SEE HYDROPOWER background is based on the European Directive on the promotion of Electricity from Renewable Energy Sources (RES-e) respect to the Kyoto protocol targets, that aims to establish an overall binding target of 20% share of renewable energy sources in energy consumption to be achieved by each Member State. Objectives of the SEE HYDROPOWER deals with the promotion of hydro energy production in SEE countries, by the optimization of water resource exploitation, in a compatible way with other water users following environmental friendly approaches. Main activities of the project concerns the definition of policies, methodologies and tools for a better water & hydropower management; establishment of common criteria for preserving water bodies; assessment strategies to improve hydropower implementation; testing in pilot areas; promotion and dissemination among stakeholders. Competition between water users (for drinking, irrigation, industrial processes, power generation, etc.) is becoming a serious problem, and there is a strong need of a more accurate planning and management optimization of these sources. SEE HYDROPOWER aims to be the solution.