<p>Hydropower is widely recognized as an efficient and dependable source of renewable energy, contributing significantly to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the advancement of sustainable development. Despite its potential, selecting an optimal site for a hydroelectric power plant is a challenging task because it requires the careful consideration of numerous environmental, social, and economic factors. To address this complexity, this study develops an integrated fuzzy group decision-making framework to identify the most suitable site for hydropower generation with a focus on supporting rural development. The model incorporates expert evaluations from four decision-makers and assesses five alternative sites using fifteen criteria categorized as beneficial and non-beneficial. Criteria weights are calculated using the fuzzy Simple Weight Calculation(SIWEC) method, and the fuzzy Ranking Alternatives by Perimeter Similarity(RAPS) approach is applied to rank the alternatives. The results indicate that the second site is the most appropriate location for plant establishment. Sensitivity, comparative, and statistical analyses further demonstrate the stability and reliability of the proposed methodology. The study provides valuable managerial insights for policymakers and planners involved in sustainable energy infrastructure planning. Beyond this case study, the proposed model demonstrates strong potential for application across diverse sectors and decision-making contexts.</p>