Scientific Reports of the National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine

Structuring of the scientific field of hydropower potential based on keyword analysis and hierarchical clustering

Yaroslav Adamenko, Volodymyr Maikovych
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Abstract

The relevance of this study stems from the need to systematise contemporary scientific approaches to assessing the environmentally safe utilisation of the hydropower potential of rivers. The environmental assessment of the implementation of renewable energy sources on water bodies lies at the intersection of hydrological, ecological, hydropower, technical and economic aspects. The aim of the study was to structure the scientific field of the environmentally safe use of hydropower potential based on keyword analysis, hierarchical clustering and the identification of interrelationships between the main thematic areas of research. Using the STATISTICA software, a statistical analysis of keyword clusters was conducted. For an in-depth analysis, a histogram, a dendrogram constructed using Ward’s method, and a heat map of correlation links were applied. The information base consisted of 100 scientific publications from the last 20 years from 22 countries worldwide. During the study, a database of 454 keywords was compiled, followed by their preliminary normalisation, frequency analysis, and clustering. Twelve thematic clusters were identified, among which “hydropower systems and resources”, “economics of natural resource use and energy”, “hydrological characteristics and data”, and “methodology and research tools” were dominant. It was established that the modern scientific field has a multi-level hierarchical structure and is characterised by close interaction between ecological, energy, hydrological, and economic domains. The results obtained confirmed the interdisciplinary nature of the research and demonstrated the appropriateness of applying a comprehensive approach to assessing the hydropower potential of rivers, taking into account natural, technical, environmental, and economic factors. The practical significance of the study lies in identifying shortcomings and unresolved aspects in scientific approaches to assessing the environmentally safe use of hydropower potential

Keywords

river systems; small hydropower; environmental safety; water resources; interdisciplinary research

Suggested citation
Adamenko, Ya., & Maikovych, V. (2026). Structuring of the scientific field of hydropower potential based on keyword analysis and hierarchical clustering. Scientific Reports of the National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine, 22(2),120-134. https://doi.org/10.31548/dopovidi/2.2026.120
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