Contribution of SHP Stations to the development of an area and their social acceptance

The global community, but also the European Union particularly, has launched in recent years a series of actions and measures for the promotion of the renewable energy sources (RES) in the context of dealing with the climate change. Small hydropower (SHP) stations can play a vital role in the increasing energy demand, helping to reduce the mankind dependence to the fossil fuels. In addition, SHP stations have significant advantages as they contribute to the development of the local economy and to the reduction of the environmental pollution. Changing the legislative framework in recent years in Greece increased the penetration of RES in the country's energy system and encouraged the private initiative in this area. The study was carried out in an area of Northern Greece (Prefecture of Pella) where the installation of private SHP stations is particularly impressive over the last decade (in relation with other parts of the country). The main conclusions of the study carried out with a questionnaire are that there is an important acceptance of SHP stations from the residents recognizing the role that they play in the regional development and in the protection of the environment making them more attractive to investors. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.