Assessing the Sustainability of Small Hydropower Potential in the Threats of Natural Disasters: an Analytic Hierarchy Process-Based Approach

This study assesses the sustainability of small hydropower installations amidst natural hazards, employing the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to rank disaster risks like earthquakes, floods, landslides, forest fires, and drought. Focusing on four potential small hydropower sites in the Citarum watershed, West Java, Indonesia, the research integrates geographical and disaster risk maps to create a framework for evaluating locations prone to natural disasters. The results identify high risk zones (Locations 2 and 4) with concentrated small hydropower potential. Additionally, moderate-risk locations (1 and 3) are recognized as viable opportunities for development. The findings aid decision-making for policymakers and stakeholders, promoting resilient small hydropower systems.