This case study considers three banks with three different mini-hydropower projects.  Despite hydropower being a climate friendly renewable energy source, they, including mini-hydro schemes, have attracted controversy over their environmental and social impact.  Government is responsible for large hydropower schemes with the private sector taking on projects less than 10MW.

Environmental and social issues associated with hydropower projects depend heavily on the size, type, operating mode, and location of the project.  Locations can often be sensitive due to steep terrain, biodiversity and socio-economic value meaning even mini-hydropower projects can have a significant adverse impact