The project titled "Suitable Site Selection and Potential Energy Estimation for Run-of-River
Hydroelectric Power Plants (NHPs) under Climate Change Using Hydrological Model and GIS
Based Multi-Criteria Decision Making Approach", conducted by Dr. Muhammet Yılmaz’s from
the Department of Civil Engineering at the Faculty of Engineering and Architecture at
Erzurum Technical University (ETU), and with Dr. Kadir Diler Alemdar, Dr. Mustafa Cansaran
Ertaş, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Şaziye Özge Atik as researchers, has been awarded support under
the TÜBİTAK 1002-A Rapid Support Program.
Dr. Lecturer Muhammet Yılmaz, sharing details about the project, emphasized that the need
for sustainable energy sources is becoming increasingly important with increasing energy
demand, saying, "Determining potential run-of-river hydroelectric power plant locations and
estimating their production capacity under climate change has become a critical area of
​​research today. By adopting a multi-criteria decision-making approach within the scope of
the project, we aim to identify the most suitable areas for run-of-river hydroelectric power
plant installations in the sub-basins of the Çoruh and Fırat basins, which are among the
richest basins in Türkiye in terms of water potential."
Dr. Yılmaz explained that the project will integrate various factors, including hydrological
characteristics, topography, land use, ecological constraints, and engineering requirements,
into a holistic assessment system. He continued, "The project will significantly contribute to
sustainable environmental management, renewable energy planning, and the efficient use
of water resources by estimating the potential production capacities of run-of-river
hydroelectric power plants to be built in suitable areas, as a result of future hydrological
changes caused by climate change. Furthermore, it will play a strategic role in strengthening
energy supply security and supporting a low-carbon energy future."

Corporate Communications and Promotion Directorate November 19,2025