Wind Energy as Seen by the French Ratier-Figeac Company.

Nowadays, the small hydro powerplants produce a small portion of the energy generated all around the world. However, in the developed countries, they contribute to the independence from foreign energy sources, provide jobs and procure revenue to local communities or municipalities who own a site on their territory. For the less developed countries that have some hydraulic potential, the small hydro-power-plants are often the most suitable energy source in remote areas. However, many obstacles restrain the development of small hydropower projects: low KWh purchase price and environmental requirements in industrial countries, lack of financing in the less developed countries. In order to meet the market demand, the equipment suppliers continue their effort to improve equipment design and reduce manufacturing and operating costs, particularly by using new technologies.