The growing demand for electricity, combined with increasing concerns about global warming, has accelerated the search for environmentally friendly power generation technologies. In recent times, hydrokinetic turbines (HKTs) have gained significance in renewable energy generation due to their affordability, reliability, ease of installation, and notably, minimal environmental impact. However, guidelines for evaluating the environmental consequences of these projects are sparse. This study seeks to establish general guidelines for performing an environmental impact assessment for HKT applications in developing nations, focusing on the Colombian scenario. It emphasizes the potential environmental repercussions linked to the construction, operation, and decommissioning of HKT, encompassing both physical and social aspects. This includes considerations like air and water quality, changes to terrestrial habitats, human health, greenhouse gas emissions, other pollutants, impacts on local community land use, and visual disruptions. Moreover, the study offers contingency strategies to address challenges that may arise during the technology’s implementation. Consequently, it underscores the necessity of considering environmental impacts across various stages of energy projects. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2024.