Barriers and management practices for small hydropower: The case of the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Region in Poland’s green energy transition

Patrycja Sieg

doi:10.31648/aspal.11617

Published: 2026-04-30

Vol. 25 No. 1 (2026)

Barriers and management practices for small hydropower: The case of the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Region in Poland’s green energy transition

Patrycja Sieg

Acta Scientiarum Polonorum Administratio Locorum

Section: Articles

https://doi.org/10.31648/aspal.11617

Abstract

Motives: Decarbonizing energy systems in line with EU and national targets places a premium on diverse renewable resources. In Poland, achieving goals such as a 32% renewable energy share by 2030 requires not only large-scale wind and solar projects but also decentralized solutions. Small hydropower plants. These attributes motivate an examination of SHPs’ role in the regional (Kujawsko-Pomorskie) green transition and how to better leverage their potential.
Aim: The aim of this study is to assess the contribution of small hydropower plants to the energy transition in the Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship (north-central Poland). Using qualitative methods – including semi-structured interviews with small hydropower plant managers and analysis of regional energy data – we identify the number, capacity, and distribution of small hydropower plants, characterize the key barriers faced by small hydropower plant managers (administrative, environmental, and economic), and catalog effective management practices.
Results: Small hydropower capacity in the region totals 23.24 MW. The study shows that SHP development is constrained by administrative and environmental barriers. Respondents emphasize the need for simplified procedures, institutional support, and good practices such as remote monitoring, automation, and ecological measures.

Keywords:

Sustainable energy management, environmental management, Sustainable development, Local energy systems, Environmental regulations, renewable energy

Download files

PDF

Citation rules

Sieg, P. (2026). Barriers and management practices for small hydropower: The case of the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Region in Poland’s green energy transition. Acta Scientiarum Polonorum Administratio Locorum, 25(1), 153–183. https://doi.org/10.31648/aspal.11617

Cited by / Share

Licence

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

References

Adamczewski, T., & Wójcik, J. (2023). Zrozumieć cele OZE. Forum Energii.
Google Scholar

Adeyeye, K., Gallagher, J., McNabola, A., Ramos, H. M., & Coughlan, P. (2021). Socio-Technical Viability Framework for Micro Hydropower in Group Water- Energy Schemes. Energies, 14(14), 4222. https://doi.org/10.3390/en14144222
Google Scholar

Agrawal, S., & Pandey, R. (2020). Current Status of Small/ Micro Hydropower in Nepal: A Case Study of Giringdi SHP. Journal of the Institute of Engineering, 15(3), 21–27. https://doi.org/10.3126/jie.v15i3.31993
Google Scholar

Alberizzi, J. C., Renzi, M., Righetti, M., Pisaturo, G. R., & Rossi, M. (2019). Speed and Pressure Controls of Pumps-as-Turbines Installed in Branch of Water- -Distribution Network Subjected to Highly Variable Flow Rates. Energies, 12(24), 4738. https://doi.org/10.3390/en12244738
Google Scholar

Apeh, O. O., & Nwulu, N. I. (2024). The water-energy-food-ecosystem nexus scenario in Africa: Perspective and policy implementations. Energy Reports, 11, 5947– 5962. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.egyr.2024.05.060
Google Scholar

Aydın, B., Stecuła, K., Olczak, P., Kulpa, J., & Stecuła, B. (2025). Exploring the Green Horizon: Recent Research on Renewable Energy in Poland – A Review. Energies, 18(7), 1695. https://doi.org/10.3390/en18071695
Google Scholar

Basheer, M., & Ahmed Elagib, N. (2019). Temporal analysis of water-energy nexus indicators for hydropower generation and water pumping in the Lower Blue Nile Basin. Journal of Hydrology, 578, 124085. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhydrol.2019.124085
Google Scholar

Bezabih, A. W. (2021). Evaluation of small hydropower plant at Ribb irrigation dam in Amhara regional state, Ethiopia. Environmental Systems Research, 10(1), 1. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40068-020-00196-z
Google Scholar

