Hydropower, as the largest clean and renewable energy source, has played an essential role in the global energy mix. Against the backdrop of rapid social-economic development and global warming, the development of renewable energy has gained increased attention among the global community. The manifold benefits of small hydropower - the relatively low investment capital, small engineering work, simplistic maintenance and operation, minimal environmental impacts, suitability for scattered development in rural and remote areas - have attracted special attention from the global community. Small hydropower has seen rapid development in many countries, making important contribution to meeting daily electricity demand, reducing poverty and advancing socio-economic improvement.