The location selection for thermal power plant (TPP) is a strategic decision, which has significant impact on economic operation of the plant and sustainable development of the region. Further, ranking of the alternative locations, and selection of the most suitable and efficient locations for TPPs is an important multi-criteria decision making problem. This paper proposes an STEEP-fuzzy AHP-TOPSIS based framework for evaluation and selection of optimal locations for TPPs. Potential feasible locations are identified based on social, technical, economical, environmental, and political (STEEP) considerations. The fuzzy AHP, a multi-criteria decision making method, has been applied to determine the weights of qualitative and quantitative criteria impacting location selection process. The fuzzy AHP is adapted to model the linguistic vagueness, ambiguity, and incomplete knowledge. Furthermore. Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS), a ranking multi-criteria decision making method, has been applied to rank the alternative locations based on their overall performance. The applicability of proposed method is demonstrated by a case study of TPPs location selection in India. The paper brings out a more accurate, effective, and systematic decision support tool for decision makers to conduct the evaluation process and to select optimal locations for TPPs. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.