Technology Status - NET Nowak Energie & Technologie AG

managing water flow solely to maximise electricity revenues can cause some
irregularities of water flow downstream from the plant. Carefully developed,
SHP produces very few emissions. In some cases, SHP plants can even help
improve water quality, regulate the river flow, enrich the water’s oxygen
levels and eliminate floating debris or waste. If not handled properly, the
possible negative impacts on the environment include:
● damage to the habitat/migration route of fish;
● harm to riverine flora;
● alteration of the character of the river flow;
● impact on ground-water levels;
● garbage accumulation;
● degradation of water quality;
● noise from machinery;
● visual intrusion.
Since most impacts are site-specific, each plant design requires appropriate
environmental safeguards. If adequate measures are taken, the
environmental benefits of small hydropower systems outweigh its costs.
2
Figure 16
SHP Installed Capacity Worldwide in 2000
Europe
39%
Rest of the
World
5%
SMALL HYDROPOWER
North America
17%
South and
Central
America
9%
43
China
30%
Sources : NET Ltd. Switzerland, raw data from EUREC Agency, BlueAge ESHA study, Lorenzoni et al. (2000), IASH,
Small Hydro Atlas.