World small hydropower development report 2013

Hydropower, as the largest clean and renewable energy source, has played an essential role in the global energy mix. Against the backdrop of rapid social-economic development and global warming, the development of renewable energy has gained increased attention among the global community. The manifold benefits of small hydropower - the relatively low investment capital, small engineering work, simplistic maintenance and operation, minimal
environmental impacts, suitability for scattered development in rural and remote areas - have attracted special attention from the global community. Small hydropower has seen rapid development in many countries, making important
contribution to meeting daily electricity demand, reducing poverty and advancing socio-economic improvement.