Overview
This report presents the terminal evaluation of the project titled - Upgrading of China Small Hydro Power Capacity, which aimed to enhance the environmental sustainability of small hydropower (SHP) plants in China. Implemented during the 13th Five-Year Plan (2016-2020), the project focused on reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and fossil fuel dependency by upgrading existing SHP stations. Managed by UNIDO and executed by the Ministry of Water Resources (MWR) with on-the-ground support from the International Centre on Small Hydropower (ICSHP), the project ran from May 2017 to December 2023 with a total GEF investment of USD 8,925,000. The evaluation was conducted from September 2023 to January 2024 and assessed project performance along OECD/DAC criteria. Data collection methods included stakeholder consultations, field visits, and online data collection, employing a six-point rating scale for assessment. Key findings highlighted the project’s alignment with China’s development priorities, relevance to environmental goals, and coherence with GHG decarbonization objectives. The evaluation identified achievements in establishing green SHP standards, demonstrating environmental benefits, and promoting gender mainstreaming.
Partnerships between UNIDO, MWR, and ICSHP were deemed effective, although deeper engagement with non-water sector stakeholders was recommended. The project demonstrated adaptability during the COVID-19 pandemic and met co-financing targets, but sustainability concerns were raised regarding future funding for SHP certification.
Recommendations focused on enhancing engagement with non-water sector stakeholders, disseminating project results nationally and internationally, raising awareness of green SHP benefits, and expanding ecological flow assessments. UNIDO was urged to advocate for project outcomes in policy dialogues and promote environmental results globally. Overall, the evaluation emphasized the project’s positive contributions to China’s SHP sector and recommended strategies for maximizing its impact on energy transition, rural development, and environmental conservation.
