Small hydro thinks big

This article focuses on China's installed small hydroelectric capacity (SH) and the plans to use small hydroelectric plants for rural electrification thereby improving economic growth. The World Bank's SH power programme for China, the Chinese Government's plans for 10GW of new SH capacity by the year 2001, the investment framework, the use of outdated technology, and the need for international cooperative efforts to update Chinese equipment are discussed. The foundation of the International Network on Small Hydro Power, cooperation with the EU, and the development of standardised design by the Chinese industry are considered. (UK)