Small Hydro as Green Power

This paper reviews hydroelectric power and the place of small hydro in the world´s energy generation portfolio. Differences between small hydro and fossil burning technologies are examined in light of the nature of their resource use, and the differences between large-scale hydro, and small hydro are discussed. The differing developmental philosophies used for large and small hydro are discussed, and two small hydro sites, including one that received the Blue Planet Award for 2005 from the United Nations, are reviewed for their environmental friendliness. Finally, the prospects for small hydro in the future are reviewed.