Abstract
While small hydropower is seen as a feasible dynamic renewable energy, mature technologies and substantially undeveloped potential have restricted its full development. Reducing water and electricity shortages to strengthen or optimize the water-energy nexus by utilizing the near 100GW potential of small hydropower is a key research area. This paper develops soft path solutions for small hydropower sustainable development based on a technological paradigm study. A small hydropower development study was conducted using an improved data analysis system which analyzed the interconnectedness between sustainability, renewability and management trends. Timeline and cluster visualization identified that while construction technologies were mature, management development was lagging behind, but that small hydro-based hybrid renewable power systems would be promising trajectories in the future. These findings mirrored the stagnant developments in small hydropower as a competitive renewable energy and the neglect of its potential as a sustainable future power source development. Through the establishment of a small hydropower technological paradigm, soft paths towards economic, social and environmental sustainability were identified. Instruments of technological transformation, renewable policy support and mechanism innovation are recommended for the sustainable development of small hydropower.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
