Sustainability assessment model for Brazilian hydroelectric projects using multicriteria analysis

Abstract

The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) has not previously been applied to the sustainable implementation of hydroelectric plants in Brazil. Despite attempts to conduct environmental analyses in a less subjective way, the Brazilian method is still in an early stage of development. Therefore, this study presents a new approach to the AHP methodology, which is used worldwide to analyze the feasibility of hydroelectric plant projects. Specifically, we develop a model for assessing the sustainability of hydroelectric projects that considers environmental, social, and economic criteria. To prove the effectiveness of this model, we conduct a survey of the main criteria and sub-criteria adopted around the world and discuss their respective prioritization processes. Subsequently, we present case studies of three Brazilian hydroelectric plants. Our analysis suggests that the AHP model is satisfactory. We recommend using the proposed model as a basis to encourage and incite discussion regarding the multiple perspectives involved in a hydroelectric project. The AHP model combined with a sensitivity analysis is capable of describing the potential conflicts and impacts resulting from the implementation of a hydroelectric project.