A systematic framework for the assessment of sustainable hydropower potential in a river basin – The case of the upper Indus

Siloed-approaches may fuel the misguided development of hydropower and subsequent target-setting under sustainable goals (SDGs). While in Indus basin is vital to ensure energy security (SDG7), it needs be balanced with water use for fulfilling food (SDG2) (SDG6) security. Existing methods estimate potential generally focus on: only one class potential, a methodological advance either siting, sizing, or costing site, ranking portfolio projects. A majority them fall short addressing sustainability. Hence, we develop systematic framework basin-scale assessment by integrating considerations water-energy-food nexus, disaster risk, climate change, environmental protection, socio-economic preferences. Considering case upper Indus, developed combining advances literature, insights from local practitioners over 30 datasets represent real-life challenges development, while distinguishing between small large plants two run-of-river plant configurations. The first addresses theoretical successively constrains this further stepwise inclusion technical, economical, sustainability criteria obtain exploitable potential. We conclude that complex basins such as goes far beyond hydrological boundary conditions. Our enables careful factors status-quo technological economic criterions guide policymakers decisions beyond. Future work will implement quantify different classes explore adaptation pathways balance SDG7 other interlinked SDGs Indus.