Small hydropower sustainability evaluation for the countries along the Belt and Road

Recognized as a source of clean and renewable energy, small hydropower plays an important role in providing electricity, reducing poverty, optimizing energy structure, and reducing carbon emissions. In this study, taking the countries along the Belt and Road as the study areas, an index system is developed in order to calculate and analyze the small hydropower sustainability of existing small hydropower in related countries. Based on the categories of ecology and environment, society, economy, and politics, there are 16 indices employing the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and fuzzy comprehensive evaluation model for calculation. Key regions for China's small hydropower to participate in the Belt and Road Strategy are indicated. It is concluded that the relationship between protection and development of small hydropower is not coordinated well in the key regions. Economic, social, and political factors are main restrictions for the development of small hydropower. Secondary indices, which should be focused on, are also put forward. Based on our results, some policy suggestions are proposed from the new development mode, investment and financing, green development ideas and evaluation index system. These suggestions could be used to promote the sustainable utilization and green development of small hydropower in related countries along the Belt and Road.