in the decisionmaking process to help managers in the electricity sector of Parana State draft more realistic public policies to meet the actual needs of the state.