Borkowski, D., & Majdak, M. (2020). Small Hydropower Plants with Variable Speed Operation – An Optimal Operation Curve Determination. Energies, 13(23), 6230. https://doi.org/10.3390/en13236230
Google Scholar

Bryła, M., Zdralewicz, I., Lejcuś, I., Kraj, K., Dumień¬ski, G., Tokarczyk, T., & Walczykiewicz, T. (2025). Integrated Water Resources Management for Imple¬menting Sustainable Energy Development – Challeng¬es and Perspectives in Poland. Sustainability, 17(3), 1169. https://doi.org/10.3390/su17031169
Google Scholar

Cavallaro, M. C., & Schumann, D. A. (2025). Utility of artificial river reef structures to enhance fish habitat below a hydropeaking dam. River Research and Applications, 41(2), 531–538. https://doi.org/10.1002/rra.4365
Google Scholar

Che Munaaim, M. A., Razali, N., Ayob, A., Hamidin, N., & Othuman Mydin, M. A. (2018). Potential of Micro Hydroelectric Generator Embedded at 30,000 PE Effluent Discharge of Sewerage Treatment Plant. E3S Web of Conferences, 34, 02037. https://doi.org/10.1051/e3sconf/20183402037
Google Scholar

Chomać-Pierzecka, E., Kokiel, A., Rogozińska- Mitrut, J., Sobczak, A., Soboń, D., & Stasiak, J. (2022). Hydropower in the Energy Market in Poland and the Baltic States in the Light of the Challenges of Sustainable Development-An Overview of the Current State and Development Potential. Energies, 15(19), 7427. https://doi.org/10.3390/en15197427
Google Scholar

Couto, T. B. A., Rezende, R. S., de Aquino, P. P. U., Costa‐Pereira, R., de Campos, G. L., Occhi, T. V. T., Vitule, J. R. S., Espírito‐Santo, H. M. V., Soares, Y. F. F., & Olden, J. D. (2023). Effects of small hydropower dams on macroinvertebrate and fish assemblages in southern Brazil. Freshwater Biology, 68(6), 956–971. https://doi.org/10.1111/fwb.14078
Google Scholar

Craig, M., Zhao, J., Schneider, G., Schneider, A., Watson, S., & Stark, G. (2019). Net revenue and downstream flow impact trade-offs for a network of small-scale hydropower facilities in California. Environmental Research Communications, 1(1), 011001. https://doi.org/10.1088/2515-7620/aafd62
Google Scholar

De Marchis, M., Fontanazza, C. M., Freni, G., Messineo, A., Milici, B., Napoli, E., Notaro, V., Puleo, V., & Scopa, A. (2014). Energy Recovery in Water Distribution Networks. Implementation of Pumps as Turbine in a Dynamic Numerical Model. Procedia Engineering, 70, 439–448. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.proeng.2014.02.049
Google Scholar

Deshays, R., Segovia, P., & Duviella, E. (2021). Design of a MATLAB HEC-RAS Interface to Test Advanced Control Strategies on Water Systems. Water, 13(6), 763. https://doi.org/10.3390/w13060763
Google Scholar

Di Cicco, M., Galmarini, E., Cerasoli, F., Fiasca, B., & Galassi, D. M. P. (2025). Hydroelectric Dams Affect Hyporheic Copepod Diversity. River Research and Applications, 41(4), 797–807. https://doi.org/10.1002/rra.4404
Google Scholar

Dzikuć, M., Piwowar, A., & Dzikuć, M. (2025). A perspective of small hydropower in energy transitions in Poland. Scientific Reports, 15(1), 25357. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-11149-w
Google Scholar

Energy Regulatory Office. (2025). URE Report: 1.5 million RES microinstallations operational in Poland. https://www.ure.gov.pl/en/communication/news/427%2CURE-Report-15-million-RES-microinstallations-operational-in-Poland.html
Google Scholar

