Brazil's utility sector regulator has authorized the start of commercial operations at the 1.54-MW Barra Clara mini hydro plant, according to a statement released by the regulator.

International Finance Corporation, a member of the World Bank Group, has approved a US$15 million loan to Armenian bank Ameriabank to help finance the development of small hydropower projects in the country.

International electric power producers have donated a $1 million small hydroelectric plant to the Philippine government that will raise funds to help save the country's famous rice terraces, officials reported.

Madhucon Projects Limited, an infrastructure development company, has been awarded a contract from Uttarakhand Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited (UJVNL) to develop three hydro power projects totaling 75 MW.

The Scottish government reports that Scotland's hydropower potential is nearly double the amount previously estimated, with small hydro playing a key role in hydro development and job creation.

Nicaragua's government signed a financing agreement with the Central American Bank for Economic Integration for development of the Larreynaga hydroelectric project.

French agency Syndicat Departemental d'Equipement d l'Ardeche awarded a contract to CN’ Air to operate, maintain and refurbish the 4.15-MW Cheylard hydroelectric project on France's Eyrieux River.

RWE npower renewables has signed an agreement with Northumbrian Water to develop a 750-KW hydro project at Northumbrian Water’s Selset Reservoir in Northeast England’s Tees Valley.

Central Virginia Electric Cooperative (CVEC) has agreed to buy a small hydroelectric plant on Virginia’s Rockfish River from Blue Sky Power.

A small hydropower project has been completed and soon will supply electricity to some Lamjung residents, according to news reports.

The Governing Board of the Low Impact Hydropower Institute (LIHI) has granted low-impact certification to hydroelectric projects in Vermont, Oregon, and New Hampshire.

Regulators in Chile have approved an environmental impact statement for the construction of a 7.6 MW hydroelectric project in southern Chile.

Hydropower developer Comexhidro said it may build two hydroelectric projects with a combined capacity of 57 MW in northern Mexico.

PNOC Renewables Corp., a subsidiary of the state-run Philippine National Oil Co., is looking for partners to develop at least 11 mini-hydropower projects with a combined capacity of up to 300 MW.

Costa Rica’s state-owned power utility, CNFL, said it has placed the 8.5-MW El Encanto hydropower plant into service.