Planning · 7 min read
How to assess a potential small hydro site
A step-by-step framework for head, flow, grid connection, permissions and project risks.
Read guideWater. Energy. Possibility.Small hydropower,
Small hydropower,
made understandable.
Clear thinking for the people exploring smaller-scale water power. Learn the essentials, evaluate early-stage opportunities and understand the environmental responsibilities behind every project.
The two essential inputsFlow + head = potential
Independent editorial resource
Research-led, practical introductions
Small hydro · Ecology · Technology
Start with the essentials
Every project begins with better questions.
Small hydro is more than a turbine specification. Explore the fundamentals that shape a credible proposal.
Understand the resource
Learn how head, river flow and seasonal variation determine potential output.
Learn the basics ↗Choose the right technology
Compare turbine approaches and the practical questions to ask equipment suppliers.
Compare turbines ↗Respect the river
Understand ecological flows, fish passage, sediment and project safeguards.
Explore environmental design ↗Featured reading
View all guides Guides worth starting with.
Technology · 6 min read
Small hydro turbine types compared
A plain-English comparison of Pelton, Francis, Kaplan and crossflow turbines.
Read guide
Sustainability · 7 min read
Small hydro and river ecology: designing responsibly
Ecological flow, fish passage, screens, sediment and community considerations.
Read guideInteractive tool
How much power could a site produce?
A quick calculation can help you understand how water flow, net head and system efficiency relate. Our estimator also illustrates annual energy using a user-selected capacity factor.
It is a learning tool, not a feasibility study or financial forecast.
Open the power calculatorThe basic physics
P = 9.81 × Q × H × η
Q Water flow, in m³/s
H Net available head, in metres
η Overall efficiency, from 0 to 1
What the research says
Context matters.
Definitions, resource potential and permissions differ by geography. We link to source documents so you can check the detail.
Reference
World Small Hydropower Development Report
UNIDO’s 2022 report evaluates global small hydropower installations of up to 10 MW and provides country-level context. Read the original publisher’s material directly.
Read at UNIDO ↗Guidance
Environment comes first
Hydropower’s sustainability depends on site selection, planning, operation and safeguards. Responsible development means taking river ecology and local communities seriously.
Explore the sustainability standard ↗