Erazo, J., Barragan, G., Pérez-Sánchez, M., Tapia, C., Calahorrano, M., & Hidalgo, V. (2022). Geometrical Optimization of Pelton Turbine Buckets for Enhancing Overall Efficiency by Using a Parametric Model – A Case Study: Hydroelectric Power Plant “Illuchi N2” from Ecuador. Energies, 15(23), 9052. https://doi.org/10.3390/en15239052
Google Scholar

Directive 2023/2413 of the European Parliament and of the Council, (2023). https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/ dir/2023/2413/oj/eng?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Google Scholar

Eurostat. (2025). Electricity from renewable sources reaches 47% in 2024. https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/web/products-eurostat-news/w/ddn-20250319-1
Google Scholar

Fecarotta, O., & McNabola, A. (2017). Optimal Location of Pump as Turbines (PATs) in Water Distribution Networks to Recover Energy and Reduce Leakage. Water Resources Management, 31(15), 5043–5059. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11269-017-1795-2
Google Scholar

Fekete, B. M., Bacskó, M., Zhang, J., & Chen, M. (2023). Storage requirements to mitigate intermittent renewable energy sources: analysis for the US Northeast. Frontiers in Environmental Science, 11. https://doi.org/10.3389/fenvs.2023.1076830
Google Scholar

GEM. (2025). Siarzewo hydroelectric plant. https://www.gem.wiki/Siarzewo_hydroelectric_plant
Google Scholar

Girma, Z. (2016). Techno-Economic Feasibility of Small Scale Hydropower in Ethiopia: The Case of the Kulfo River, in Southern Ethiopia. Journal of Renewable Energy, 2016, 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1155/2016/8037892
Google Scholar

Godyń, I., & Dubel, A. (2021). Evolution of Hydropower Support Schemes in Poland and Their Assessment Using the LCOE Method. Energies, 14(24), 8473. https://doi.org/10.3390/en14248473
Google Scholar

Green Forum. (2025). Poland sees record growth in small-scale renewables. https://www.green-forum.eu/industry/20250512/poland-sees-record-growth-in-small-scale-renewables-1862
Google Scholar

Guruprasad, P., Quaranta, E., Coronado-Hernández, O., & Ramos, H. (2023). Hydropower Advantages over Batteries in Energy Storage of Off-Grid Systems: A Case Study. Energies, 16(17), 6309. https://doi.org/10.3390/en16176309
Google Scholar

Halych, O., Nowak, P., Bilkova, E., & Riabenko, O. (2025). Hydraulic Modelling for Environmentally Friendly Small Hydropower: Innovations and Applications. CONECT. International Scientific Conference of Environmental and Climate Technologies, 53. https://doi.org/10.7250/CONECT.2025.025
Google Scholar

He, F., Zarfl, C., Tockner, K., Olden, J. D., Campos, Z., Muniz, F., Svenning, J.-C., & Jähnig, S. C. (2024). Hydropower impacts on riverine biodiversity. Nature Reviews Earth & Environment, 5(11), 755–772. https://doi.org/10.1038/s43017-024-00596-0
Google Scholar

Huang, S., Wu, X., Wu, Y., & Zhang, Z. (2023). Mid- -Term Optimal Scheduling of Low-Head Cascaded Hydropower Stations Considering Inflow Unevenness. Energies, 16(17), 6368. https://doi.org/10.3390/en16176368
Google Scholar

International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). (2023). Renewable energy and jobs: Annual review 2023.
Google Scholar

Jeftenić, G., Raseta, A., Kolaković, S., Panić, M., Kolaković, S., & Mandić, V. (2021). A Methodology Proposal for Selecting the Optimal Location for Small Hydropower Plants. Tehnicki Vjesnik – Technical Gazette, 28(5). https://doi.org/10.17559/TV-20200408160557
Google Scholar

