Analytical hierarchy process (AHP) application for reinforcement of hydropower strategy in Nepal

The objective of this work is to analyse hydropower implementation in Nepal over the last few decades and to elaborate recommendations for the most appropriate scale of hydropower development for Nepal. Changing national context with increased social and environmental awareness justifies such studies which are based on a multi-criterion approach. Stakeholders with quite different background and related to hydropower development in the country were involved to reach consensus. Involving many different groups of stakeholders through questionnaire survey for prioritization exercise is first time since government classified hydropower schemes into five scales based on generation capacity. Among various multi-criterion decisions making (MCDM) tools Analytical hierarchical process (AHP) method developed by Saaty was selected. It can be concluded that AHP is easy applicable and appropriate tool to rank hydropower schemes with respect to scale considering social, economic and environmental issue. Additionally, political and technical issues were considered. This study organized in a framework of five criteria (factors) along with associated sub-criteria as well as embedded elements and five alternatives (scale of Hydropower). Subjective value judgment, based on questionnaire survey is used for pair-wise comparison following standard AHP procedure. It can be concluded that medium hydropower is most appropriate and it is closely followed by big hydropower schemes in ranking. Such prioritization will help to develop an innovative hydropower development strategy for the country and will also help to review the recent strategy followed. Though, this research was executed for academic purposes, it could be also useful for all stakeholders in general and decision maker in particular involved in hydropower sector. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.