Fuzzy TOPSIS Excel Template: A Novel Approach to Hydropower Plant Management

Hydropower (HP) plants play a crucial role in meeting the world's increasing energy demand while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. However, their implementation has significant impacts on ecological systems and characteristic landscapes. To mitigate these effects, it is essential to adopt sustainable management practices that balance energy production needs, economic profitability, and environmental safeguard.

In this context, multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methods have emerged as a valuable tool for supporting complex water management decisions. The Regional Agency for the Protection of the Environment Valle d'Aosta, in collaboration with the Department of Environment, Land and Infrastructure Engineering at Politecnico di Torino, has applied various MCDM methods to an existing small run-of-the-river HP plant in Aosta Valley, Italy.

Seven different MCDM methods were employed for selecting the optimal flow release scenario: SAW, WPM, AHP, TOPSIS, VIKOR, ELECTRE III, and SHARE MCA. The selected criteria were energy production, environmental and fishing impacts, landscape preservation, and economic profitability. Key stakeholders were involved in the decision-making process to ensure a comprehensive approach.

The use of fuzzy TOPSIS Excel templates can provide valuable support for achieving more sustainable solutions in complex water management problems. This method allows for the integration of multiple criteria and the consideration of uncertainties and ambiguities associated with HP plant management.

In conclusion, this study demonstrates the potential of fuzzy TOPSIS Excel templates as a novel approach to HP plant management. The application of MCDM methods can provide helpful support for balancing competing interests and achieving more sustainable solutions in complex water management problems.

Fuzzy topsis excel template