The Guidelines for the Evaluation of Hydropower and Multi-Purpose Project Portfolios: Hydropower Planning Support Tool (HPST) User Manual (2015) provide practical guidance for assessing and comparing portfolios of hydropower and multi-purpose dam projects. Developed by the Mekong River Commission, the manual introduces a structured planning approach supported by the HPST, a decision-support tool that integrates economic, financial, environmental, and social criteria. It enables users to evaluate trade-offs across multiple projects within a river basin and identify optimal development pathways. The guidelines emphasize multi-criteria analysis, stakeholder consultation, and scenario modelling to support transparent and evidence-based decision-making. By combining quantitative valuation with qualitative indicators, the manual helps governments plan sustainable hydropower investments that balance energy generation, water management, and environmental and social outcomes
