<p>Pakistan is particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change and is now facing serious water shortages. Such changes are also influencing hydropower generation in the region. This research aims to investigate how climate change is going to impact the water resources as well as power generation in the Satpara basin in the northern part of Pakistan, using Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs). The hydrological model Hydraulic Engineering Centre-Hydrologic Modeling System (HEC-HMS) along with climate data from two Regional Climate Models (RCMs) were used to replicate future streamflow and hydropower generation under various climate change scenarios. The study has shown that both temperature and precipitation are expected to rise in the future. Regardless of the RCPs, the mean annual streamflow in this basin is predicted to increase, especially in the winter and spring. However, a reduction (17%) in streamflow is anticipated during the summer season for RCP4.5 for 2080s. While overall seasonal high-flow volumes are projected to decline, particularly due to reduced summer flows, the magnitude of the annual peak flow (maximum discharge event) is estimated to remain broadly stable; however, its timing shifts earlier from May to April under both RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 scenarios. Furthermore, the study evaluated the influence of climate change on hydropower using the HEC-ResSim model. Power generation under various scenarios indicated a rise (5–20%) in overall hydropower production in all future periods. Overall, the Satpara basin is anticipated to have a faster rate of snowmelt and a drop in summer flow, which will limit water availability for irrigation and power generation. These results emphasize the importance of impact of climate change on the water resources in the basin and can help to inform the policy makers with appropriate policies for sustainable water resource management.</p> Graphical Abstract <p></p> <p>This graphical abstract summarizes climate change impacts on hydropower and water resources in the Satpara Basin, Pakistan. Employing advanced Regional Climate Models (RCMs) and the HEC-ResSim model, it illustrates climatic and hydrological trends from baseline (1975-2005) to future scenarios (2011-2090). Key seasonal shifts, such as increased winter and spring streamflow and reduced summer availability, are highlighted. These shifts directly affect hydrological (HEC-HMS) and reservoir simulations (HEC-ResSim). Enhanced visualizations, including flow networks and spatial maps, clarify complex hydrological dynamics, supporting informed policy and water management decisions</p>