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Computer-based tools for assessment of small-scale hydropower resources and project feasibility: a review

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  • Punys, Petras

Abstract

This article analyses and compares computer-based tools designed for small hydropower (SHP) potential assessment, site planning, and design, focusing on the initial assessment phase of project evaluation. The review draws from various sources, including open-access publications, research papers and projects, data repositories, and web resources. This paper presents more than 40 software tools currently in use, their main features, comparative analysis, and research studies using them, including a brief reminder of historic software tools. These tools can provide simple initial estimates or be sophisticated software considering unconventional (in-conduit) hydro. They are categorised into four groups: i) Hydraulic turbine selection (4 software), ii) Site feasibility assessment (18), iii) Environmental flow assessment (5), iv) Web-based hydropower atlases (9), and v) Multicriteria analysis (3).

Suggested Citation

  • Punys, Petras, 2025. "Computer-based tools for assessment of small-scale hydropower resources and project feasibility: a review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 216(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:rensus:v:216:y:2025:i:c:s1364032125003909
    DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2025.115717
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    7. Petras Punys & Linas Jurevičius, 2022. "Assessment of Hydropower Potential in Wastewater Systems and Application in a Lowland Country, Lithuania," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(14), pages 1-23, July.
    8. Palomino Cuya, Daly Grace & Brandimarte, Luigia & Popescu, Ioana & Alterach, Julio & Peviani, Maximo, 2013. "A GIS-based assessment of maximum potential hydropower production in La Plata basin under global changes," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 50(C), pages 103-114.
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    12. Rudimar Caricimi & Géremi Gilson Dranka & Dalmarino Setti & Paula Ferreira, 2022. "Reframing the Selection of Hydraulic Turbines Integrating Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Fuzzy VIKOR Multi-Criteria Methods," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(19), pages 1-26, October.
    13. Petras Punys & Antanas Dumbrauskas & Algis Kvaraciejus & Gitana Vyciene, 2011. "Tools for Small Hydropower Plant Resource Planning and Development: A Review of Technology and Applications," Energies, MDPI, vol. 4(9), pages 1-20, August.
    14. Emanuele Quaranta & Manuel Bonjean & Damiano Cuvato & Christophe Nicolet & Matthieu Dreyer & Anthony Gaspoz & Samuel Rey-Mermet & Bruno Boulicaut & Luigi Pratalata & Marco Pinelli & Giuseppe Tomaselli, 2020. "Hydropower Case Study Collection: Innovative Low Head and Ecologically Improved Turbines, Hydropower in Existing Infrastructures, Hydropeaking Reduction, Digitalization and Governing Systems," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(21), pages 1-78, October.
    15. Williamson, S.J. & Stark, B.H. & Booker, J.D., 2014. "Low head pico hydro turbine selection using a multi-criteria analysis," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 61(C), pages 43-50.
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    17. Sood, Aditya & Smakhtin, Vladimir & Eriyagama, Nishadi & Villholth, Karen G. & Liyanage, Nirosha & Wada, Y. & Ebrahim, Girma & Dickens, Chris, 2017. "Global environmental flow information for the sustainable development goals," IWMI Reports 257961, International Water Management Institute.
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