Risk evaluation and prevention in hydropower plant operations: A model based on Pythagorean fuzzy AHP

Hydropower generation facilities are becoming increasingly popular in many parts of the world. One of the main reasons for this situation is that the resource reserves such as coal, petroleum and natural gas, which are called conventional energy sources, decrease day by day and their prices rise. So the efficient operation of hydroelectric power plants has become very important. When these plants are operated, it is possible to cause many hazards, including injury, illness, death, damage to the environment, property and equipment. In this study, it is aimed to perform risk assessment for hydroelectric power plants using Pythagorean fuzzy Analytical hierarchy process (PFAHP) method. The team of experts has identified twenty hazards and their results that could occur in the operation of the hydroelectric power plant. The weights of the hazards were determined by using linguistic expressions. Preventive measures have been taken for the three most important hazards. The results of this study are expected to contribute to the safety of hydropower plants and the prevention of financial losses. •A risk assessment model for hydroelectric power plants is performed.•The proposed model integrates Pythagorean fuzzy AHP.•20 hazards are evaluated for a hydroelectric power plant.•Preventive measures are presented for the most important 3 hazards.