The United Nation Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) has published Technical Guidelines for the Development of Small Hydropower Plants to meet demand from member states.
The guidelines address the current limitations of regulations for the development of small hydropower plants by applying expertise and best practices from across the globe.
The intention is for countries to utilize these guidelines to support their current policy, technology and ecosystems. Countries that have limited institutional and technical capacities will be able to enhance their knowledge in developing small hydropower plants, thereby attracting more investment, while at the same time encouraging favourable policies and therefore subsequently assisting in economic development at a national level, said UNIDO. The guidelines will help share technical know-how and best practices between countries that have limited technical capacities.
The publication has five volumes and 26 parts, which can be taken as the principles and basis for the planning, designing, construction and management of plants up to 30MW.
The use of guidelines is highly recommended for training, education and practice in small hydropower development. Suggestions and recommendations for possible updates of the guidelines are very welcome, said UNIDO.
