Multi-objective Optimization for Analysis of Changing Trade-offs in the Nepalese Water-Energy-Food Nexus with Hydropower Development

This report proposes a spatially explicit framework that couples two well-established water and power system models to develop a decision support tool combining multiple nexus objectives in a linear objective function. To demonstrate our framework, the authors compare eight Nepalese power development scenarios based on five nexus objectives: minimization of power deficit, maintenance of water availability for irrigation to support food self-sufficiency, reduction in flood risk, maintenance of environmental flows and maximization of power export.