Realising Rio principles through sustainable energy solutions: Application of small hydropower (SHP) in China and other developing countries

Abstract Small hydropower (SHP) is a proven low impact, small-scale, rural electrification technology that has been shown to help shape communities that have applied sustainable energy solutions in the last decades. Using China as a successful example of rural electrification, this article examines SHP’s progress and challenges internationally regarding policy, implementation and development. The article concludes that continued triangular cooperation among developing countries (South–South), developed countries (North–South) and international organizations for technology transfer and capacity building should support the transition from individual pilot SHP projects towards the successful implementation of full SHP programmes, while using existing capacities as far as possible.