Development Prospects of Small Hydroelectric Power Plants

This article analyzed the structure of operating costs of Small Hydroelectric Power Plants (SHPP) facilities in Russia and abroad, and identified the main cost dependencies (on the capacity of the facility, the layout of structures, the organization of operation, etc.). The basic equipment used at the Small Hydroelectric Power Plants, it's main characteristics and manufacturing companies were identified. The analysis of the implemented projects (and projects in the active stage of implementation) of the organization of small hydroelectric power plants in Russia and abroad is carried out. The analysis of processes and operations during the creation and operation of the SHPP was carried out, key technologies for reducing the labor costs of operational personnel and trends in their development (in terms of organizational, technological and digital solutions) were identified. All these studies are aimed at the possibility of developing a concept for the unmanned operation of HSPP facilities and to identify measures that, in terms of efficiency criteria and readiness for implementation, can be taken to reduce the number of maintenance personnel.