Kałuża, T., Hämmerling, M., Zawadzki, P., Czekała, W., Kasperek, R., Sojka, M., Mokwa, M., Ptak, M., Szkudlarek, A., Czechlowski, M., & Dach, J. (2022). The hydropower sector in Poland: Barriers and the outlook for the future. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 163, 112500. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2022.112500
Google Scholar

Kasperek, R., & Głowski, R. (2019). Hydroenergetic Use Of Hydraulic Structures On The Oława River. Acta Scientiarum Polonorum Formatio Circumiectus, 18(4), 177–186. https://doi.org/10.15576/ASP.FC/2019.18.4.177
Google Scholar

Kaunda, C. S., Kimambo, C. Z., & Nielsen, T. K. (2012). Hydropower in the Context of Sustainable Energy Supply: A Review of Technologies and Challenges. ISRN Renewable Energy, 2012, 1–15. https://doi.org/10.5402/2012/730631
Google Scholar

Kibler, K. M., & Tullos, D. D. (2013). Cumulative biophysical impact of small and large hydropower development in Nu River, China. Water Resources Research, 49(6), 3104–3118. https://doi.org/10.1002/wrcr.20243
Google Scholar

Kouadio, C. A., Kouassi, K. L., Diedhiou, A., Obahoundje, S., Amoussou, E., Kamagate, B., Paturel, J., Coulibaly, T. J. H., Coulibaly, H. S. J. P., Didi, R. S., & Savane, I. (2022). Assessing the Hydropower Potential Using Hydrological Models and Geospatial Tools in the White Bandama Watershed (Côte d’Ivoire, West Africa). Frontiers in Water, 4. https://doi.org/10.3389/frwa.2022.844934
Google Scholar

Kubiak-Wójcicka, K., & Szczęch, L. (2021). Dynamics of Electricity Production against the Backdrop of Climate Change: A Case Study of Hydropower Plants in Poland. Energies, 14(12), 3427. https://doi.org/10.3390/en14123427
Google Scholar

Kumar, M., Tiwari, R. K., Kumar, K., Rautela, K. S., & Safi, S. (2024). Quantitative analysis of hydropower potential in the upper Beas basin using geographical information system and MIKE 11 Nedbor Afrstromnings Model (NAM). Ecohydrology, 17(4). https://doi.org/10.1002/eco.2618
Google Scholar

Kuriqi, A., Pinheiro, A. N., Sordo-Ward, A., & Garrote, L. (2020). Water-energy-ecosystem nexus: Balancing competing interests at a run-of-river hydropower plant coupling a hydrologic–ecohydraulic approach. Energy Conversion and Management, 223, 113267. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enconman.2020.113267
Google Scholar

Laks, I., Walczak, Z., & Walczak, N. (2023). Fuzzy analytical hierarchy process methods in changing the damming level of a small hydropower plant: Case study of Rosko SHP in Poland. Water Resources and Industry, 29, 100204. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wri.2023.100204
Google Scholar

Lange, K., Meier, P., Trautwein, C., Schmid, M., Robinson, C. T., Weber, C., & Brodersen, J. (2018). Basin‐scale effects of small hydropower on biodiversity dynamics. Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment, 16(7), 397–404. https://doi.org/10.1002/fee.1823
Google Scholar

Le, N. P. (2024). Flood inundation analysis in downstream of small hydropower plant: a case study in Lang Son Province, Vietnam. International Journal of GEOMATE, 27(123). https://doi.org/10.21660/2024.123.4617
Google Scholar

Li, G., Sun, Y., He, Y., Li, X., & Tu, Q. (2014). Short‐ -Term Power Generation Energy Forecasting Model for Small Hydropower Stations Using GA‐SVM. Mathematical Problems in Engineering, 2014(1). https://doi.org/10.1155/2014/381387
Google Scholar

Li, J., Tian, G., Wu, Z., Jin, Y., & Zhou, T. (2025). Unveiling benefits: A framework for analyzing small hydropower refurbishment activities. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 209, 115117. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2024.115117
Google Scholar

