Small Hydropower Fact Sheet Environment

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Small Hydropower Preserving Europe’s environment

The European Small Hydropower Association (ESHA) is a federation of European national hydropower associations as well as members from all sectors of the hydropower field, such as equipment manufacturers, public utilities, independent producers, research institutes, investors, industry and consultants. ESHA represents the interests of the (small) hydropower sector by promoting the benefits and opportunities of hydropower (a mature renewable energy technology) at EU level.

Contact & Info: European Small Hydropower Association Renewable Energy House Rue d’Arlon, 63-65 1040 Brussels (Belgium) www.esha.be - info@esha.be +32 2 400 10 67


Did you know? Small hydropower (SHP) plays a key role in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, demonstrating the best performances when it comes to emissions measured on a lifecycle basis. SHP favours the deployment of other green technologies (wind and solar). SHP can support water management policies. SHP helps adapting to climate change through flood and drought control applications.

Recommendations More consistency and cooperation is needed in Europe between the energy and environmental policies and respective stakeholders. Environmental policies should be based on sound scientific assessment, clear definitions and a cost-benefit analysis.

Current challenges European environmental legislation (Natura 2000, Directives on Environmental Assessment, Water Framework Directive, etc.) and national implementing laws can hinder the development, the operation and the refurbishment of SHP plants through some overshooting measures lacking scientific evidence, consistent interpretations (e.g. river continuity, heavy modified water bodies) and clear definitions.

A harmonised framework for interpretation of European policies is needed with sitespecific evaluation taking into account all dimensions of sustainability. SHP should be considered as a technology that supports water management policies. A European best-practice guide for meeting water policy objectives through SHP should be developed for this purpose.

European and national environmental policies often overlook the contribution of SHP to the fight against climate change through renewable energy production and support. There is a lack of consistency with the European Renewable Energy Directive.

Small Hydropower Preserving Europe’s environment


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