Goel, VarunNautiyal, HimanshuKumar, JanmejaySethi, MuneeshAlam, Tabishsingh, TejKhargotra, RohitKhargotra, Rohit2026-01-272026-01-272025-12Goel, V, Nautiyal, H, Kumar, J, Sethi, M, Alam, T, singh, T & Khargotra, R 2025, 'Acidification potential estimation for small hydropower using LCA methodology in India', Scientific Reports, vol. 15, no. 1, 5768. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-82397-52045-2322PubMedCentral: PMC11832740https://hdl.handle.net/10641/7523Publisher Copyright: © The Author(s) 2025.Small hydropower (SHP) systems are widely considered environmentally sustainable, but they still contribute to emissions during the construction and maintenance phase. This study evaluates the life cycle acidification potential of different SHP projects in India using life cycle assessment (LCA) techniques. SO2eq emissions from these projects vary between 0.065 and 0.325 g/kWh, depending on the project type—run-of-river, canal-based, or dam-toe—as well as their respective size (capacity) and location. The predictive models developed here accurately estimate these emissions and provide practical tools for minimizing environmental impacts in for the prediction of future SHP projects. By optimizing project design and selecting appropriate parameters, SHP projects can significantly reduce their acidification potential, making them a cleaner alternative for renewable energy development.3483466enghttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/AcidificationElectricityEmissionsLife Cycle Assessment (LCA)Small hydropower (SHP)GeneralSDG 7 - Affordable and Clean EnergySDG 12 - Responsible Consumption and ProductionJournal ArticleYesyesjournal articleopen access10.1038/s41598-024-82397-5https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/85218968278https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/85218968278#tab=citedBy