Lucca, E., El Jeitany, J., Castelli, G., Pacetti, T., Bresci, E., Nardi, F., & Caporali, E. (2023). A review of water-energy-food-ecosystems Nexus research in the Mediterranean: evolution, gaps and applications. Environmental Research Letters, 18(8), 083001. https://doi.org/10.1088/1748-9326/ace375
Google Scholar

Ministry of Climate and Environment. (2021). Energy Policy of Poland until 2040. https://www.gov.pl/web/klimat/polityka-energetyczna-polski
Google Scholar

Ministry of Climate and Environment. (2023). Energy Policy of Poland until 2040–2023 update.
Google Scholar

Nishi, Y., Inagaki, T., Li, Y., & Hatano, K. (2015). Study on an Undershot Cross-Flow Water Turbine with Straight Blades. International Journal of Rotating Machinery, 2015, 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1155/2015/817926
Google Scholar

Noda, K., Miyai, K., Ito, K., & Senge, M. (2020). Effect of Residents’ Involvement with Small Hydropower Projects on Environmental Awareness. Sustainability, 12(15), 5994. https://doi.org/10.3390/su12155994
Google Scholar

Oksuz, L., & Brlek, J. (2023). Risk mitigation strategies in extensive cascade hydropower projects. International Journal of Hydropower and Civil Engineering, 4(1), 20–23. https://doi.org/10.22271/27078302.2023.v4.i1a.21
Google Scholar

Olkuski, T. (2024). Water as a Source of Electricity in Poland. Inżynieria Mineralna, 2(1). https://doi.org/10.29227/IM-2024-01-112
Google Scholar

Pang, M., Zhang, L., Bahaj, A. S., Xu, K., Hao, Y., & Wang, C. (2018). Small hydropower development in Tibet: Insight from a survey in Nagqu Prefecture. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 81, 3032– 3040. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2017.06.115
Google Scholar

Pérez-Sánchez, M., Sánchez-Romero, F., Ramos, H., & López-Jiménez, P. (2017). Energy Recovery in Existing Water Networks: Towards Greater Sustainability. Water, 9(2), 97. https://doi.org/10.3390/w9020097
Google Scholar

Piasecki, A. (2024). European Green Deal + Poland + hydroelectric plants = Future? Hungarian Geographical Bulletin, 72(4), 399–414. https://doi.org/10.15201/hungeobull.72.4.5
Google Scholar

Polák, M. (2019). The Influence of Changing Hydropower Potential on Performance Parameters of Pumps in Turbine Mode. Energies, 12(11), 2103. https://doi.org/10.3390/en12112103
Google Scholar

Qu, J., Ding, X., Sang, J., Fenech, A., & Zhang, X. (2022). A comprehensive ecological flow calculation for a small hydropower development river: A case study. Hydrological Processes, 36(12). https://doi.org/10.1002/hyp.14772
Google Scholar

Ramos, H. M., Vargas, B., & Saldanha, J. R. (2022). New Integrated Energy Solution Idealization: Hybrid for Renewable Energy Network (Hy4REN). Energies, 15(11), 3921. https://doi.org/10.3390/en15113921
Google Scholar

Ren, Y., Ren, L., Zhang, K., Liu, D., Yao, X., & Li, H. (2022). Research on the Operational Strategy of the Hybrid Wind/PV/Small-Hydropower/Facility-Agriculture System Based on a Microgrid. Energies, 15(7), 2466. https://doi.org/10.3390/en15072466
Google Scholar

Rynekelektryczny. (2025). Installed renewable energy capacity. Report for June 2025. https://www.rynekelektryczny.pl/moc-zainstalowana-oze-w-polsce/
Google Scholar

Singal, S. K., Saini, R. P., & Raghuvanshi, C. S. (2010). Optimization of low-head, dam-toe, small hydropower projects. Journal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy, 2(4). https://doi.org/10.1063/1.3464755
Google Scholar

