Greening small hydropower: A brief review
Chu Shiji, Sagar Dhakal, Chuanqi Ou
Abstract
Hydropower is considered as a clean energy. However, compared to other renewable sources (like wind and solar), its adverse impacts on society and nature are substantial, and it exists during the construction and operational phase as well. Therefore, there is a need to green the overall hydropower sector minimizing its impact. This paper focuses on greening the small hydropower. It reviews the concept of green hydropower, its history, needs, various frameworks, and categories that are dominant or have shaped the field. Specifically, we have considered concepts from pioneer countries and institutes like the USA (LIHI), Switzerland (EAWAG), U.K. (IHA), and some Nordic countries. With this background, this study has reviewed the Chinese history, their updated progress in greening the system, measurement methods, and key criteria with some leading examples and present a detailed green certification case study. Finally, this paper recommends further improvements that can be made in the field.