Towards climate-adaptive development of small hydropower projects in Himalaya: A multi-model assessment in upper Beas basin

• Climate change impact assessment on two SHPs with contrasting designs in Himalaya. Multi-attribute calibration for hydrological modelling a glaciated catchment. Changes streamflow seasonality future increase power potential of low flows. Design small hydropower projects influences their sensitivity to climate change. Allain catchment, sub-basin Beas basin, Western This study aims assess glacio-hydrological changes basin and impacts the operation Small Hydropower Projects (SHP) requirements. The Water Evaluation Planning (WEAP) model is used integrate cryosphere, hydrology production 21 st century using projected by ensembles five global models under RCP 4.5 8.5. total have widespread uncertainty magnitude but shows noticeable seasonality. Of SHPs, one utilizing high flows hydraulic head generation behaviour similar projections. Its annual 2 21% (RCP4.5) -5 40% (RCP8.5) end century. other plant that uses lesser maintains its designed consistently throughout indicates design plants strongly thus provides important insights into climate-adaptive planning