Skoulikaris, C. (2021). Run-Of-River Small Hydropower Plants as Hydro-Resilience Assets against Climate Change. Sustainability, 13(24), 14001. https://doi.org/10.3390/su132414001
Google Scholar

Soares, A. de C. L., Blanco, C. J. C., & Cruz, J. da S. (2023). Impact of climate change on hydroelectric power duration curves of small rural catchments in the Amazon. Engenharia Agrícola, 43(spe). https://doi.org/10.1590/1809-4430-eng.agric.v43nepe20220144/2023
Google Scholar

Toborek, P. (2025). Zbiornik za 9 mld zł planowano od 50 lat. Powstanie 15 wysp i elektrownia wodna [A PLN 9 billion reservoir had been planned for 50 years. Fifteen islands and a hydroelectric power plant will be built]. Portalsamorzadowy.Pl. https://www.portalsamorzadowy.pl/inwestycje/zbiornik-za-9-mld-zl-planowano-od-50-lat-powstanie-15-wysp-i-elektrownia-wodna,596574.html
Google Scholar

Tomczyk, P., Mastalerek, K., Wiatkowski, M., Kuriqi, A., & Jurasz, J. (2023). Assessment of a Francis Micro Hydro Turbine Performance Installed in a Wastewater Treatment Plant. Energies, 16(20), 7214. https://doi. org/10.3390/en16207214
Google Scholar

Tsuanyo, D., Amougou, B., Aziz, A., Nka Nnomo, B., Fioriti, D., & Kenfack, J. (2023). Design models for small run-of-river hydropower plants: a review. Sustainable Energy Research, 10(1), 3. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40807-023-00072-1
Google Scholar

Uamusse, M., Tussupova, K., Persson, K., & Berndtsson, R. (2019). Mini-Grid Hydropower for Rural Electrification in Mozambique: Meeting Local Needs with Supply in a Nexus Approach. Water, 11(2), 305. https://doi.org/10.3390/w11020305
Google Scholar

Urząd Marszałkowski Województwa Kujawsko-Pomor¬skiego [Marshal’s Office of the Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship]. (2023). Raport o stanie odnawialnych źródeł energii w województwie kujawsko-pomorskim [Report on the state of renewable energy sources in the Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship].
Google Scholar

Vagnoni, E., Gezer, D., Anagnostopoulos, I., Cavazzini, G., Doujak, E., Hočevar, M., & Rudolf, P. (2024). The new role of sustainable hydropower in flexible energy systems and its technical evolution through innovation and digitalization. Renewable Energy, 230, 120832. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2024.120832
Google Scholar

Wornalkiewicz, W. (2024). Niewykorzystane możli¬wości energii wodnej [Untapped hydropower po-tential]. VІІ Міжнародної Науково-Практичної Конференції «Автомобільний Транспорт Та Інфраструктура» [The 7th International Scientific and Practical Conference “Automobile Transport and Infrastructure”]. https://nubip.edu.ua/sites/default/files/u349/zbirnik_tez_ati_2024.pdf#page=213
Google Scholar

Wu, X., Yu, L., Wu, S., Jia, B., Dai, J., Zhang, Y., Yang, Q., & Zhou, Z. (2022). Trade-Offs in the Water-Energy- Ecosystem Nexus for Cascade Hydropower Systems: A Case Study of the Yalong River, China. Frontiers in Environmental Science, 10. https://doi.org/10.3389/fenvs.2022.857340
Google Scholar

Xie, S., & Zhu, Y. (2022). Prediction of the Discharge Flow in a Small Hydropower Station without Hydrological Data Based on SWAT Model. Water, 14(13), 2011. https://doi.org/10.3390/w14132011
Google Scholar

Xu, B., Lei, L., Zhao, Z., Jiang, W., Xiao, S., Li, H., Zhang, J., & Chen, D. (2021). Low Frequency Oscillations in a Hydroelectric Generating System to the Variability of Wind and Solar Power. Water, 13(14), 1978. https://doi.org/10.3390/w13141978
Google Scholar